Haldon, Mamhead and Dawlish — Exeter gravel routes

Although the hillside to the west of the Exe may not boast the same commonland as to the east, there are still many great forest tracks and bridleways to explore, linked by mostly quiet lanes and the Exe Estuary Trail running down to Dawlish.

Starting from Exeter Quay, this Tour makes the most of the traffic free cycleways along the Exe and the canal to exit the city, following the Exe Estuary Trail down to Powderham village on the outbound leg. After the flat start, then you’ll need to climb on lanes and tracks up the hillside to Kenn, before tackling the well-known St Andrew’s Lane, which can be a little techy on a gravel bike! Look out for riders descending in the opposite direction as it’s pretty narrow in places.

After crossing Telegraph Hill, take the forest gravel roads parallel to the racecourse to Harcombe, then cross the A38 to Silverton and climb the steep hillside into Haldon Forest Park on Spicers Road.

Take a series of forest roads to head south to Mamhead Obelisk next, taking in the incredible views across the Exe Estuary to Exmouth and its harbour in the distance. Descend the unpaved Long Lane down to Dawlish Warren, riding out along the spit to get closer to the sea if you fancy it.

Back into Exeter is super simple on this Tour, following the Exe Estuary Trail all the way up to the swing bridge and then the canal towards the quay. Look out for the deer in the Powderham Estate as you pass by and seabirds over the estuary and marshes.