The best cycling routes around Capel

Capel offers a diverse range of landscapes for touring cyclists. You can explore the ancient Tuart Forest National Park with its towering 40-meter Tuart trees, cycle along the historically significant Capel River, or enjoy the calm coastal stretches of Peppermint Grove Beach on the Indian Ocean. The region features a mix of natural bushland, riverine paths, and coastal scenery.

Yes, Capel has several easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners. For example, the Forest Green loop from Ockley is an easy 19.0 km (11.8 miles) trail with gentle elevation changes, typically completed in about 1 hour and 9 minutes. Another option is the Bike loop from Holmwood, a shorter 5.6 km (3.5 miles) route through varied terrain.

The Capel area offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 490 routes identified. These routes cater to various preferences, including easy, moderate, and difficult options, ensuring there's something for every skill level.

Capel's cycling routes pass by several interesting natural features and landmarks. You might encounter the unique Tuart Forest National Park, home to the rare western ringtail possum. Southeast of Capel, Ironstone Gully Falls offers a historic picnic area. For scenic viewpoints, consider routes that offer glimpses of Leith Hill Tower and Viewpoint or Holmbury Hill Viewpoint. The River Mole Stepping Stones are also a unique sight.

Yes, Capel is developing its cycling infrastructure with family-friendly options in mind. The new 1.8 km sealed cycle path along the western edge of Tuart Forest National Park, part of the Bunbury–Busselton Cycling Link, is designed to be safe and family-friendly. Additionally, the Tuart Walk is a 1.27 km flat asphalt path connecting Dalyellup to Usher, suitable for cyclists and walkers of all ages.

Many of the touring cycling routes in Capel are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For instance, the Forest Green loop from Ockley and the Leith Hill Tower – View from Leith Hill Tower loop from Coldharbour are popular circular options, offering varied distances and difficulties.

The touring cycling routes around Capel are highly regarded by the komoot community, boasting an average rating of 4.5 stars from over 300 reviews. More than 14,000 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore the area, often praising the diverse terrain, from ancient forests to coastal paths, and the well-maintained trails.

While specific cafes and pubs directly on every route are not detailed, the Capel region does feature local cellars and cafes, particularly in and around the town of Capel and nearby communities. You can plan your ride to pass through these areas for refreshment stops.

Capel's climate generally allows for cycling throughout much of the year. However, the spring and autumn months (September-November and March-May) typically offer the most pleasant weather with milder temperatures, making them ideal for touring cycling. Summers can be hot, and winters can bring more rain, so checking local weather forecasts is always recommended.

While specific parking details for every trailhead are not provided, the Shire of Capel is actively enhancing cycling infrastructure, which includes improving accessibility. For general information on trails and recreation areas, you might find useful resources on the official Shire of Capel website, such as their trails page, which may offer insights into parking facilities.

For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, Capel offers routes with significant elevation gain and longer distances. The Leith Hill Tower – View from Leith Hill Tower loop from Coldharbour is a difficult 28.0 km (17.4 miles) path with substantial climbing. Another demanding option is the Denbies Wine Estate – Ashtead Common Gravel Path loop from Holmwood, which spans 80.2 km (49.8 miles) and features over 1100 meters of elevation gain.

Yes, the Shire of Capel is committed to enhancing its cycling network. Key projects include the Bunbury–Busselton Cycling Link, which features a new sealed cycle path through Tuart Forest National Park, and the Capel to Peppermint Grove Beach Link, designed to boost local tourism. An 8.7 km section of the renowned Munda Biddi Trail also passes through Boyanup within the Capel area, offering a mix of off-road and on-road cycling experiences. More details can be found on the Shire of Capel's project pages.