The best traffic-free bike rides around Christow
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4,454
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No traffic touring cycling routes around Christow offer diverse terrain on the eastern edge of Dartmoor National Park, where the village is situated within the Teign Valley. The area features a mosaic of pastoral fields, woodlands, and hedgerows, providing a picturesque cycling environment. Hilly terrain around the Teign Valley offers varied gradients, while nearby reservoirs like Kennick, Tottiford, and Trenchford provide tranquil routes. The landscape rises to wooded uplands to the west, traversed by a network of quiet winding lanes ideal for touring cyclists.
Best no traffic touring cycling routes around Christow
- The most popular no traffic touring cycling route is Tottiford Reservoir – Trenchford Reservoir loop from Christow, a 11.9 miles (19.2 km) trail that takes 1 hour 24 minutes to complete, offering scenic views around the reservoirs.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Rookery Brook Lane loop from Christow, a moderate 7.2 miles (11.7 km) path. This route explores quiet lanes and the undulating landscape of the Teign Valley.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Kennick Reservoir Bridleway – Trenchford Reservoir loop from Christow, a 9.3 miles (15.0 km) trail leading through reservoir areas and woodlands, often completed in about 1 hour 6 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Christow is defined by the Teign Valley's dramatic landforms, the expansive moorland on the Dartmoor fringe, and tranquil reservoir paths. The network offers options for easy, moderate, and difficult routes, catering to various ability levels.
- The routes in Christow are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 200 reviews. More than 4000 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Christow's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
5
riders
19.2km
01:24
370m
370m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
11.7km
00:52
260m
260m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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2
riders
15.0km
01:06
300m
300m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
24.3km
01:43
470m
470m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
24.7km
01:49
410m
410m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Haldon Forest Park opened the new start to the red trail in mid December 2023 and it's fantastic. It's packed gravel with berms at the start, then splits in two. Take the right 'short cut' to cut the entire red in two (or take it to ride back to the start and do the new section again) or stay left to carry on along the new bit and then get onto the usual red. This new section is nowhere near as challenging as the main red, but it's super fast and fun. As it spits you out on the fire track after a short distance, it's great for kids too, who can have a great time on this punchy gravel but bail before the red gets hairy. The way it's set up means it's easy to only do this bit, ride back to the start, and do it again and again.
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Great little hire shop. £20 for 4 hours and decent bikes for the trials around the forest. Don't forget ID
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Beautiful reservoir. You should take a look.
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Beautiful reservoir with a great path around it. Nice place with cyclists and hikers.
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Nice and very cycle friendly cafe at Haldon Forest. Plenty of outside bike storage, picnic benches etc as well as indoor seating. Good simple menu for food, snacks, and drinks. Perfectly positioned to ride from here on the surfaced trails of Haldon or to include it as a stop in a longer loop. Open every day.
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A stunning lane section following alongside Rookery Brook. Enjoy the mossy stones, lichen-clad branches and banks of ferns as you pedal the narrow lane between woodland as you approach Bridford (climbing) or head out of the village (descending).
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Clifford Bridge lies right next to the River Teign and is at the cross roads of multiple road (some steep and some steeper) and gravel options (generally smooth and fast). There's also a lush little lodge site which could be a great option for a weekend get away.
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Lush lush and more lush gravel. This section of gravel follows the River Teign from Steps Bridge finishing just before Clifford Bridge. You might pass the odd dog walker but otherwise it is quiet. The gravel/dirt is dreamy and generally really smooth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available around Christow?
There are nearly 120 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Christow, offering a wide range of options for exploring the Teign Valley and the fringes of Dartmoor National Park. These routes are designed for a peaceful cycling experience away from busy roads.
What is the general difficulty level of touring cycling routes near Christow?
The routes around Christow offer a good mix of difficulty. You'll find 25 easy routes, 46 moderate routes, and 48 difficult routes. The Teign Valley's hilly terrain means many routes include rewarding ascents, but there are also gentler options, particularly around the reservoirs.
Are there any circular no-traffic touring cycling routes in the Christow area?
Yes, many of the no-traffic touring cycling routes around Christow are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. An example is the Tottiford Reservoir – Trenchford Reservoir loop from Christow, which offers scenic views around the reservoirs.
What natural features can I expect to see along the no-traffic cycling routes?
The routes traverse a diverse landscape. You'll encounter the pastoral fields and woodlands of the Teign Valley, the expansive moorland of Dartmoor's edge, and tranquil reservoir areas like Kennick, Tottiford, and Trenchford. The area is known for its well-wooded and picturesque environment.
Are there any notable landmarks or attractions accessible from the no-traffic touring cycling routes?
Yes, several routes pass near interesting landmarks. You might cycle close to historic sites like Castle Drogo or natural formations such as Haytor Rocks and Hound Tor on Dartmoor. Canonteign Falls, a natural attraction with a cafe, is also nearby and can be a point of interest.
What do other touring cyclists say about the no-traffic routes around Christow?
The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience around Christow, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 280 ratings. Cyclists often praise the quiet winding lanes, the stunning views of the Teign Valley and Dartmoor, and the peaceful atmosphere away from traffic.
Are there any longer, more challenging no-traffic touring routes for experienced cyclists?
For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, routes like the Old Exeter Road Climb – Haldon Forest MTB Skills Park loop from Christow offer significant elevation gains and longer distances, providing a rewarding workout through varied terrain.
Can I find family-friendly no-traffic cycling routes near Christow?
Yes, there are several routes suitable for families looking for a relaxed ride. The area's quiet lanes and reservoir loops, such as the one around Kennick Reservoir, often provide gentler gradients and safer environments for family cycling. Look for routes marked as 'easy' in the guide.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling around Christow?
The region is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions with milder temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer provides longer daylight hours, while winter can be crisp and clear, though some higher moorland routes might be more exposed to weather.
Are there any moderate-difficulty routes that offer a good balance of distance and scenery?
Certainly. A moderate route like the Kennick Reservoir Bridleway – Trenchford Reservoir loop from Christow covers about 15 km with manageable elevation, offering a great way to experience the area's natural beauty without being overly strenuous.
Where can I find amenities like cafes or pubs along the no-traffic routes?
While many routes are rural, Christow village itself has amenities like the historic Artichoke Inn and St James the Apostle church. Some attractions like Canonteign Falls also offer cafes. Planning your route to pass through villages or near these points of interest will allow for refreshment stops.
What kind of terrain should I expect on the no-traffic touring cycling routes?
The terrain varies from quiet, winding paved lanes through pastoral valleys to more undulating paths on the fringes of Dartmoor. You'll encounter a mix of surfaces, but the focus on 'touring cycling' means routes are generally suitable for road or hybrid bikes, with some sections potentially on well-maintained bridleways.
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