Suggested bike rides
Best Bike Rides in Paignton, Torquay & Brixham
Explore the stunning Torbay coastline and countryside on two wheels! Here's some of the best places to explore by bike, perfect for all abilities.
Each route includes distance, duration, highlights, turn-by-turn directions, and recommended café stops along the way.
Paignton Pier to Brixham Harbour
Distance: 6 miles one way
Estimated Duration: 45 mins cycling one way
Difficulty: Moderate (some hills)
Route Description:
This ride takes you from Paignton's bustling seafront to the charming fishing village of Brixham. The route combines flat promenade sections with some challenging climbs, rewarding you with spectacular views across Torbay.
Basic Directions:
- Start at Paignton Pier and head south along the seafront promenade
- Go along the main roads (Dartmouth Road then New Road). Take your time on the hilly section from the Leisure Centre to Churston
- Enjoy the downhill section to Brixham town centre
Route Highlights:
- Paignton Sands and Pier
- Charming fishing village of Brixham
- Historic Brixham Harbour and breakwater
- Great Fish and Chips in Brixham in multiple places
- Berry Head Nature Reserve (optional detour)
Torquay Seafront & Cockington Village
Distance: 2.5 miles one way
Estimated Duration: 30 mins cycling one way
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Route Description:
This delightful route combines Torquay's vibrant seafront with the tranquil beauty of Cockington Village. You'll cycle along the promenade before heading inland through peaceful country lanes to discover one of Devon's most picturesque villages, complete with thatched cottages and a historic country estate.
Basic Directions:
- Start at Torquay Harbour and head South along the seafront
- Follow the promenade past Torre Abbey Sands
- Turn right on to Cockington Lane just after Livermead house Hotel
- Continue down this lane to Cockington Village
Route Highlights:
- Torquay's beautiful seafront promenade
- Torre Abbey and gardens
- Historic Cockington Village with thatched cottages
- Cockington Court craft studios, country park, visitor centre, shops and cafe's
- Peaceful woodland paths
- Stop in Cockington for a cream tea or lunch at the cafes (Seven Dials, Weavers or The School House) or the Drum Inn.
Preston, Paignton Green to Goodrington Sands
Distance: 3 miles loop
Estimated Duration: 30 mins without breaks
Difficulty: Easy - the Roundham Head Hill can be avoided
Route Description:
Perfect for families and beginners, this fairly flat route takes in the 3 main Paignton beaches, a great way to see the beast of the English Riviera. With the sea on one side and parks on the other, it's safe, scenic, and ideal for children. Each beach has it's own park (Geopark in Paignton is the biggest) for the children, lovely flat beaches and lots of cafes and restaurants. Big waterpark in Goodrington.
Basic Directions:
- Start at Preston Green
- Cycle South with the beaches on the left
- Pass Paignton Pier on your left
- Head up past the Harbour and over Roundham Head
- Or - turn right to avoid it and go through Young's Park
- Finish at Goodrington Sands beach and car park
Route Highlights:
- Flat, traffic-free promenades - perfect for families
- Paignton Pier
- Lots of play areas
- Flat beaches or greens for a sand free day
- Quaywest Waterpark (seasonal)
Ready to Explore?
Hire your bike from us and discover the beautiful Torbay coastline at your own pace. We offer a range of bikes suitable for all ages and abilities, including children's bikes and trailers.
Check out and download the Torbay Cycle Routes Map. One will be provided with every hire as well.
Book your bike hire today and start your Torbay cycling adventure!