The best cycling routes around St. John

There are over 170 touring cycling routes around St. John, offering a wide range of options for exploring the Rame Peninsula and Whitsand Bay. These routes cater to various skill levels, from moderate coastal loops to more challenging paths.

Yes, St. John offers a good selection of routes suitable for beginners and families. Approximately 36 of the routes are classified as easy. These typically follow quieter country lanes and offer less elevation gain, providing a pleasant experience for those new to touring cycling or riding with children.

Touring cycling around St. John is characterized by stunning coastal vistas. You can expect panoramic views of the Rame Peninsula, the expansive Whitsand Bay, and the English Channel. Many routes also offer glimpses of charming villages and historic sites along the coastline.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around St. John are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the View of the Rame Peninsula – Whitsand Bay Coastal Road loop from Millbrook is a popular moderate circular route offering coastal scenery.

The routes around St. John often pass by significant points of interest. You might encounter historical sites like Mayflower Steps, impressive structures such as The Royal Citadel, Plymouth, or natural viewpoints like Plymouth Hoe. The The Barbican, Plymouth – Tinside Lido loop from St. John specifically takes you past urban and coastal attractions including Tinside Lido.

Absolutely. St. John offers 70 difficult touring cycling routes for those seeking a greater challenge. These routes often feature more significant elevation gains and longer distances. An example is the Cawsand Beach – Whitsand Bay Coastal Road loop from Kingsand, which includes substantial climbs and covers nearly 38 km.

The touring cycling routes in St. John are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 200 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the diverse coastal paths, scenic peninsulas, and the variety of road surfaces that make for engaging rides. The blend of sea views and quiet country lanes is often highlighted as a favorite aspect.

Yes, many routes in the St. John area utilize quiet country lanes, especially those venturing inland or through smaller villages. The Whitsand Bay Coastal Road – Quiet Route to Antony loop from Millbrook is a good example, specifically designed to lead through coastal areas and quiet lanes, offering a more tranquil ride.

The routes vary significantly in length and duration. You can find shorter rides, like the Whitsand Bay Coastal Road – Quiet Route to Antony loop from Millbrook at 11.7 km (approx. 48 minutes), to longer, more demanding tours such as The Barbican, Plymouth – Tinside Lido loop from St. John, which is 34.7 km and takes over 2 hours.

While specific public transport links directly to every trailhead may vary, many routes are accessible from towns and villages that have bus services or are within cycling distance of ferry terminals connecting to Plymouth. Planning your route with public transport in mind is advisable, especially for linear routes or if you prefer not to drive to the starting point.

Yes, several routes originate from or pass through these charming areas. For instance, the Edgcumbe Arms, Cremyll – Millbrook Old Cemetery loop from Maker-with-Rame is a moderate route that explores the local landscape, including the Millbrook area.