Bike Hire in North Devon
Explore the beautiful 34-mile Tarka Trail cycle route
Our bike hire is a perfectly located in Bideford on the banks of the river with direct access to the Tarka Trail. It is in easy reach of all local bus routes and has onsite parking if arriving by car. Situated in the middle of the cycle trail, you can choose to cycle south towards Torrington and Meeth, or north to Barnstaple then onto Braunton, taking in the wonderful countryside views Devon is so famed for.
Enjoy some of the great local produce from one of the many pubs or cafes along the route. We also have a shop for refreshments and repair services, selling bicycle spares, accessories, cold drinks and ice creams to enjoy before or after your cycle.
Bike Hire at a glance
- Location: Torrington Street, Bideford, EX39 4DR
- Opening: Wednesday to Sunday, 9am–5pm
- Hire options: half-day or full-day
- Prices: from £12 half-day / £15 full-day
- Best for: individuals, families, groups and Tarka Trail cyclists
- Includes: bicycle & helmet hire
- Extras: child seats, trailers, tag-a-longs, tandems and trikes
- Booking: online or by phone
Bike Hire in Bideford
Explore North Devon with bike hire from Skern Adventure, with direct access to the Tarka Trail — one of the UK’s most popular traffic-free cycling routes.
With a fleet of over 100 bikes, we cater for individuals, families, and groups, as well as larger bookings for schools, corporate groups, and stag and hen parties. Free parking and private trail access give you immediate access to over 34 miles of safe, scenic cycling.
Our hybrid bikes, including Dawes, Land Rover, and Claud Butler models, combine the comfort of a touring bike with mountain bike gearing. Each comes with mudguards and a rear rack, ideal for longer rides and carrying essentials.
We also offer child trailers for one or two children, plus adult trikes for added stability — complete with large rear baskets for bags, picnics, or small dogs.
Bookings
We offer a half-day or full-day bike hire between 9am–5pm. Please refer to our price guide and bike hire rates for full details.
To check availability, use the booking system below. If you need extras such as a tag-a-long, trailer, or child seat — or if your preferred date is unavailable — please contact us using the enquiry form.
When getting in touch, include your arrival time and bike requirements. You can also call us directly using the number provided.
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Bikes for children
We offer a wide range of children’s bikes and accessories to suit all ages and abilities, making family cycling on the Tarka Trail easy and enjoyable.
For older children, we have standard two-wheel bikes, while younger riders can use tag-a-longs, trikes, trailers, and child seats. Tag-a-longs attach to adult bikes and are ideal for children aged 4–8, especially those still building confidence or who may tire on longer rides.
Child seats can also be fitted to our hybrid bikes and are suitable for children up to 22kg. Each seat includes a secure three-point harness, and children must be able to sit upright unaided.
The Tarka Trail
180 miles of discovery
Following the old railway line, safe from the dangers of traffic, the Tarka Trail is a level, traffic-free cycle way winding through Devon's beautiful countryside. Whether you're planning a leisurely outing or a full day's adventure, there's a route to suit every rider.
The route north follows the Torridge Estuary, soon reaching the village of Instow. Ideal for a half-day ride, you can stop for lunch, relax on the beach or admire the views across to the historic fishing village of Appledore before cycling back at a relaxed pace.
Take a picnic or visit one of the many cafés and pubs along the trail to enjoy local produce. With a full-day hire, continue beyond Instow towards Barnstaple, following the Taw Estuary past open countryside, marshes and a wildlife reserve that's a haven for birdwatchers.
The trail south offers a completely different experience, following the River Torridge through woodland, a tunnel and across the weir before reaching Great Torrington. Best suited to a full day adventure, you can continue the gentle climb through the sheltering woods to East Yarde, or for keen cyclists, carry on towards Meeth Holt.
Bike Repair services
We offer a full range of bike repairs and servicing, from minor adjustments to complete overhauls. Our team will assess your bike, explain the options, and provide a clear cost and timeframe before any work begins.
Our Basic Bike Health Check starts from £30 and includes:
• Full safety check
• Wheel & tyre check
• Brake & gear check and adjustment
• Drive train checked & lubricated
• Recommendations for future work
Parts are charged separately. To book your bike in, get in touch using the details below — we’ll have you back on the saddle as quickly as possible.
Want to make an enquiry?
We're open 7 days a week through Summer & School Holidays, Wednesday - Sunday all other times.
9.00am to 5.00pm
During this time our phone lines are open and our team are here to help you with bike hire and further enquiries.
Torrington Street
Bideford,
Devon
EX39 4DR
Find us
FAQs
We understand that it's easy to lose track of time when exploring the Tarka Trail. If you think you're going to be late returning your bike, please contact the Skern Adventure team as soon as possible. We'll do our best to accommodate you where possible, although additional charges may apply if your late return affects other bike hire bookings.
If your plans change, please get in touch with us as soon as possible. We'll always amend your bike hire booking where availability allows.
Simply wear comfortable clothing and suitable footwear for cycling, and dress for the weather. We also recommend bringing a refillable water bottle, sunscreen on warmer days, and a waterproof jacket if rain is forecast. If you're planning a longer ride along the Tarka Trail, you may also want to bring a picnic or means of payment to enjoy one of the many cafés and pubs along the route.
Yes. Helmets are provided free of charge with every bike hire and we strongly recommend that all cyclists wear one throughout their ride. We also ensure our bikes are regularly maintained and safety checked, so you can enjoy your day exploring the Tarka Trail with confidence.