The best cycling routes around Plymouth

There are 12 touring cycling routes around Plymouth, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. You'll find options ranging from easy to more challenging rides.

Plymouth's touring cycling routes offer a diverse mix of landscapes. You can explore coastal paths with views of Plymouth Sound, tranquil woodland trails through areas like Plymbridge Woods, and more challenging moorland terrain as you approach Dartmoor National Park. Routes also feature riverside paths, such as those along the River Plym.

Yes, Plymouth offers several easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. For instance, the Bentley Loop Trail – East Head Pond loop from Massasoit National Wildlife Refuge is an easy 14.8-mile path that provides a gentle ride around natural pond areas. Another accessible option is the East Head Pond – Bentley Loop Trail loop from Massasoit National Wildlife Refuge, which is 11.6 miles long and leads through varied terrain.

The touring cycling routes in Plymouth are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars from over 3 reviews. More than 65 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the quiet woodlands and well-maintained paths.

For more experienced riders seeking a longer challenge, the Myles Standish State Forest – Bentley Loop Trail loop from Plymouth North High School is a moderate 21.0-mile route that navigates through forest landscapes. While not explicitly listed in the guide data, the region's proximity to Dartmoor National Park also suggests opportunities for more advanced, longer rides on quiet roads and trails.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in Plymouth are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Waiting Hill – North Hill Marsh Pond loop from North Hill Marsh Pond and the Bentley Loop Trail – East Head Pond loop from Massasoit National Wildlife Refuge.

Yes, the Plym Valley Trail, which winds through Plymbridge Woods, offers a gentler, traffic-free cycling experience. Another excellent option is the National Cycle Network Route 27, also known as Drake's Trail, which provides a spectacular 21.3-mile traffic-free route from Plymouth to Tavistock, ideal for families.

Many routes offer access to interesting attractions. For example, the North Plymouth (Seaside) Rail Trail – Mayflower II loop from Plymouth takes you near historical sites like the Mayflower II and Plymouth Rock. You can also find routes that pass by natural features such as North Hill Marsh Pond and through Myles Standish State Forest.

Absolutely. The Plym Valley Trail, which passes through Plymbridge Woods, is an oak woodland known for its wildlife, including fallow deer and various bird species. Routes within Myles Standish State Forest also offer opportunities to observe nature in a forest setting.

Yes, Plymouth's position on the English Channel provides fantastic coastal vistas. Routes along the Barbican and Sutton Harbour offer scenic rides within the city, showcasing historic sites and views of Plymouth Sound. The National Cycle Network Route 2 also features coastal sections in and around Plymouth.

For additional resources and information about cycling in the area, you can visit the official tourism websites. Visit Devon and Visit Plymouth offer further insights into local cycling opportunities and attractions.