The best gravel rides around Devizes

There are over 30 gravel bike trails around Devizes listed on komoot, offering a wide range of options for different preferences and skill levels. These include routes of varying lengths and difficulties, from easy canal towpaths to more challenging hill climbs.

The terrain around Devizes is quite diverse, featuring a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces. You'll find scenic canal towpaths along the Kennet and Avon Canal, rolling Wiltshire countryside, and chalk downland. Some routes, like those around Roundway Hill, offer more challenging ascents and descents.

Yes, Devizes offers several easy gravel bike routes perfect for beginners or family outings. A great option is the Black Dog Halt Cycleway – Chippenham Cycleway loop from Calne, which is an easy 21 km (13 miles) route. These routes often follow the relatively flat and accessible Kennet and Avon Canal towpath, providing a gentle cycling experience.

For experienced riders seeking a challenge, Devizes has several difficult routes. One such option is the Imber Range Path – View from Westbury White Horse loop from Market Lavington. This 53.9 km (33.5 miles) route features significant elevation changes, offering a demanding ride through the North Wessex Downs with rewarding views.

Many gravel bike trails around Devizes pass by significant landmarks and natural features. You can explore the impressive Caen Hill Locks along the Kennet and Avon Canal, or spot the iconic Cherhill White Horse carved into the hillside. Further afield, you might encounter ancient sites like Avebury Stone Circle, Silbury Hill, and West Kennet Long Barrow.

Yes, many of the gravel routes around Devizes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Avoncliff Aqueduct – Caen Hill Locks loop from Devizes and the Caen Hill Locks – Canal Towpath Cycle Route loop from Rowde, providing convenient options for exploration.

The gravel biking experience around Devizes is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 out of 5 stars from over 17 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, the picturesque views of the rolling Wiltshire countryside, and the unique historical features like the Kennet and Avon Canal and its impressive locks.

Absolutely. Devizes is centrally located in Wiltshire, making it an excellent base for exploring the wider region. It offers access to the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is within easy reach of other iconic sites, providing a wealth of additional cycling opportunities.

While specific stops vary by route, the Devizes area, being a popular destination, has various villages and towns along or near many routes. The Kennet and Avon Canal towpath, in particular, often passes through areas with pubs and cafes where you can take a break and refuel.

Devizes offers enjoyable gravel biking throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery with changing foliage. Summer is also popular, though some trails might be busier. Winter can be ridden, but be prepared for potentially muddy conditions on unpaved sections.

Beyond the rolling Wiltshire countryside, you'll encounter the serene waters of the Kennet and Avon Canal, which is a natural and engineering marvel. The North Wessex Downs, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offers diverse landscapes including chalk downland and ancient woodlands. Keep an eye out for the Devizes White Horse, carved into the hillside, and the tranquil Drew's Pond Woods.