The best cycling routes around Down St Mary

There are over 30 touring cycling routes around Down St Mary, offering a variety of distances and challenges for cyclists to explore the Mid Devon countryside.

The routes around Down St Mary are characterized by the rolling hills of the Devon countryside, rural roads, and varied terrain. You'll encounter a mix of ascents and descents, providing scenic views and an engaging cycling experience.

While many routes in the immediate vicinity are moderate to difficult, there is at least one easy touring cycling route available. The wider Devon area also offers family-friendly, traffic-free paths like sections of the Tarka Trail or the Grand Western Canal Cycle Route, which might be accessible with a short drive.

As you cycle around Down St Mary, you can discover several interesting landmarks. These include historical sites like Heywood Castle Motte and Bailey and Shobrooke Park Lake and Stone Bridge. You might also pass by religious buildings such as the Collegiate Church of the Holy Cross in Crediton, or natural monuments like St Swithun's Church and Holy Well. Additionally, areas like Eggesford Forest offer beautiful woodland scenery.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Down St Mary are designed as loops. For example, the River Okement – North Tawton Town Square loop from North Tawton is a moderate 24.6 km route that explores local river valleys and town squares. Another option is the Bike loop from Yeoford, a 16.5 km trail through rolling hills.

The touring cycling routes around Down St Mary are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.7 stars from 8 reviews. Cyclists often praise the tranquil rural setting, the scenic views of the Devon countryside, and the variety of routes that connect to wider cycling networks.

Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a challenge, there are 9 difficult touring cycling routes around Down St Mary. An example is the Exeter Ship Canal – Turf Hotel loop from Yeoford, a substantial 72.3 km route with significant elevation gain.

Yes, the region offers opportunities to stop for refreshments. The market town of Crediton, easily accessible from Down St Mary, has a range of shops and cafes. Some routes, like the Elephant on the Green Café – The Beer Engine loop from Crediton, are specifically designed to include stops at local establishments.

The rolling hills and rural roads of Mid Devon are enjoyable throughout much of the year. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather and lush green landscapes, while autumn brings beautiful foliage. Winter cycling is possible, but be prepared for potentially wetter and colder conditions, and check local road conditions.

For longer rides, consider routes that connect to the wider Devon cycling network. While the immediate Down St Mary area offers routes up to 72 km, you can link into routes like the Tarka Trail or the Granite Way, which provide extensive mileage across the county. An example of a longer route is the Thorverton Bridge – Killerton Parkland Bridleway loop from Yeoford, covering over 54 km.

For more general information about cycling opportunities across the wider Devon county, including details on the National Cycle Network and other popular routes, you can visit the Visit Devon website.