Routes/cafes near Barnstaple Devon

gog555

Got a week in a cottage in Appledore Devon over easter and us men are allowed to take our bikes. Any suggestions for routes we should take? Are there any roads which are a must ride in the area? Also are there any good cyclist friendly cafes worth a visit?
Routes can't really be too long as not too sure of the fitness of my mate. He normally rides of road so doesn't do long distance.

velohutts

how long are looking at ?

A good hour and a half would be into Bideford , take the a386 towards Torrington , right turn towards Bradworthy about a mile out, follow that to a xroads take a left just after hemmings coaches (Powlers piece) , up to stibb x ,
left and an almost immediate left again at the union inn and then a blast back to Bideford.

This would probably be door to door about 1 1/2.

Enjoy.

Mikey23

The Tarka trail from braunton to Barnstaple, instow, Bideford and Torrington is a favourite of mine if that is your thing. After the puffing billy at Torrington the surface gets a bit iffy for a roadbike but fine up to there. I do it about once a week and its about 40 miles of pretty flat and very scenic riding. A very nice cafe on the trail at fremington halt on the trail just south of Barnstaple have superb meals and cakes and if the weather is nice you can sit outside overlooking the estuary. I think there are also good eating places at Bideford station, instow and Barnstaple itself

Pm me if you want more info ...