The best road cycling routes around Drewsteignton

There are nearly 80 road cycling routes around Drewsteignton, catering to various skill levels. This includes 8 easy routes, 54 moderate routes, and 16 difficult routes, offering diverse terrain from quiet lanes to challenging Dartmoor climbs.

Road cycling around Drewsteignton offers a varied landscape, from the dramatic Teign Gorge with its steep-sided valleys to the rugged open moorland of Dartmoor National Park. You'll encounter a mix of challenging climbs, quiet, high-hedged lanes, and distinctive granite features. The terrain transitions from open moorland to more gentle, wooded hills.

Yes, the area is a great starting point for longer rides. A notable option is the Dartmoor Way Cycle Route, which is a 34.1-mile (54.8 km) trail providing a comprehensive circuit around Dartmoor National Park. Another challenging option is the Postbridge Clapper Bridge – Scenic Road to Hound Tor loop from Chagford, a 40.3-mile (64.9 km) route through Dartmoor's granite landscape.

The routes often feature stunning views over the Teign Gorge and the thickly wooded Devon hills. You might also encounter Dartmoor's distinctive granite tors. Specific highlights include Hookney Tor and Kes Tor and Rock Basin, which offer excellent viewpoints. The historic Yes Tor summit is also within reach.

While many routes in Dartmoor can be challenging, some sections, particularly those utilizing disused railway lines like parts of the 'Granite & Gears' routes near Princetown, offer more family-friendly cycling experiences. For specific routes, it's best to check the difficulty ratings; there are 8 easy routes available in the wider Drewsteignton area.

The road cycling routes around Drewsteignton are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 24 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscape, the mix of challenging climbs and quiet lanes, and the stunning views over the Teign Gorge and Dartmoor National Park.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Drewsteignton are designed as loops. For example, the Wray Valley Trail – Scenic Road to Hound Tor loop from Chagford is a popular 30.0-mile (48.3 km) circular path. The Dartmoor Way Cycle Route is also a comprehensive circular route around the National Park.

Beyond the natural beauty, you can find several attractions. Kennick Reservoir and Fernworthy Reservoir are picturesque spots. The historic Castle Drogo is also located near the Teign Gorge. Additionally, the area is rich in prehistoric sites like Spinster's Rock.

Drewsteignton and Dartmoor offer beautiful cycling conditions, particularly during spring, summer, and early autumn when the weather is generally milder and the views are clearer. The landscape transitions from high moorland to high-hedged lanes, which are especially scenic in warmer months. Always be prepared for changeable weather on Dartmoor.

Yes, several routes offer views of or pass near water features. The Teign Gorge itself is defined by the River Teign. You can also find routes that go by reservoirs such as Kennick Reservoir and Fernworthy Reservoir, providing scenic stops along your ride.

The routes vary significantly in difficulty. While there are 8 easy routes, the majority (54) are moderate, and 16 are classified as difficult. The difficult routes often feature significant elevation gains, characteristic of Dartmoor's challenging climbs. For instance, the Mount Boon Milk Co – Long Descent (or Ascent) loop from Cheriton Bishop is a moderate route with notable elevation changes.

Absolutely. The landscape around Drewsteignton is diverse. You'll find routes that traverse the rugged open moorland of Dartmoor National Park, offering sweeping views, and then transition into more sheltered, high-hedged lanes through hamlets and past farmsteads, often alongside thickly wooded areas like Fingle Woods and the Teign Gorge.