The best road cycling routes around Mary Tavy

There are over 120 road cycling routes around Mary Tavy, catering to various skill levels. You'll find 17 easy routes, 74 moderate, and 30 difficult options, ensuring there's a ride for every cyclist.

The region offers diverse terrain, from the open moorland of Dartmoor to wooded river valleys. You can expect both challenging climbs, such as those on the Postbridge Clapper Bridge – Burrator Reservoir and Dam loop which features over 1700m of ascent, and more gentle sections. Most routes feature mostly paved surfaces, suitable for road cycling.

Yes, many routes around Mary Tavy are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For example, the Abbey Bridge and Weir – Burrator Reservoir and Dam loop from Tavy Business Centre is a moderate 28.4-mile circular route exploring reservoirs and dams. Another option is the St Michael's Church, Brent Tor – Abbey Bridge and Weir loop from Peter Tavy, a 13.9-mile moderate loop featuring the iconic Brentor.

Road cycling routes around Mary Tavy offer stunning views of Dartmoor's open moorland and granite tors. You can encounter prominent tors like Yes Tor summit and High Willhays summit, the highest points in southern England. The St Michael's Church, Brent Tor – Abbey Bridge and Weir loop takes you past Brentor, a hill with a church perched on its peak, offering panoramic views.

Yes, the region is home to beautiful waterfalls. Lydford Gorge, a National Trust property, features dramatic waterfalls like Whitelady Waterfall, which can be incorporated into cycling routes. You might also pass by Abbey Bridge and Weir, offering picturesque scenery along the River Tavy.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 40 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from open moorland to wooded valleys, and the stunning views of Dartmoor's granite tors. The variety of routes, from moderate loops to more difficult, longer rides, is also a significant draw.

Yes, for those seeking longer rides, Mary Tavy provides access to routes that extend across Dartmoor. The Postbridge Clapper Bridge – Burrator Reservoir and Dam loop from Pitts Cleave is a challenging 56.7-mile route with over 1700m of elevation gain, offering a substantial ride through the national park. Additionally, the region connects to parts of the Granite Way and Drake's Trail, which are longer cycling networks.

While many routes around Mary Tavy involve significant elevation, there are sections of nearby trails that are more suitable for families. The Granite Way, an 11-mile traffic-free trail between Okehampton and Lydford, offers relatively flat sections with magnificent views, making it a good option for a family outing. It's part of the Devon Coast to Coast (National Cycle Network Route 27).

The region offers cycling opportunities year-round, but spring and summer generally provide the most favorable weather conditions for road cycling, with longer daylight hours and milder temperatures. Autumn can also be beautiful with changing foliage. Winter cycling is possible but may require more preparation due to colder weather and potentially wet conditions on Dartmoor.

Yes, you can incorporate historical sites into your rides. The St Michael's Church, Brent Tor – Abbey Bridge and Weir loop passes by Brentor, a historic hillfort with a church. Other routes might take you near Lydford Castle and Saxon Town, or even the Dartmoor Prison Museum near Princetown, adding cultural interest to your journey.

While popular routes can see more traffic, exploring the wider network of Dartmoor's roads often leads to quieter sections. The western side of Dartmoor, where Mary Tavy is located, is known for its wilder and more remote feel compared to some other parts of the national park, offering opportunities for less crowded rides, especially on weekdays or outside peak season.

Yes, while Dartmoor is known for its challenging terrain, there are routes suitable for beginners. You'll find 17 routes classified as 'easy' in the area. These routes typically have less elevation gain and shorter distances, providing a good starting point for those new to road cycling in the region.