Cycling is a fantastic way to explore East Devon, with Colyton a great base from which to plan your routes.

Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, The Old Bakehouse welcomes cyclists, offering secure storage for bikes as well as comfortable bedrooms to rest after a long day in the saddle.

The hills around Colyton will certainly test the endurance of the elite roadsters, but there are also plenty of alternative trails for families and those who prefer a more genteel pace of pedal! The National Cycle Network includes routes across heathland, through woods and along coastal paths.

The most well known is the South Coast Cycle Route 2, which gives plenty of access to the world famous Jurassic Coast, the 95-mile stretch from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset.

But if you’re looking for rides closer to Colyton, route planning app Kamoot has pulled together a great list, which need not take you too far from the town. It includes some challenging rides of around 30 miles, taking in Beer, Sidmouth and close to Honiton. But it also includes the Colyford to Seaton loop along the Axe Estuary, and the Colyton Church loop over the River Coly. Both rides are graded easy and relatively slope free. And did I say the views are stunning too!

For cyclists in need of repairs or spare parts - or even a new bike - check out Soanes Cycles in the centre of Colyton. One of the oldest cycle shops in Britain, this is an excellent store, with friendly staff who are expert advisers on all things pedal power. There is even a coin operated inner tube dispenser outside the store!

If you leave cycle trails and take to the local roads, which some of these rides do, please take care as sometimes the traffic can be fast moving.

Stay safe and enjoy the ride!