The best gravel rides around Devon

Devon offers incredibly diverse terrain for gravel biking. You'll find everything from the rugged, windswept high moors and granite tors of Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks to secluded valleys, rolling farmland, and dramatic coastlines. The routes often feature a mix of surfaces, providing varied and engaging rides.

Yes, Devon is home to several excellent long-distance routes. The East Devon Trail is a notable 113-mile bikepacking route traversing rural and coastal landscapes. Additionally, the Devon Coast to Coast (NCN27) spans 100 miles, incorporating sections of the Tarka Trail, Granite Way, and Drake's Trail, offering extensive gravel opportunities.

For families, the Tarka Trail in North Devon is an excellent choice. It's a largely traffic-free, 50-kilometer (30-mile) path built on a disused railway line, winding through estuaries, woods, and valleys. The Exe Estuary Trail is another popular, mostly flat, 22.5-mile traffic-free route offering scenic views suitable for all ages.

Haldon Forest Park near Exeter provides a dedicated network of bike trails suitable for gravel and mountain biking, with options catering to various skill levels. These trails are well-maintained and offer a great experience for those looking for specific off-road cycling infrastructure.

Yes, many routes in Devon are designed as loops. For example, the Granite & Gears: Princetown & Burrator Loop on Dartmoor offers a challenging 45.2 km circular route with mixed terrain and reservoir views. Other areas like the Puffing Billy Trail also offer continuous, circular-like experiences on old tramways.

Devon's protected landscapes, including Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks and the Jurassic Coast, offer numerous scenic viewpoints. Routes through these areas provide breathtaking vistas of high moors, granite tors, secluded valleys, and dramatic cliffside scenery. The East Devon Trail, for instance, offers expansive views towards the Jurassic Coast.

Many gravel routes in Devon pass through or near charming villages and towns, offering opportunities for pub stops and amenities. The Exe Estuary Trail, for example, connects several communities with facilities. Routes around the River Otter and the Tarka Trail also provide access to local services and refreshments.

The best time for gravel biking in Devon is generally from spring through autumn when the weather is milder and trails are drier. Summer offers longer daylight hours, while spring and autumn provide beautiful scenery with fewer crowds. Winter can be challenging due to wet and muddy conditions, especially on moorland trails.

The komoot community highly rates gravel biking in Devon, with an average score of 3.8 stars from over 8 reviews. Riders frequently praise the region's diverse landscapes, from challenging moorland climbs to scenic coastal paths, and the extensive network of cycle routes that cater to various abilities.

Absolutely. Dartmoor National Park, in particular, offers challenging gravel biking with its windswept high moors and granite tors. Routes like the Granite & Gears: Princetown & Burrator Loop provide difficult terrain and significant elevation changes, perfect for experienced riders seeking a demanding adventure.

Yes, Devon has several excellent trails built on disused railway lines. The Tarka Trail in North Devon is a prime example, offering a 50-kilometer (30-mile) largely traffic-free path. Another notable one is the Puffing Billy Trail on Dartmoor, an 8-mile continuous gravel track following an old tramway.

Devon is rich in protected landscapes, with approximately 35% designated as such. You can gravel bike through two National Parks, Dartmoor and Exmoor, both offering unique moorland and valley experiences. The county also features five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and sections of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast, providing stunning natural environments to explore.