Looking for a fun day out for the whole family during the school holidays? Or just relish the thought of a leisurely day outdoors with friends, now that the weather’s warming up? If the answer is a great big ‘yes’, then Plymouth Bike Hire is the perfect place for you. #Advertisement
After almost 10 years based at Coypool Park and Ride at the start of the Plym Valley Trail, Plymouth Bike Hire has now added a second amazing cycling location – at Mount Edgcumbe Country Park. Both offer fabulous off-road routes, stunning scenery, and a nice choice of pubs and cafes along the way.
The family-owned business launched the Rame Riders location last year – and it’s easy to see why they chose this spot. From the collection point at the Barrow Centre next to Mount Edgcumbe House, riders have five different trails taking in the peninsula – all off-road.
The combination of glorious woodland, spectacular coastline and even a deer park makes this a great area for families to explore. Many people head towards the coastal villages of Cawsand and Kingsand, where there are fabulous beaches and plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat. And of course, there are some great venues at the other end of the trail, with the Edgcumbe Arms, and The Orangery handy for the Cremyll Ferry.
All the bikes for hire at Mount Edgcumbe are hand-picked for the terrain – the electric bikes are particularly good for these trails, and the off-road e-scooters can also be used legally within the Country Park.
Plymouth Bike Hire’s ‘original’ centre is at the free park and ride car park at Coypool. It was initially run from a converted bus, but ‘upgraded’ a few years ago to its current HQ, The Bike Hut. It offers a variety of trails, with Dartmoor and Tavistock one way, and Saltram and Plymouth’s waterfront the other way.
The Plym Valley Trail is entirely traffic-free with a good surface, and if you continue upwards, you’ll be riding along Drake’s Leat. The route from Coypool is a gentle incline on the way out, making for a nice, easy ride on the way back.
There’s plenty to see, with the first part of the trail running alongside the Plym Valley Steam Railway and wonderful views from the viaduct – you may even get to see the Peregrine Falcons that reside here. Further up the trail, the woods turn into moorland as you head to Yelverton. If you’re feeling energetic or hire an electric bike, you can cross the road here and head to Tavistock using the off-road trail.
Alternatively, people can head in the other direction from Coypool, cycling to Saltram and onto Plymouth’s Barbican and waterfront. Most of this coast and city route is off-road, with a section having a dedicated cycle lane on the road.
Plymouth Bike Hire was set up soon after the 2012 London Olympics by local businessman Andrew Thompson. The aim is to encourage people of all ages – especially families – to get out and exercise and enjoy our coast and countrysideby bike, with a full day to explore.
Both locations offer a full range of bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters to hire as well as free helmet hire. Visit the websites for details and prices. You can book your bikes in advance or just turn up on the day, from 10am, 7-days a week. Tel: 07577 279928.
Written by Laura Joint on behalf of #OnePlymouth
