BARNSTAPLE

N 51deg 4.710'

W 04deg 3.610'

CAR PARKING - YES

REFRESHMENTS - YES

BIKE HIRE - YES

BIKE SHOP - YES

Click above for Barnstaple detail map

Barnstaple is the largest town and the administrative centre of North Devon.  It is reputed to be the oldest borough in England.

The town centre boasts a number of large chain stores, including Marks and Spencer, W H Smith and Boots as well as local shops to add a little individuality.  The Green Lanes shopping centre in the High Street contains more big name shops like Woolworths and New Look mixed with smaller shops and cafes.

For cyclists you'll find The Bike Shed on the Square as well as a Halfords.  Slightly further afield on the Pottington estate (there's a link from the track heading towards Braunton) you'll find Planet Bike.  In the town you'll also find outdoor pursuit shops Millets and No Sweat.

The town has a creditable number of cycle routes in and around the town, with some shared surface routes on pavements.  You'll also find plenty of bike parking loops dotted around.

The River Taw cuts through the town and there are a choice of crossings for the intrepid cyclist.  For the confident there's the road crossing, battling the infamous Barnstaple traffic, or, of course, you can get off and push it across the pavement.  (Don't be embarrassed, plenty of people do, and don't be tempted to ride along the pavement, it's illegal, and rude).  If you're not in a hurry though follow the traffic free route through Rock Park, over the old iron bridge and along Severn Brethren bank, past the Tarka Tennis centre and the Leisure Centre.  The Severn Brethren Car Park is a good place to park if you want to base your ride in Barnstaple.

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