The best cycling routes around Exeter

Exeter offers a wide variety of touring cycling routes, with over 280 options available. These routes cater to all skill levels, including 68 easy, 112 moderate, and 106 difficult trails, ensuring there's something for every cyclist.

Yes, Exeter is excellent for family-friendly touring. The Exe Estuary trail loop from Exeter to Exmouth is a largely flat, traffic-free route perfect for all ages. Another great option is the Exeter Quayside – Exeter Ship Canal loop from Exeter St Thomas, which offers a pleasant ride along the historic canal.

Many routes in Exeter offer fantastic opportunities for nature and wildlife viewing. The Exe Estuary Trail, for example, is renowned for its abundant birdlife, passing through RSPB reserves. You might also spot deer near Powderham Castle. The Exe Estuary Trail – Exe Estuary Trail loop from Newcourt is a great choice for experiencing the estuary's natural beauty.

For those seeking a challenge, routes venturing towards Dartmoor National Park offer more significant climbs and rugged landscapes. The Exeter, Dawlish & Haldon loop is a difficult route with substantial elevation gain, providing a rewarding experience for advanced touring cyclists.

Several routes are dotted with charming cafes and pubs. The Exe Estuary Trail passes through villages like Lympstone and Exton, which have establishments perfect for a break. The Exeter Canal Cycle Route also features popular pubs along its path. Consider the Exeter Ship Canal – Turf Hotel loop from Ide for a ride that includes a stop at the historic Turf Hotel.

Exeter's touring routes offer a blend of natural beauty and historical interest. Along the Exeter Ship Canal, you can explore the historic waterway itself, dating back to the 1560s. The Exeter Ship Canal – Exeter Canal Basin loop from St James' Park will take you past the Exeter Ship Canal and towards Topsham Town Centre, a charming historical settlement. You might also pass near Powderham Castle on some Exe Estuary routes.

Yes, many of Exeter's touring cycling routes are designed as loops, offering convenient starting and ending points. The Exe Estuary loop from Exeter to Dawlish is a popular circular option, providing continuous scenic views. The Thorverton Loop also offers a pleasant circular ride through the Devon countryside.

Exeter is enjoyable for touring cycling throughout much of the year. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring the estuary and woodlands. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, especially in areas like Haldon Forest Park. While winter can be cooler, many of the well-maintained, largely flat routes, such as those along the Exe Estuary and Canal, remain accessible and enjoyable.

Exeter has good public transport links, making it possible to access many cycling routes. The Exe Estuary Trail, for instance, is well-connected by train stations along its length, allowing cyclists to shorten their ride or return to their starting point. Many routes start close to urban centers, which are well-served by buses.

The touring cycling experience in Exeter is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 400 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, from the flat, traffic-free estuary paths to the more challenging terrain bordering Dartmoor. The well-maintained cycle infrastructure and the abundance of natural beauty and charming villages are frequently highlighted.

Exeter serves as a gateway to longer touring adventures. Routes extend to destinations like Budleigh Salterton and the city is also part of long-distance routes such as the Devon Coast to Coast. For a moderately long ride, consider the Exe Estuary Trail – Exe Estuary Trail loop from Exeter St Thomas, which covers over 54 km.

The Exe Estuary Trail is the primary route for stunning estuary views. The Exe Estuary Trail – Exe Estuary Trail loop from Digby and Sowton offers extensive stretches along the estuary, providing picturesque vistas of the river, abundant wildlife, and charming villages.