The best road cycling routes around Plymouth

There are over 160 road cycling routes around Plymouth, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a mix of easy, moderate, and difficult trails, with 24 easy, 80 moderate, and 59 difficult routes to explore.

Plymouth offers a diverse range of landscapes for road cyclists. You can expect stunning coastal roads with invigorating sea views, tranquil river valleys like the Plym Valley with historic viaducts and woodland scenery, and challenging routes on the edge of Dartmoor National Park featuring rolling hills and panoramic moorland vistas.

Yes, Plymouth offers several easier routes suitable for families. While many routes involve some elevation, options like the Rosie's Rascals Café loop from Plymouth provide a more gentle experience. The region also features traffic-free sections, such as parts of Drake's Trail, which are ideal for a relaxed family ride.

For challenging rides with significant elevation, head towards the routes bordering Dartmoor National Park or along the coast. The Rame Peninsula & Seaton loop from Plymouth — Cornwall is a difficult route known for its coastal views and demanding ascents. Another challenging option is the Gem Bridge – Meldon Viaduct loop from Manadon, which takes you through river valleys and past impressive viaducts with considerable climbs.

Many routes offer scenic viewpoints, especially those along the coast or on the fringes of Dartmoor. The Rame Peninsula & Seaton loop provides breathtaking sea views. Routes around Burrator Reservoir, such as the Cadover Bridge – Burrator Reservoir and Dam loop, offer picturesque views of the reservoir and surrounding moorland.

Yes, many road cycling routes around Plymouth are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Cann Viaduct – Plym Valley Trail loop from Plymouth and the Cadover Bridge – Burrator Reservoir and Dam loop from Plymouth. The wider Dartmoor Way is also a significant circular route for dedicated cyclists.

You can discover several interesting landmarks and natural features. Along routes in the Plym Valley, you might encounter the historic Cann Viaduct and the Plym Valley Trail itself. Closer to the city, you can explore the historic waterfront, including areas like the Barbican and Sutton Harbour, and even pass by the Mayflower Steps.

The road cycling routes around Plymouth are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 140 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, from coastal paths to river valleys and the edges of Dartmoor, and the variety of routes suitable for different abilities.

Plymouth is well-connected by public transport, making it possible to access various starting points for road cycling routes. The city's central location and bus network can help you reach different areas, including those leading towards the Plym Valley or the Rame Peninsula. For longer routes like Drake's Trail, which links Tavistock with Plymouth, train services can also be an option for reaching starting points.

Yes, many routes pass through or near towns and villages where you can find cafes and pubs. For example, the Totnes High Street – Rosie's Rascals Café loop from Plymouth explicitly mentions a cafe stop. The region's charming villages and coastal towns often offer welcoming spots for refreshments.

The spring, summer, and early autumn months (roughly April to October) generally offer the most favorable conditions for road cycling in Plymouth, with milder weather and longer daylight hours. However, the region's coastal and moorland routes can be enjoyed year-round, though winter cycling may require more preparation for colder temperatures and potentially wet conditions.