Killerton, Ashclyst and East Hill — Exeter gravel routes

A longer and more challenging Tour, this route takes in Killerton National Trust and Ashclyst Forest to the north-east of Exeter, before heading further east around Ottery St Mary to take in the East Hill Strip, and back down to the Exe Estuary via an old railway line path in Harpford Woods and over Woodbury Common.

From Central Exeter, head north to leave the city on a narrow bridleway to Stoke Hill Farm, before a series of lanes through Poltimore lead to the Broadclyst Family Cycle Trail. You can ride a lap of the gorgeous Killerton Estate thanks to the bridleway access, on great gravel tracks through the park and woodland.

Cross over the M5 motorway to head up to Ashclyst Forest, following the bridleway tracks through this ancient mixed woodland. It’s a paradise for mushroom foragers in autumn here!

Head east on lanes through Feniton before climbing up East Hill: a long ridge that leads south to Sidmouth on the coast. Riding on the lane and gravel track, enjoy incredible views over East Devon to the sea from up here, before descending Beacon Hill to Bowd.

The disused railway line through Harpford Wood above the River Otter is a real treat: almost flat, wide and fast with a steep valley side on your left. Climb back up to Woodbury Common from Newton Poppleford, joining the East Devon Way on wide gravel tracks looking across to West Devon and even Dartmoor beyond.

The last section is easygoing, descending off the common on lanes through Woodbury Salterton to Topsham, where you can join the National Cycle Network Route 2 back into Exeter.