After the Tarka Trail Railway Marathon: Cycling the Tarka Trail

The Route: Barnstaple, along the Tarka Trail Logistics: By bike; the same traffic-free trail the marathon's own course follows. Duration: Day trip

Barnstaple ──(by bike)──> Tarka Trail

The Tarka Trail is as popular with cyclists as it is with runners, and covering more of it by bike is a fitting way to see the wider trail beyond the marathon's own out-and-back route, without asking much of legs still recovering from race day.

The Trail

The Tarka Trail extends well beyond the marathon's own course, running further along the former railway line through North Devon's countryside and estuary landscape. Bike hire is available in Barnstaple, and the flat, traffic-free surface makes for an easy, low-effort ride regardless of fitness level.

Where to eat: Cafés along the trail and in Barnstaple itself offer straightforward stops for anyone wanting to break up the ride.

Getting Back

The return ride to Barnstaple follows the same trail, an easy way to close out the day.