The best traffic-free bike rides around Upper Tamar Lake

There are over 30 dedicated road cycling routes around Upper Tamar Lake, with a focus on minimizing traffic. These routes range from easy, family-friendly loops to more challenging excursions into the surrounding countryside.

Yes, for an easy, traffic-free experience, the 2.8-mile (4.5 km) circular path directly around Upper Tamar Lake is ideal. It's mostly paved and suitable for all skill levels, including families with children. This 3-mile (5 km) grit-based loop is entirely off-road. You can also find other easy routes, such as the Foxhole Copse loop from Grimscott, which offers a moderate but accessible ride.

The routes offer idyllic British countryside and stunning water views of Upper Tamar Lake. You'll experience peaceful surroundings, with the unique geographical element of the Devon and Cornwall border running through the lake. Many paths provide continuous beautiful vistas, especially around the lake itself.

While many routes focus on being traffic-free, some longer options provide a good challenge. For instance, the Barton Lane Leisure Barn – Tree Tunnel Road loop from Eastcott Cross is a moderate 60 km ride with significant elevation gain, offering a more demanding experience away from heavy traffic.

The best time for cycling around Upper Tamar Lake is generally during the spring, summer, and early autumn months when the weather is milder and drier. This allows for more comfortable riding conditions and better enjoyment of the scenic landscapes.

Yes, Upper Tamar Lake has an on-site café providing refreshments and lakeside views. For routes extending further into the countryside, you might find local pubs or tea rooms in nearby villages. For example, the Blackberry Farm Tea Room loop from Lower Tamar CP specifically includes a stop at a tea room.

Many of the cycling routes, particularly the easier, traffic-free options like the loop around Upper Tamar Lake, feature mostly paved surfaces or well-maintained grit paths, ensuring a smooth ride. Longer or more challenging routes might include some unpaved or gravel segments, so it's good to check individual route details.

Yes, there are parking facilities available at Upper Tamar Lake. This provides convenient access to the main circular path and serves as a good starting point for many of the longer routes in the area.

The komoot community highly rates the cycling experience around Upper Tamar Lake, with an average score of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 14 ratings. Reviewers often praise the peaceful surroundings, the beautiful lake views, and the variety of routes that cater to different skill levels, especially highlighting the traffic-free options.

Yes, bike hire is available at the Upper Tamar facilities, making it convenient for visitors who don't bring their own bikes to enjoy the traffic-free routes around the lake and beyond.

Absolutely. The area is rich in natural beauty and history. You can explore the Bude Canal, which has industrial historical significance, or visit Lower Tamar Lake, a designated Nature Reserve with a bird hide where you might spot diverse bird species like ospreys and kingfishers. The The Old Laundry – Bude Canal loop from Thurdon Cross Farm is one route that takes you past the historic Bude Canal.

Many of the no-traffic road cycling routes around Upper Tamar Lake are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. The 2.8-mile (4.5 km) path directly around Upper Tamar Lake is a perfect example of a circular, traffic-free option. Longer routes like the Mill Cottage and Bluebell Lane – Clovelly Harbour loop from Thurdon Cross Farm also offer circular journeys through the countryside.