The best road cycling routes around Down St Mary

There are nearly 100 road cycling routes available around Down St Mary, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. You can find routes ranging from moderate to difficult, with a few easier options as well.

Mid Devon, including the area around Down St Mary, is characterized by its rolling hills and quiet country lanes. Cyclists can expect varied terrain, featuring both challenging uphill climbs and exhilarating downhill descents, providing a dynamic environment for road cycling. The routes often offer scenic rural vistas and views towards Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks.

The best seasons for road cycling in Mid Devon are generally spring and autumn. During these times, the weather is typically mild and temperatures are ideal for longer rides, allowing you to fully enjoy the picturesque countryside.

Yes, while many routes offer moderate to difficult challenges, there are about 12 easier road cycling routes available around Down St Mary. These routes typically feature less elevation gain and shorter distances, making them ideal for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed ride.

Absolutely. For experienced road cyclists seeking a challenge, Mid Devon offers routes with significant elevation gain. For example, the Crediton Climb – Bickleigh Castle loop from Lapford is a difficult 75.4 km route with over 1,170 meters of ascent. The region's rolling hills provide plenty of opportunities for demanding climbs.

The road cycling routes around Down St Mary are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 10 reviews. More than 1200 road cyclists have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the scenic rural vistas and the network of quiet country lanes.

Yes, many of the routes around Down St Mary are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the popular St. Peter's Church, Tiverton – Two Moors Gallery Café loop from Lapford and the River Taw – Barnstaple Long Bridge loop from Morchard Road.

While cycling, you might encounter various points of interest. Near Down St Mary, you can find historical sites like Heywood Castle Motte and Bailey and Shobrooke Park Lake and Stone Bridge. The Eggesford Forest – The Tarka Line Grill loop from Lapford route passes by Eggesford Forest, a family-friendly woodland. The Exeter Ship Canal shared path – Riverside Valley Park Cycleway loop from Copplestone takes you through the scenic Exe Valley.

While many road cycling routes in Mid Devon involve hills, some sections and areas are more suitable for families. For a more leisurely experience, the Grand Western Canal Country Park, accessible from towns like Tiverton, offers miles of tow-paths suitable for cycling. Additionally, Eggesford Forest provides family-friendly woodland trails.

While specific cyclist parking facilities are not detailed, Crediton, being a central town in Mid Devon, offers various public car parks. It's advisable to check local council websites or parking apps for current parking options and fees in Crediton town centre before your visit.

Yes, many road cycling routes in Mid Devon pass through charming rural villages where you can find local pubs and cafes. For instance, the St. Peter's Church, Tiverton – Two Moors Gallery Café loop from Lapford specifically mentions the Two Moors Gallery Café, indicating opportunities for refreshment stops along the way.

The Dartmoor Way Cycle Route is a long-distance route that includes both on-road and off-road sections. While some parts are suitable for road bikes, particularly the on-road segments, other sections may be unpaved or rougher, making them more appropriate for hybrid or mountain bikes. It's recommended to research specific sections if planning to ride it on a road bike.

Down St Mary is a rural village, but nearby towns like Crediton have train stations and bus services. You could consider taking public transport to a larger hub like Crediton and starting your ride from there. For specific routes, check the starting points and plan your journey accordingly. For more information on public transport in Mid Devon, you might find resources on Visit Devon's Mid Devon page helpful.