The best road cycling routes around Burrator Reservoir

The Burrator Reservoir area offers a range of road cycling routes. You'll find a few easy routes, such as the Burrator Reservoir – Burrator Reservoir and Dam loop from Meavy, which is 6.2 km long. The majority of routes are moderate, with some challenging options like the Postbridge Clapper Bridge – Wray Valley Trail loop from Yelverton, which covers over 81 km with significant elevation gain.

Road cycling routes around Burrator Reservoir vary significantly in length. You can find shorter loops, like the 6.2 km Burrator Reservoir – Burrator Reservoir and Dam loop from Meavy, or longer, more challenging rides such as the 81.7 km Postbridge Clapper Bridge – Wray Valley Trail loop from Yelverton. Many popular routes fall in the 15-35 km range.

Yes, there are several parking areas around Burrator Reservoir, often managed by the South West Lakes Trust. These are typically well-placed for accessing the road network. Specific parking details can often be found on individual route pages or local information boards.

Public transport options to the immediate vicinity of Burrator Reservoir are limited. While some bus services operate in nearby towns like Yelverton or Horrabridge, direct access to the reservoir's cycling routes often requires a short ride from these points. Planning your route in advance with local transport schedules is recommended.

Yes, there are routes suitable for families, particularly those that stick to the quieter roads immediately around the reservoir or designated cycle paths. The Burrator Reservoir – Burrator Reservoir and Dam loop from Meavy is an easier option at 6.2 km, offering a relatively flat and scenic ride.

The best time for road cycling around Burrator Reservoir is generally from spring through autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is typically milder and drier, and daylight hours are longer. Winter cycling is possible but can be challenging due to colder temperatures, shorter days, and potentially wet or icy conditions.

Yes, several routes pass by or are close to cafes and pubs. For example, the popular Burrator Reservoir and Dam – Fox Tor Café loop from Meavy explicitly mentions the Fox Tor Café, providing a convenient stop for refreshments.

Many routes provide excellent views of the reservoir and the Dartmoor landscape. The Burrator Reservoir and Dam – Fox Tor Café loop from Meavy is known for its reservoir and dam views. Routes that climb higher into the surrounding hills, such as sections of the Plymbridge Valley Cycle Path – View of Plymouth loop from Yelverton, can offer expansive vistas.

Many of the road cycling routes in the Burrator Reservoir area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. This is convenient for cyclists using personal transport. Examples include the Burrator Reservoir and Dam – Fox Tor Café loop from Meavy and the RAF Harrowbeer Airfield – Buckland Abbey loop from Horrabridge.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the varied terrain, the scenic views of the reservoir and surrounding Dartmoor landscape, and the mix of quiet country roads and more challenging climbs. The accessibility of routes for different skill levels is also frequently highlighted.

There are nearly 50 road cycling routes available around Burrator Reservoir on komoot, offering a wide variety of distances and difficulty levels to explore.