Bampton, South Molton, Barnstaple (Long Route)

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Taunton Deane, England, GB

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Route Overview

Wellington Wheelers CC

Road Cycling and Mountain Biking in Somerset UK

105 mi.

7,191 ft.

Lovely circular route (100 miles) to South Molton, Swimbridge, Barnstaple (with extension to Instow along the Tarka Trail). Route returns along Sustrans route 3 on the top of Exmoor. Magnificent route on a good day, rather exposed in bad weather.

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Route Details

A lovely 100 mile scenic ride across Exmoor to Banstaple, with gentle climbs and magnificent views. Number of nice places to stop, to the furthest point - Barnstaple, Fremminton Quay or Instow, before following Sustrans Route 3 back across Eaglesridge to Dulverton and home.

The route starts heading North out of Wellington, and climbing over Devils Elbow (small version) before following the B3227 to Bampton. It may be too early for a stop, but @poi[Bawden's bakery](1798927) is ideal for coffee and cake if required. The route takes you up and down to Black Cat junction and then a steady but long alpine like 6% climb takes you onto the ridge where Exmoor extends to the North - the @photo[ridge you see in the distance](1473663) is your route on the return journey.

Stay on this nice road but @poi[turn off to the left](1798928) just before you would meet the very busy North Devon link road, and follow the lanes over the linkroad and down to South Molton. The @poi[Corn Dolly](1798929) on the left is a great place to stop and refuel.

Head westwards from South Moulton along quiet roads through Swimbridge and Newport to Barnstaple. There are numerous places to stop here, but we like to go further to Fremmington Quay (cafe) or @photo[Instow](1473681) (several pubs and restaurants) along the bike friendly Tarka Trail.

Retrace the route back to Barnstaple and follow Sustrans route 3 back up onto Exmoor. This route has @photo[excellent views](1473679) and usually has following westerly winds, but is rather bleak in bad weather.

Enjoy the views from the ridge, and divert off route 3 just before Dulverton to take the gentler and prettier descent into Dulverton alongside the Barle river.

More refreshments here (@poi[Tantivvy cafe](1798807) or numerous other establishments) before heading back along the sustrans route to Shillingford. We prefer the more direct B3227 via Waterrow and Wiveliscombe and home.

# More resources

* [Bawden's Bakery](http://www.bawdensthebakersonline.co.uk)
* [Corn Dolly Tea Shop](http://corndollyteashop.co.uk/)
* BikeShed bike Shop (by Barnstaple Bridge)

# Important Reminders

Make sure you carry spares and suitable warm clothing. Its a fantastic ride in good weather, but there are long isolated stretches with only sheep for company, and the weather can suddenly change, getting very cold and windy.

Bampton, South Molton, Barnstaple (Long Route)

Route Overview

Route Details

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