The best cycling routes around Hawkesbury

Hawkesbury offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 290 options available on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy rides to more challenging multi-day adventures.

The terrain in Hawkesbury is diverse, featuring quiet country roads along the Hawkesbury River, expansive national parklands, and river valleys. You'll encounter a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, with gentle gradients in river valleys and more challenging sections, including 'chunky rock garden territory' on historic routes like the Old Great North Road.

Yes, Hawkesbury has many options for beginners. There are over 80 easy touring cycling routes. A great example is the King Lane – Lower Woods Nature Reserve loop from Lower Woods Nature Reserve, which is 12.0 miles (19.3 km) long and leads through scenic areas.

Absolutely. Hawkesbury offers over 60 difficult touring cycling routes for experienced riders. One challenging option is the Somerset Monument – Fosse Way Gravel Section loop from Petty France, a 53.7 miles (86.4 km) trail with significant elevation gain, offering a demanding ride through varied terrain.

Many routes pass by interesting landmarks and natural features. You can explore historic sites like Dyrham Park House or the Church of Saint John the Baptist, Old Sodbury. Scenic viewpoints such as Lasborough Lakes and Mansion also offer picturesque stops.

Yes, Hawkesbury is rich in history and unique natural elements. The Somerset Monument – Tresham Bridleway Climb loop from Hawkesbury offers a challenging ride with historical context. The region also features the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Great North Road, built by convicts, which provides a historically rich cycling experience. You can find more information about the Old Great North Road on the NSW National Parks website.

Yes, a unique aspect of cycling in Hawkesbury is the opportunity to use free, cable-operated river ferries to cross the Hawkesbury River and its tributaries. These ferries add an adventurous element to rides, particularly on routes that explore areas like St Albans.

Many routes in Hawkesbury pass through charming rural areas where you can find amenities. Cyclists can enjoy historic pubs, like the Settlers Arms Inn in St Albans, as well as coffee shops, cafes, and farmgate produce stalls, perfect for a break or a snack.

The touring cycling routes in Hawkesbury are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 160 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, the mix of quiet country roads and challenging trails, and the scenic river views.

Hawkesbury is suitable for touring cycling throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant weather with mild temperatures, ideal for exploring the diverse landscapes. Summer can be warm, while winter provides cooler, crisp conditions, especially in the national parklands.

Yes, Hawkesbury offers routes suitable for families. Many of the easier routes, particularly those with gentle gradients along river valleys, are well-suited for family outings. These routes often provide opportunities to explore rural charm and enjoy the natural beauty at a relaxed pace.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in Hawkesbury are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Fosse Way Gravel Section – Malmesbury Abbey loop from Petty France, which offers a moderate ride through varied scenery.