The best road cycling routes around Dunsford

Dunsford offers a diverse range of road cycling routes suitable for various skill levels. You'll find options from easy rides to more challenging ascents. Out of over 300 routes, about 46 are considered easy, 193 moderate, and 79 difficult, providing choices for different fitness levels and preferences.

Routes around Dunsford vary significantly in length and time. You can find rides ranging from shorter loops to longer excursions up to five hours. For example, the Cafe 64 – Cafe 3 Sixty loop from Doddiscombsleigh is about 21 miles (33.7 km) and takes around 1 hour 29 minutes, while the Topsham Ferry – Exeter Ship Canal shared path loop from Devon is a moderate 38.7 miles (62.3 km) path.

Yes, Dunsford is well-suited for circular road cycling routes. Many of the available tours are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. An example is the Wray Valley Trail – Doccombe Climb loop from Dunsford, which takes you through river valleys and woodland.

Road cycling in Dunsford offers expansive moorland, open horizons, and river valleys like the River Teign. You might encounter the Dunsford Woodland Reserve, known for its ancient trees and wild daffodils in spring. Notable landmarks include Fingle Bridge and the Exeter Ship Canal, which features on some routes.

For exploring the Dunsford Woodland Reserve area, Steps Bridge is a convenient starting point, offering parking facilities. Many routes also begin from nearby villages or towns, where local parking options may be available.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 140 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, from river valleys and woodlands to open moorland, and the variety of routes catering to different abilities.

While many routes involve varied terrain and elevation, some paths, particularly those along river and canal-side scenery, might be suitable for families. The Dunsford Woodland Reserve itself offers accessible paths, though these are not specifically road cycling routes. Look for routes with mostly paved surfaces and lower elevation gains for a more family-friendly experience.

Yes, the region offers opportunities for refreshment stops. The Cafe 64 – Cafe 3 Sixty loop from Doddiscombsleigh explicitly mentions cafes, indicating that such amenities are available. Steps Bridge, a common starting point, also has tea rooms. Many villages and towns in the area will have local pubs and cafes.

Spring is particularly beautiful in Dunsford, especially around the Dunsford Woodland Reserve, which is famous for its stunning displays of wild daffodils. Clear days offer distant views toward the coast, enhancing the scenic backdrop for rides. While cycling is possible year-round, spring and summer generally provide the most pleasant weather conditions.

Absolutely. Dunsford, being on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, offers routes with significant elevation gains, some exceeding 1500 ft. These more difficult routes provide a challenge for experienced cyclists looking for demanding ascents and longer durations. The Mount Boon Milk Co – Long Descent (or Ascent) loop from Cheriton Bishop is an example of a route with notable elevation changes.

There are over 300 road cycling routes available around Dunsford on komoot, offering a wide selection for all abilities and preferences.