The best cycling routes around Awliscombe

Awliscombe offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 160 options available. These routes cater to various skill levels, including 29 easy, 92 moderate, and 44 difficult trails, ensuring there's something for every cyclist.

The terrain around Awliscombe is characterized by picturesque undulating countryside, featuring intricate field patterns, deep valleys, and narrow, winding lanes. You'll encounter hills and elevated areas, especially within the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), offering panoramic views. Routes like the Honiton and Luppitt loop provide a moderate challenge with scenic climbs.

Yes, for those seeking a more challenging ride, routes extend towards the East Devon coast. The Honiton, Sidmouth and Seaton loop is a difficult 51.6 km path that provides stunning views of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, offering a rewarding coastal connection.

The region is rich in natural beauty and historical sites. You can enjoy views of the River Wolf and River Otter, explore parts of the Blackdown Hills AONB, and the East Devon National Landscape. Notable landmarks include the Culmstock Beacon Viewpoint, offering panoramic views, and the intriguing Pixie's Parlour Cave. Ancient sites like Hembury Fort are also accessible.

Yes, many routes in the area are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For example, the Honiton, Upottery and Stockland loop is a challenging 30.1 km circular route through the Blackdown Hills. Another option is the moderate Gittisham Church – The Otter Inn loop from Gittisham, which is about 17.9 km.

The touring cycling routes around Awliscombe are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 30 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from moderate loops to challenging coastal connections, and the beautiful, undulating countryside within the Blackdown Hills AONB.

While many routes feature undulating terrain, some areas offer more relaxed options. The Byes Riverside Park along the River Sid, near Sidmouth, has a flat 2km cycle path suitable for a relaxed family ride. Additionally, the Exe Estuary boasts an almost entirely traffic-free and wonderfully level cycle route, ideal for all abilities, though it requires a short journey from Awliscombe.

Traditional villages and market towns like Honiton are nearby and offer amenities. Some routes are designed to include stops, such as the Boston Tea Party Café Honiton – The Cranberry Farm loop from Honiton, which incorporates a café. You'll find pubs and cafes in many of the local villages, perfect for a break.

Awliscombe is a rural village, and while specific public transport links directly to trailheads might be limited, nearby market towns like Honiton are better connected. From Honiton, you can often cycle to the starting points of many routes. Planning your journey in advance is recommended.

Absolutely. Beyond the natural beauty, you can explore historical sites such as the medieval St Mary's Church and Hemyock Castle in the nearby village of Hemyock, or the historic Dunkeswell Abbey, dating back to 1201. These offer interesting diversions during your cycling tour.

The picturesque undulating countryside of Awliscombe is enjoyable throughout much of the year. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring the Blackdown Hills AONB and East Devon National Landscape. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, while winter rides can be crisp but may require more attention to weather conditions on the narrow, winding lanes.

Generally, no specific permit is required for touring cycling on public roads and designated cycle paths within the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. However, always respect private land and follow local signage, especially when cycling through farmland or private estates.