The best traffic-free bike rides around Upottery

There are nearly 70 touring cycling routes around Upottery that focus on minimizing traffic, offering a wide range of options for cyclists looking for quieter rides. These routes vary in difficulty, from easy to difficult, ensuring there's something for every experience level.

Yes, while many routes in the Blackdown Hills offer a challenge, there are 4 easy touring cycling routes available around Upottery that are suitable for families or beginners looking for a more relaxed, traffic-free experience. These routes typically feature gentler gradients and shorter distances.

The terrain around Upottery, nestled in the Blackdown Hills National Landscape, is varied. You can expect rolling countryside with scenic views, offering both challenging ascents and more moderate sections. Routes may include paved surfaces, quiet country lanes, and some unpaved segments, providing a diverse touring experience away from heavy traffic.

Many routes pass by significant historical sites. You can explore Iron Age hill forts like Castle Neroche Iron Age Hill Fort, or visit the impressive Wellington Monument. The village of Hemyock also offers historical points of interest, including St Mary's Church and Hemyock Castle.

Yes, many of the no-traffic touring cycling routes around Upottery are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the challenging Castle Neroche Woods – Forest Dirt Path loop is over 100 km long, while the moderate Hemyock Village Pump – Hemyock Castle loop is a shorter 20.6 km ride.

For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, routes like the Castle Neroche Woods – Forest Dirt Path loop offer over 100 km of riding with significant elevation gain. Other demanding options include the View of Hemyock – Hemyock Village Pump loop at nearly 60 km, and the Hemyock Village Pump – Broadhembury Thatched Cottages loop, which is 57.5 km long.

The Upottery area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet country lanes, the stunning views across the Blackdown Hills, and the opportunity to explore historical sites and charming villages away from busy roads.

Absolutely. The Blackdown Hills National Landscape is rich in natural beauty. You can cycle to viewpoints like Culmstock Beacon Viewpoint or View from Sampford Point for panoramic vistas. The Otterhead Lakes also offer a tranquil natural setting to visit during your ride.

Yes, many routes are designed to pass through or near charming villages where you can find amenities. For instance, the village of Hemyock, the largest in the Blackdown Hills, features historic buildings and a pub established in 1740, making it a great stop for refreshments. Other routes will guide you through similar picturesque settlements.

Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in the Blackdown Hills. The weather is typically milder, and the landscapes are vibrant with seasonal colors. Summer can also be excellent, though it's advisable to start earlier in the day to avoid the warmest temperatures. Winter rides are possible but require appropriate gear for potentially colder and wetter conditions.

While the immediate guide focuses on Upottery and the Blackdown Hills, Upottery is situated on the River Otter. The broader region offers connections to the Otter Valley, with routes that can extend towards the coast, such as the Otter Valley through Tipton and Otterton to Budleigh Salterton, offering a different kind of scenic ride.