The best gravel rides around Bovey Tracey

Bovey Tracey offers a wide selection of gravel biking routes, with over 20 trails available. These range in difficulty, providing options for various skill levels, from moderate to challenging rides.

You can expect a diverse mix of terrain, including traffic-free paths, quiet country lanes, and dedicated gravel sections like the Wray Valley Trail. Routes often combine paved and unpaved surfaces, with elevations varying from undulating lanes to steeper climbs, especially as you approach Dartmoor National Park.

While many routes around Bovey Tracey are rated moderate to difficult, there are options that cater to less experienced riders. The Wray Valley Trail itself offers a mainly traffic-free, compact gravel surface, which is ideal for those looking for a gentler ride. For a specific route, consider exploring sections of the Haytor Rocks – Hound Tor loop from Hound Tor, which is rated moderate and shorter in distance.

The region is rich in natural beauty. You can ride past iconic granite tors like Haytor Rocks and Hound Tor, explore the picturesque Bovey Valley, or cycle alongside reservoirs such as Kennick, Tottiford, and Trenchford. The Haytor Quarry Pond with Water Lilies is another beautiful spot to discover.

Yes, many of the gravel routes in the area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the popular Fingle Bridge – Wray Valley Trail loop from Bovey Tracey offers a substantial circular ride, and the Wray Valley Trail – Wray Valley Trail loop from Bovey Tracey is another excellent option for a circular tour through the Bovey Valley.

The gravel biking routes around Bovey Tracey are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.1 stars from over 30 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the varied terrain, the stunning views of Dartmoor, and the mix of quiet lanes and dedicated gravel paths that make for an engaging ride.

Yes, many routes are designed with amenities in mind. You'll find cafes and pubs in Bovey Tracey itself, and often in nearby villages like North Bovey, providing convenient spots to refuel during or after your ride. The Cafe 3 Sixty – Simms Hill Trail loop from Bovey Tracey even highlights a specific cafe in its name.

Given the mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, including compact gravel and rough country lanes, tires above 28c are recommended. For optimal comfort and grip, 30c or wider tires are generally better equipped to handle the varied terrain you'll encounter around Bovey Tracey and Dartmoor.

Bovey Tracey is a good starting point for many routes. While specific public transport links directly to trailheads might vary, the town itself is accessible, and many routes, such as those incorporating the Wray Valley Trail, begin directly from or near Bovey Tracey, making it feasible to arrive by public transport and start your ride.

Absolutely. Bovey Tracey is an excellent base for challenging gravel rides, especially with its proximity to Dartmoor. Routes like the Rixdale Road – Haldon Forest MTB Skills Park loop from Haldon Forest Park offer significant elevation gain and diverse terrain, incorporating areas like the Haldon Forest MTB Skills Park for a more demanding experience. Many of the 11 difficult routes available will test experienced riders.

The diverse landscape of Bovey Tracey and Dartmoor offers enjoyable gravel biking throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, while summer allows for longer days. Even in winter, with appropriate gear, many trails remain accessible, though conditions on Dartmoor can be more challenging.

Beyond the main trails, the Parke Estate, just outside Bovey Tracey, offers additional woods and meadows suitable for cycling. The wider Dartmoor National Park, accessible from Bovey Tracey, provides vast opportunities for exploration, with its moorland, ancient forests, and distinctive granite tors. You can also explore the area around Becky Falls, known for its captivating waterfall and surrounding woodland.