From Gentle Riverside Rides to Challenging Coastal Routes
With rolling countryside in one direction and the Jurassic Coast in the other, Sidmouth is a fantastic base for exploring East Devon by bike.
Whether you’re looking for a gentle family-friendly cycle, a leisurely ride through the countryside or something that will put your legs to the test, there are routes to suit a range of abilities in and around the town.
Sidmouth also sits on National Cycle Network Route 2, opening up opportunities to explore further afield towards Budleigh Salterton, Exmouth, Beer and Seaton.
So, helmets at the ready. Here are some of the best cycle routes to explore during your stay in Sidmouth.
1. The Byes Cycle Route
Best for: Families & an Easy Ride
Distance: Approximately 1.5 miles / 2.4km each way
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Mostly flat and traffic-free
Best for: Families, beginners and a gentle morning cycle
For an easy cycle without venturing far from Sidmouth, The Byes is a great place to start.
This peaceful route follows the River Sid through one of the town’s loveliest green spaces, passing meadows, trees and open parkland as it travels between Sidmouth and Sidford.
It’s short enough for families and younger cyclists while still giving you the chance to see a completely different side of Sidmouth.
Take your time, keep an eye out for wildlife along the river and simply turn around when you’re ready to head back towards town.
Top tip: Head out earlier in the morning when The Byes is at its quietest. The route is shared with walkers and dog walkers, so take it slowly and enjoy the surroundings.
2. Harpford Woods
Best for: A Peaceful Woodland Ride
Distance: Approximately 3 miles / 5km depending on your starting point and route
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Terrain: Woodland trails and largely off-road paths
Best for: Woodland scenery, nature and a quieter cycle
Swap sea views for woodland on this picturesque route through Harpford Woods.
Following part of a former railway line, the route runs from around Tipton St John towards the Bowd above Sidmouth. Much of the route is off-road with an easy gradient, making it an appealing option if you’d prefer to avoid some of East Devon’s hillier lanes.
Surrounded by trees and countryside, it’s particularly beautiful during spring and autumn.
Top tip: Save this one for a dry day if you can. The woodland sections can become muddy after heavy rain, so a hybrid or mountain bike may be more comfortable than a road bike.
3. Sidmouth to Budleigh Salterton
Best for: Coast & Countryside
Distance: Approximately 10 miles / 16km each way
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Terrain: Mainly quiet roads and country lanes with plenty of hills
Best for: Confident cyclists, countryside and coastal scenery
For a longer ride directly from Sidmouth, follow National Cycle Network Route 2 west towards Budleigh Salterton.
This is classic East Devon cycling: rolling countryside, quiet lanes, pretty villages and glimpses of the coast along the way.
You’ll travel through the countryside towards Otterton before continuing to Budleigh Salterton, where you can take a well-earned break beside the pebble beach.
Don’t be fooled by the relatively modest mileage, though. East Devon is hilly, and this section includes some challenging climbs and descents.
Top tip: Make the journey part of the day rather than racing from A to B. Plan a stop in Otterton or reward yourself with lunch by the sea in Budleigh before tackling the return journey.
4. Sidmouth to Exmouth
Best for: A Bigger Day on the Bike
Distance: Approximately 13 miles / 21km each way
Difficulty: Challenging
Terrain: Country lanes, roads and traffic-free sections
Best for: Experienced cyclists and a full day on the bike
If Budleigh isn’t quite far enough, continue along Route 2 towards Exmouth.
One of the nicest parts of this ride comes after Budleigh Salterton, where the route follows a former railway line towards Exmouth. This largely traffic-free section provides a welcome change of pace after the hillier country lanes surrounding Sidmouth.
Once you reach Exmouth, there are plenty of places to stop for lunch, grab a coffee or simply enjoy the seafront before turning around.
It’s a substantial return journey, particularly when you factor in East Devon’s hills, so we’d recommend this one for reasonably fit and confident cyclists.
Top tip: An e-bike can make East Devon’s hills considerably more enjoyable! Once you reach Exmouth, give yourself plenty of time for lunch and a rest before setting off on the return leg.
5. Exmouth to Budleigh Salterton Old Railway Line
Best for: A Traffic-Free Day Trip
Distance: Approximately 5 miles / 8km each way
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Predominantly flat, traffic-free former railway line
Best for: Families, beginners and leisurely cyclists
You don’t necessarily have to begin every cycling adventure from the Bedford Hotel.
If you’d prefer a longer traffic-free ride, take the car to Exmouth and bring your bikes with you. From Phear Park, a former railway line provides an easy route through woodland and countryside towards Budleigh Salterton.
The relatively flat trail is particularly good for families or anyone who wants to enjoy the scenery without worrying about traffic or tackling some of the steeper hills surrounding Sidmouth.
Once you reach Budleigh, head towards the seafront for lunch or an ice cream before making the return journey.
It’s a lovely half-day cycling adventure and a great option for less experienced riders.
Top tip: Take a picnic or plan an ice-cream stop in Budleigh before turning around. If you’re cycling with younger children, there’s no need to complete the entire route—simply cycle as far as everyone is enjoying it!
6. The Exe Estuary Trail
Best for: A Full Day of Cycling
Distance: Approximately 22.5 miles / 36km for the full trail
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Terrain: Predominantly traffic-free and relatively flat
Best for: Longer leisurely rides, waterside scenery and wildlife
For one of Devon’s best-known cycle rides, travel from Sidmouth to Exmouth and join the Exe Estuary Trail.
Following both sides of the Exe Estuary, the route takes cyclists through beautiful waterside landscapes and past places including Lympstone and Topsham, with extensive views across the water.
It’s also fantastic for wildlife. The marshes surrounding the estuary support an incredible variety of birds throughout the year, so don’t be surprised if your cycling day involves plenty of stops.
Much of the trail is traffic-free and the terrain is considerably flatter than the countryside immediately surrounding Sidmouth, making this a good option if you want to cover more miles without quite so many Devon hills.
You can choose just one section or make a full day of it.
Top tip: You don’t have to complete the whole trail. Exmouth to Topsham makes a lovely ride in its own right, with plenty of opportunities to stop for lunch or a drink overlooking the estuary before cycling back.
7. National Cycle Network Route 2
Best for: Experienced Cyclists Looking for an Adventure
Distance: Flexible – choose your route and distance from Sidmouth
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Terrain: Predominantly roads and quiet country lanes around Sidmouth, with significant hills
Best for: Experienced road cyclists and longer-distance adventures
For serious cyclists, Sidmouth’s position on National Cycle Network Route 2 opens up considerably more of East Devon.
The long-distance route follows England’s south coast and passes through this part of the Jurassic Coast. From Sidmouth, you can choose a section depending on how far you want to travel, heading west towards Budleigh Salterton and Exmouth or east towards Branscombe and Seaton.
You certainly don’t need to tackle the entire thing.
Instead, use Sidmouth as your starting point and choose a section depending on your experience, how far you’d like to travel and how much of a challenge you’re looking for.
The scenery is spectacular, but the landscape around Sidmouth is notoriously hilly, so these routes are much better suited to confident cyclists.
Top tip: Check your chosen section carefully before setting off. Route 2 varies considerably around East Devon, and the hills can make relatively short distances much tougher than expected. Give yourself more time than the mileage might suggest.
Which Sidmouth Cycle Route is Right for You?
Not sure where to start? Here’s our quick guide:
For families: The Byes
For an easy woodland ride: Harpford Woods
For coast and countryside: Sidmouth to Budleigh Salterton
For a challenging ride from Sidmouth: Sidmouth to Exmouth
For a traffic-free cycling day: Exmouth to Budleigh Salterton
For a longer, flatter ride: Exe Estuary Trail
For experienced road cyclists: National Cycle Network Route 2
Cycling in Sidmouth: What to Know Before You Set Off
East Devon is beautiful cycling country, but its landscape can be challenging. If you’re heading beyond Sidmouth itself, expect hills and allow more time than the mileage alone might suggest.
It’s always worth checking your route before setting off, particularly if you’re planning to follow bridleways or off-road trails, as surfaces and access can change.
Take water, a basic repair kit and suitable clothing, and remember that some of the quieter country lanes are still shared with vehicles.
For longer rides, planning a café, pub or lunch stop along the way gives you an excellent excuse to rest your legs.
Can You Bring Your Bike to Sidmouth?
Absolutely. If cycling is going to form part of your holiday, bringing your own bike gives you plenty of freedom to explore beyond the town.
There are routes for almost every kind of cyclist, from a short morning pedal beside the River Sid to a full day following National Cycle Network Route 2 through the East Devon countryside.
An e-bike is also well worth considering in this part of Devon. Those rolling hills create some spectacular views, but a little extra assistance can make exploring them considerably more leisurely!
Explore East Devon on Two Wheels
There’s something special about exploring East Devon by bike.
Travelling at a slower pace gives you time to notice the places you might otherwise drive straight past: a view through a gap in the hedgerow, a quiet village, a countryside pub or the first glimpse of the sea as you crest a hill.
With riverside trails in Sidmouth itself and miles of countryside and coastline waiting beyond, the Bedford Hotel makes a wonderful base for a cycling break in East Devon.
And after a day in the saddle? Head back to the seafront, put your feet up and enjoy a well-earned drink while someone else takes care of dinner.
