The best cycling routes in Cookworthy Forest

Cookworthy Forest features a striking conifer plantation interspersed with native trees, open grasslands, ponds, and wet flashes. The well-surfaced and maintained tracks, originally for timber extraction, ensure routes are generally accessible and less muddy, even after rain. Beyond the forest, the wider Ruby Country offers rolling plateaux, deep valleys, and fast-flowing rivers.

Yes, while many routes are challenging, Cookworthy Forest does offer options for varying ability levels. There are 5 easy and 18 moderate touring cycling routes available, providing gentler experiences for those newer to touring cycling or looking for a more relaxed ride.

Yes, many routes in the area are designed as loops. For example, the Food on the Go – Ruby Way loop from Halwill is a popular difficult route that allows for extensive regional exploration without retracing your steps.

Cookworthy Forest is a central hub for cycling, connecting to significant long-distance routes. It's an important destination on the Ruby Way, which links to the Pegasus Way and the renowned Tarka Trail. This connectivity allows for extensive journeys, reaching as far as Dartmoor and beyond. A good example is the difficult Puffing Billy Trading Co. – Mosaic Otter Sculpture loop from Hole Station, which covers over 67 km.

The forest and surrounding areas are home to a variety of wildlife. Cyclists may encounter ravens, buzzards, and red deer. Nearby woodlands also support rare butterfly species like the Pearl-bordered Fritillary and Dingy Skipper, enhancing the outdoor experience.

Yes, some routes pass by historical landmarks. For instance, the difficult Okehampton Castle – Hatherleigh loop from Hole Station features varied terrain and passes by such sites. Within Cookworthy Forest, a replica roundhouse in the nature area behind the Forest Centre offers educational insights.

The touring cycling routes in Cookworthy Forest are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 40 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse woodlands, open spaces, and well-maintained tracks that define the area's cycling experience.

The Ruby Way and Pegasus Way, which connect through Cookworthy Forest, are designed as multi-use trails that frequently pass by places to eat, drink, and stay. This makes them ideal for multi-day touring and ensures amenities are accessible during your ride.

A popular moderate route is the Stone Bridge Overlooking River – Hatherleigh loop from Hole Station. This 23.2 km trail leads through diverse landscapes and can typically be completed in about 1 hour 37 minutes, offering a balanced challenge.

Within Cookworthy Forest, cyclists can enjoy a network of tracks and trails. A circular route within the conifer plantation offers a two-mile ride, providing an immersive forest experience for those looking for a shorter, contained option.

The well-surfaced and maintained tracks in Cookworthy Forest mean that routes are generally accessible and less muddy, even after rain. This allows for comfortable cycling throughout much of the year, though spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery.

There are nearly 50 touring cycling routes available in Cookworthy Forest, offering a wide variety of distances and difficulty levels to explore.

Yes, the Stone Bridge Overlooking River – Mosaic Otter Sculpture loop from Hole Station is a moderate route covering over 35 km, providing a substantial ride without being overly strenuous.