|
North Tamar embraces the coastal resort of Bude in
Cornwall and the traditional market town of Holsworthy in Devon, plus the
surrounding parishes. For the cyclist the countryside offers little used
lanes, spectacular coastal scenery, attractive villages, green rolling
countryside and a wealth of history. What better way to explore the area
than by bicycle?
No part of this area is completely flat; the
cyclist should be prepared for short, steep hills with occasionally an
exceptionally steep climb - for example the coast road at Millook and at
Crackington Haven. However, the effort made is rewarded with great views
of the stunning cliff formations along the coast.
Bude and Holsworthy make good
starting points for rides. There is a wide choice of accommodation and
plenty of car parking. The towns' Tourist Information Centres have a huge
amount of information on local sights and attractions within cycling
distance and detailed maps of the area. The Camel Trail and The Tarka
Trail are part of the West Country Way and provide good, level,
traffic-free cycle routes for safe family cycling with lots to see.
There are several good cycle shops in the area where
spares, repairs and clothing are available. Most of them rent out bicycles
too.
Most villages in the area have country pubs serving good bar food. The coastal beauty spots which prove so attractive to visitors, invariably have a choice of cafes and tea rooms where hungry cyclists can sample traditional country fayre and of course, cream teas!
The Bude and Holsworthy area is well
provided with accommodation; campsites and caravan parks, family-run
B&Bs, guest houses, farmhouses and good country house hotels for those
who like a little luxury at the end of a long ride.
Please be aware that although these roads are quiet, they
are used by farm traffic. Be cautious rounding bends in case of stationary
farm equipment which may have protruding blades or prongs. Watch out for
lanes slippery with mud and cow pats!
This guide features part of the National Cycle Network, the West Country Way goes from Padstow in Cornwall to Bristol and Bath. The National Cycle Network is a linked series of traffic free paths and traffic calmed roads linking town centres and the countryside being developed by local authorities supported by Sustrans. Sustrans maps of the West Country Way Route No. 3 are on sale at most Visitor Centres or may be purchased direct from Sustrans. Tel (+44) (0)117 929 0888. Internet: www.sustrans.org.uk
Enjoy your cycling, be courteous to other road users; don't give cyclists a bad name! Wear a helmet and please take your rubbish home or dispose of it correctly.
Essential Information
Cycle shops for spares, repairs and rental
Tracks: 20 Queen Street, Bude 01288 356689
North Coast Cycles: Flexbury Garage, Ocean View Road, Bude 01288 352974
Giffords: 12 Victoria Square, Holsworthy 01409 254020
Emergency Numbers
Doctor/Health Centre: Hospital Road, Stratton 01288 352133
Cottage Hospital: Hospital Road, Stratton 01288 352161
Police: Lansdown Close, Bude 0990 777444
Banks & Building Societies with
Cashpoints
Barclays: 2 Lansdown Road, Bude 01271 396649
Lloyds TSB: 1 Belle Vue, Bude 0845 303017
Midland: The Square, Holsworthy 01409 206200
Nat West: 11 The Strand, Bude 01409 253563
Link cashpoint at the Esso Garage, Bencoolen Road, Bude.
Launderettes
2 Bramble Hill, Bude 356011 or 352274 (7 days a week)
14 Fore Street, Holsworthy 01409 253017 (open weekdays)
Publications
Ordnance Survey
Maps
OS Map Landranger 190 Bude, Clovelly/Explorer III
The West Country Way. Devon Coast to Coast Route
Sustrans, 35 King Street, Bristol BS1 4DZ 0117 929 0888
6
Cycle Routes - The Bude Holsworthy Area
North Cornwall Heritage Coast & Countryside Service
01208 74121
Ride Your Bike - The West Country
Good bookshops or Haynes Publishing 01963 440635
OS Cycle Tours - 24 One Day Routes in Cornwall & Devon
Good bookshops or 0933 410511
The Ultimate West Country Way Guide
Published by Excellent Books 01924 315147
Internet
visit us at www.bude.co.uk and www.holsworthy.co.uk
Map
 |
