The best cycling routes in Dunsdon National Nature Reserve

The touring cycling routes in and around Dunsdon National Nature Reserve primarily feature quiet country lanes with rolling hills. The landscape is characterized by rare Culm Grassland, wet woodland, and scrub. You'll encounter rural roads with varied gradients, offering a natural setting for exploration.

Yes, there are options suitable for families. For instance, the Upper Tamar Lake – Upper Tamar Lake loop from Upper Tamar Dam is an easy 3.3-mile (5.3 km) path with minimal elevation changes, offering pleasant views of the lake. The wider Ruby Country also offers quiet lanes that can be suitable for family rides.

Many of the touring cycling routes in the area are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the popular Upper River Tamar and Tamar Lakes loop and the Ruby Way loop from Pyworthy.

While cycling is possible year-round, visiting between May and August offers the best chances to see the diverse flora, including flowering plants, orchids, and butterflies, that Dunsdon National Nature Reserve is known for. This period generally provides more favorable weather conditions for cycling and wildlife observation.

Dunsdon National Nature Reserve is a haven for wildlife. You might spot the rare marsh fritillary butterfly, banded demoiselle damselfly, and numerous bird species, including barn owls. The restored Bude Canal area is excellent for dragonflies, amphibians, and a growing heronry. Mammals like fox, roe deer, and badgers are also present.

While the reserve primarily features walking trails, the surrounding quiet country lanes are ideal for touring cyclists. A specific route, 'Holsworthy, Chilsworthy and Dunsdon NNR,' is designed to incorporate the reserve as a destination. You can find more details on this route via the Ruby Country website.

The Dunsdon National Nature Reserve area offers a range of difficulty levels. You'll find easy routes, such as the Upper Tamar Lake loop, which has minimal elevation. There are also numerous moderate routes, like the Model Sailboat Lake Loop, and some more challenging options with greater elevation changes, totaling over 60 routes in the area.

The nearby town of Holsworthy is a good place to find cafes, pubs, and accommodation. While Dunsdon National Nature Reserve itself is a natural area, these amenities are accessible in surrounding towns, making them convenient stops during or after your ride.

The touring cycling routes in Dunsdon National Nature Reserve are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 40 reviews. Cyclists often praise the quiet country lanes, the natural beauty of the Culm Grassland, and the peaceful atmosphere of the rural roads.

Beyond the natural beauty of the Culm Grassland and wet woodlands, the restored Bude Canal forms part of the reserve's western edge and is a point of interest. The routes often traverse traditional landscapes with high hedges and offer glimpses of Devon Ruby cattle grazing, maintaining the environment.

Public transport options directly to Dunsdon National Nature Reserve are limited. However, you can explore bus services to nearby towns like Holsworthy, which can serve as a starting point for cycling routes in the wider Ruby Country area. Planning your journey in advance is recommended.

Parking facilities are typically available at key access points for the cycling routes, often near trailheads or in nearby villages and towns. For Dunsdon National Nature Reserve itself, there is a car park available for visitors accessing the reserve's walking trails, which can also serve as a starting point for exploring the surrounding cycling lanes.