This time, after Sicily, things will be taken more leisurely. No cross-country trekking in the sweltering summer heat, no dusty 80-kilometer stages. Instead: a spontaneous micro-adventure in southwest England.
Andreas and Andi, two Tyrrell pilots, board a train in London and head towards the coast. Destination: Barnstaple , a small, sleepy town perfect for a weekend getaway.

Getting there – a little tip for folding bike travelers

Getting out of London by train and bus is easy. If you're traveling with folding bikes like we were, be aware that National Express requires bikes to be packed in bags – otherwise, you'll have trouble taking them on board. Luckily, we managed to quickly organize some bags. A small detail that saved us a lot of stress later.

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The wheels – two Tyrrell IVE Adventures in their element

Also present were two light grey Tyrell IVE Adventures , set up specifically for such weekends:

Andis IVE

• rear rack + pannier

• small top tube bag for snacks & small items

• Food pouch on the handlebars

• front luggage rack for the camera bag

• a bottle in the frame

• second bottle on the seatpost via Fidlock

Andreas' IVE

• large front pocket

• larger top tube bag

• Fidlock bottle adapter integrated into the frame

• borrowed saddlebag from a gravel bike

Both bikes had 50mm tires – which would later prove to be worth its weight in gold.

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The route – Exmoor, cliffs and sandy beaches

Our Devon Circuit :
125 km , 2,300 m elevation gain, two overnight stays , ridden counter-clockwise.
First through Exmoor , then two days along the legendary cliffs of Devon.

Devon is treacherous. No long climbs like in the Alps, but rather short, brutal ramps . Gradients of 15–20% are completely normal here.
Andreas, the triathlete, leads the way.
Andi, still feeling the effects of spring fatigue, followed behind.
Both: smiling and cursing at the same time.

But Devon makes up for it. Lush greenery , endless pastures , flocks of sheep , red deer , and sometimes – seemingly out of nowhere – semi-wild Exmoor ponies . And all this in what feels like the warmest spring since weather records began.

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Lynmouth – a coastal town straight out of an old novel

We arrived in Lynmouth a little late. The last section was actually closed, but oh well – you just have to fight your way through.
The sea suddenly below us, the hills behind us, evening light and salty air.

We meet two hippies who recommend a place to sleep on the beach.
Minimal camping, just a tarp and sleeping bags.
The night remains mild, 18 degrees, no wind, the sea calm .
An expensive beer at the bar – but after these climbs, it tastes like a gift.

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The steepest climb – and the Valley of Rocks

Day two begins with a bang: a 25% incline straight out of Lynmouth. Just like that.

You have to go up high if you want to experience the legendary Valley of Rocks .

The Valley is… surreal:

• a dry coastal valley with bizarre slate cliffs

• Goats climb over the cliffs

• narrow paths with views of the open sea

A place that feels like a blend of the Mediterranean and the North Atlantic. History, myth, and postcard image all in one.

On the partly paved, partly gravel paths, we let some air out of the tires, down to a comfortable 3 bar . Suddenly the bikes are floating over the coast.
One picture-perfect panorama follows another. Cliffs, bays, plays of light. And eventually, you find the perfect spot for a snack. It's hard to put into words – Devon is something you simply have to experience for yourself.

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Woolacombe – the beach that doesn't look like England

Our destination for the day: the endless sandy beaches of Woolacombe .
And honestly: You wouldn't expect something like that here.
Kilometer-long, golden yellow, wide – a beach like in California, Australia??!!

We throw ourselves down in the sand, open a beer and enjoy two hours of sunshine.
England? Really?

After that, we continue towards Saunton Sands / Crow Point , where we will look for our next place to sleep.
At Saunan we restocked our food: two huge portions of fish and chips for the evening.

Then, just before sunset, we find another perfect spot in the dunes.
Minimal Camping, round two.
You carry the folding bikes and luggage the last few meters through the sand – it feels like an adventure.

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Mini-adventures, maximum impact

A spontaneous weekend, hardly any preparation, and yet it feels like a week's holiday. That's exactly what we and the Tyrell IVE Adventure love so much: just hit the road, explore, and sleep wherever you like.

We'll take one thing with us for next time:
A smaller chainring wouldn't be the worst idea on 20% gradients.

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Where will the next trip take us?

We are already planning for spring 2026 .
Do you have a recommendation?
A region with short, crisp stages, plenty of nature and preferably a touch of surprise?
Write to us – the next Tyrell adventure is already waiting. Or even better, come along for the ride ;-)