The best traffic-free bike rides around Plymtree

There are over 170 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Plymtree, offering a wide variety of distances and difficulty levels to explore the scenic East Devon countryside.

The region around Plymtree, particularly within the Blackdown Hills National Landscape, offers varied terrain. You'll find quiet country lanes, some challenging hill climbs, and exhilarating downhill stretches. The area features a mix of forests, farmland, and open plateaus, providing diverse landscapes for touring cyclists.

Yes, there are 46 easy routes around Plymtree, many of which are suitable for families and beginners. For a gentle ride, consider routes that explore the quieter country lanes. The Broadhembury Thatched Cottages – The Six Bells Inn loop from Plymtree is an easy 15.8 km option with minimal elevation gain.

Many routes offer scenic viewpoints across the Blackdown Hills. You can also incorporate visits to historical sites and natural features. For example, the Grand Western Canal offers a flat, tranquil path, and Dunkeswell Abbey is an ancient monument accessible from some routes. The Killerton Park Cycle Track also provides a pleasant stretch for cycling.

Yes, many of the no-traffic touring routes around Plymtree are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the moderate Talaton Pub loop from Plymtree (22.8 km) or the slightly longer Talaton Pub – Kentis Moor Woodland Road loop from Plymtree (31.8 km).

The spring and summer months generally offer the most pleasant weather for cycling, with longer daylight hours and milder temperatures. Autumn can also be beautiful with changing foliage. While some tracks like the Killerton Park Cycle Track can get muddy in winter, many quiet country lanes remain accessible year-round.

Absolutely. While many routes are shorter, you can combine sections or choose longer, more challenging tours. For instance, the difficult Talaton Pub – Fire Beacon Gravel Section loop from Plymtree covers nearly 43 km with significant elevation, offering a substantial ride through quiet areas.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquil and untouched rural setting, the network of quiet country lanes, and the stunning natural beauty of the Blackdown Hills, making it ideal for peaceful, traffic-free touring.

Many routes pass through or near charming villages where you can find local pubs and cafes. For example, the Broadhembury Thatched Cottages – The Six Bells Inn loop from Plymtree specifically mentions an inn, and the Talaton Pub loop from Plymtree suggests a pub stop. The Grand Western Canal also features cafes along its path.

Plymtree and surrounding villages typically offer local parking options, often near village centers or community halls, which can serve as convenient starting points for circular routes. It's advisable to check specific village amenities for designated parking areas before your ride.

While Plymtree itself is a rural village, public transport links to larger towns in East Devon are available. From these towns, you may be able to cycle to the starting points of some routes. However, for direct access to many of the quieter, more remote routes, personal transport is often more convenient.