Secret Torbay routes are part of the Secret Cities series of cycle route guides. This one starts and ends at the Torre train station in Torquay. From there, you’ll follow the coast into Paignton, before veering inland (and uphill!)
There’s a clue in the name – this route is hilly, but SO worth it!
Route surface
The surface varies greatly. You will start, and end the ride on tar, but in between there are a fair few miles of unsealed surfaces.
In places, the surface is gravelly single-track, but it should be rideable all year round.
Getting there
The easiest way might well be to take the train, but be sure to first read my Bikes On Trains post.
Refreshment stops
There are several refreshment stops along the seafront, and a tea-room in Cockington.
Bikes
For this route, you’d be best off with an MTB, a gravel bike, or perhaps a sturdy hybrid.
I did the route on my touring bike, with road tyres.
Barriers
There are several gates along the route, and two of the awful A-frame barriers. Most cargo bike, and all trikes will be unable to complete the route.
Bike hire
You can hire bicycles from E-Bikes 4 Hire.
Child friendliness
This route can be suitable for older kids, though some sections are on quite busy roads, and there are some challenging hills, too.
The route map
The interactive map below allows you to zoom in or out, and you can also switch between different types of maps, including Google Satellite View. Click here to download the GPX for the route.
The route video
This route video plays at 4 x speed, so you can see almost the entire route in a quarter of the time.