The best traffic-free bike rides in Dartmoor

Dartmoor offers a wide selection of no-traffic road cycling routes, with over 60 options available on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, including 8 easy, 44 moderate, and 8 difficult rides.

You can expect diverse terrain, from quiet lanes and minor roads to challenging hill climbs and descents. Dartmoor's landscape features vast open moorland, rugged granite tors, and deep-cut river valleys. Routes like Dartmeet, Widecombe & Hay Tor loop showcase some of the more challenging ascents.

Yes, Dartmoor has several easy, family-friendly options. The Burrator Reservoir loop is a great example, offering a relatively flat and scenic ride around the reservoir. Other routes, like sections of Drake's Trail or the Granite Way, utilize disused railway lines, providing traffic-free and gentler gradients suitable for families.

Dartmoor's routes pass by many natural wonders. You can spot iconic granite tors like Haytor Rocks and Hound Tor. The region also features serene reservoirs such as Burrator Reservoir and various waterfalls, including Lydford Gorge and Whitelady Waterfall.

Many routes in Dartmoor are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. The Dartmoor Way is a prominent 90-95 mile circular route that uses quiet lanes and traffic-free sections. For a shorter option, consider the Meldon Viaduct loop from Lydford.

The weather on Dartmoor can be changeable due to its higher elevation. Spring and summer generally offer the most pleasant conditions for cycling, with longer daylight hours and milder temperatures. However, be prepared for sudden weather shifts regardless of the season.

The no-traffic road cycling routes in Dartmoor are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from 59 ratings. Reviewers often praise the breathtaking landscapes, the challenge of the climbs, and the tranquility of cycling on quiet lanes away from heavy traffic.

Yes, Dartmoor offers routes that utilize former railway lines, providing excellent traffic-free cycling. The Granite Way, an 11-mile trail between Okehampton and Lydford, follows a disused railway and offers spectacular views. Sections of Drake's Trail also incorporate former railway paths.

Yes, many charming villages and hamlets are dotted throughout Dartmoor, offering opportunities for breaks and refreshments. Cyclists can often find cycling-friendly cafes and traditional pubs along or near the routes to refuel.

Given Dartmoor's varied terrain and changeable weather, it's advisable to bring layers of clothing, waterproofs, sufficient water and snacks, a repair kit, and a fully charged phone. A map or GPS device is also recommended for navigation, even on well-known routes.

Absolutely. Dartmoor is known for its challenging climbs and significant elevation gains. Routes like the Dartmeet, Widecombe & Hay Tor loop from Ashburton, with over 1200 meters of elevation gain, offer a demanding experience for experienced road cyclists seeking a physical challenge on quiet roads.