The best traffic-free bike rides around Exmouth

There are over 35 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Exmouth, offering a variety of experiences for all skill levels. You'll find 9 easy routes, 20 moderate routes, and 8 more challenging options.

For families and beginners, the Budleigh-Exmouth Cycleway loop from Exmouth is an excellent choice. This route follows a disused railway line, offering a gentle, traffic-free path through traditional Devonshire countryside. The Exe Estuary Trail is also largely flat and traffic-free, perfect for a relaxed ride with stunning waterside views.

Yes, several routes offer circular options. A popular choice is The Exe Estuary loop from Exmouth, which allows you to cycle along both sides of the estuary, often incorporating a ferry crossing to complete the loop. Another option is the Budleigh Salterton Beach – Exmouth Beach and Seafront loop from Exmouth.

The Exe Estuary is a vital wildlife sanctuary, so routes along it, like the Exe Estuary Trail, offer fantastic opportunities for birdwatching. You might spot avocets, Brent geese, and curlews. The Otter Estuary Nature Reserve is also a brilliant place for birdwatching. Inland routes through woodlands and wetlands may reveal dragonflies, amphibians, and various woodland birds. For more information on local wildlife, you can visit Exmouth's wildlife guide.

Yes, especially along the popular Exe Estuary Trail, you'll find numerous cafes and pubs in towns like Topsham and Exeter Quay. The route from Exmouth to Budleigh Salterton also leads to the picturesque town of Budleigh Salterton, which has various eateries.

Exmouth is the western gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Jurassic Coast. You can visit Exe Estuary Trail itself, which is a highlight, or explore the Exeter Ship Canal. The Otter Estuary Nature Reserve is also a significant natural feature. Orcombe Point, the most westerly point of the Jurassic Coast, is a notable natural monument.

Many routes around Exmouth are accessible via public transport. The Exe Estuary Trail, for example, connects Exmouth to Topsham and Exeter, which are well-served by train. Some routes also offer ferry options, such as the Starcross ferry, which can be integrated into a cycling loop.

The Exmouth area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from 93 ratings. Reviewers often praise the stunning waterside views, the abundance of traffic-free paths, and the diverse landscapes that cater to all abilities, from gentle estuary rides to more challenging coastal loops.

While the Exe Estuary Trail is popular, exploring the quieter sections further from the main towns or venturing onto the Budleigh-Exmouth Cycleway can offer a more tranquil experience. The numerous local nature reserves like Exmouth Local Nature Reserve and Bystock Nature Reserve also provide peaceful surroundings and less frequented paths.

Yes, Exmouth has various parking facilities, including long-stay car parks, which are convenient for accessing the start of many cycling routes, including the Exe Estuary Trail and the path towards Budleigh Salterton. Specific parking information can often be found on local council websites or tourist information sites.

Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for cycling in Exmouth, with milder temperatures and fewer crowds than the peak summer months. These seasons also provide excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting, particularly along the Exe Estuary. While winter cycling is possible, be prepared for cooler, potentially wetter weather.