The best cycling routes around Devizes

There are over 20 touring cycling routes around Devizes, offering a variety of experiences from easy canal-side rides to more challenging routes through the rolling hills of the North Wessex Downs National Landscape. The komoot community has explored these routes over 170 times.

Touring cycling around Devizes features diverse terrain. You'll find tranquil, traffic-free towpaths along the Kennet and Avon Canal, as well as quiet country lanes and off-road tracks through the rolling chalk hills of the North Wessex Downs. Routes can range from mostly flat, paved surfaces to those with significant elevation gains and unpaved segments.

Yes, Devizes offers several easy touring cycling routes, with 5 routes specifically categorized as easy. These often follow the flat, traffic-free towpaths of the Kennet and Avon Canal, providing a gentle introduction to the area's scenic beauty. One such route is the Uffington White Horse – Sticks & Stones Café loop from Devizes, which is 19.0 miles (30.5 km) long and leads through rural landscapes.

Absolutely. The impressive Caen Hill Locks, a flight of 29 locks on the Kennet and Avon Canal, are a highlight of the Devizes area and accessible by bike. You can explore this engineering marvel on routes such as the Bulkington Country Road – Caen Hill Locks loop from Devizes, which is a moderate 43.6 km (27.1 miles) ride.

Yes, the region is known for its iconic chalk hill figures, and several touring cycling routes offer views or pass near them. For example, the Pewsey White Horse – Compton Bassett Village loop from Roundway is a challenging 61.2 km (38.0 miles) route that traverses rolling countryside and passes near the Pewsey White Horse. You can also find the Cherhill White Horse, the second oldest in Wiltshire, in the wider area.

Beyond the White Horses and Caen Hill Locks, the area is rich in history and natural beauty. You might encounter prehistoric sites like Avebury Stone Circle, Silbury Hill, and West Kennet Long Barrow. The routes also lead through charming villages and offer views from hills like Walkers Hill and Roundway Hill, which are steeped in history.

The komoot community highly rates touring cycling in Devizes, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 8 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, from the peaceful canal towpaths to the scenic rolling hills, and the variety of routes catering to different fitness levels. The historical attractions and charming villages along the way are also frequently mentioned as highlights.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Devizes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Marlborough Town Centre – Pewsey White Horse loop from Roundway, a moderate 51.6 km (32.1 miles) path, and the Pewsey White Horse – River Avon Footbridge loop from Roundway, a moderate 60.4 km (37.5 miles) route.

The spring and summer months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in Devizes, with warmer weather and longer daylight hours. However, the diverse landscapes can be enjoyed year-round. Some sections of the canal towpath might be rougher or muddier after heavy rain, so checking local conditions is advisable, especially in wetter seasons.

Yes, many cycling routes around Devizes pass through or near charming villages and market towns, providing opportunities for refreshment. The Kennet and Avon Canal towpath, in particular, often has pubs and cafes accessible nearby. Devizes itself offers various options, and routes like the Uffington White Horse – Sticks & Stones Café loop from Devizes even mention specific cafes.

Yes, parking is generally available in and around Devizes for cyclists. For routes along the Kennet and Avon Canal, you can often find parking in Devizes town centre or at various access points along the canal. For routes venturing into the North Wessex Downs, parking might be available in villages or designated car parks near trailheads.

Devizes is accessible by public transport, primarily bus services, which connect it to larger towns and cities in Wiltshire and beyond. While direct train access to Devizes is limited, you can often take a train to a nearby town like Pewsey or Chippenham and then connect via bus to Devizes to access the cycling routes.