The best cycling routes around Clyst St. Mary

There are over 490 touring cycling routes around Clyst St. Mary, catering to various skill levels and preferences. These routes explore the picturesque Clyst Valley, riverside paths, and connections to the wider trail network.

Touring cycling around Clyst St. Mary features gently rolling landscapes within the Clyst Valley, characterized by agricultural areas, forests, woodlands, and floodplain meadows. Many routes follow the River Clyst and connect to the Exe Estuary, offering a mix of tranquil countryside and accessible paths.

Yes, Clyst St. Mary offers many easy routes. For instance, the Countess Wear Bridges – Double Locks Pub loop from Newcourt is an easy 6.3-mile (10.2 km) trail that leads through river valleys and floodplain meadows. The area has 141 easy routes in total, many of which are largely flat and traffic-free.

For those seeking longer rides, routes like the Exeter Quayside – Countess Wear Bridges loop from Newcourt cover approximately 45.9 miles (73.8 km) with significant elevation, making it a more challenging option. Another long route is the Exeter Quayside – Moretonhampstead Village loop from Newcourt, which is about 45.1 miles (72.6 km) long.

Many of the touring cycling routes around Clyst St. Mary are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. A popular example is the Exe Estuary Trail – Exe Estuary Trail loop from Newcourt, which is a 13.5-mile (21.8 km) loop offering stunning views of the estuary.

Along the routes, you can explore various attractions. The Exeter Ship Canal is a notable historical feature, and the Exe Estuary Trail itself offers extensive views and wildlife spotting opportunities. You might also pass by the historic Countess Wear Bridges or the vibrant Exeter Quayside.

The spring, summer, and early autumn months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in Clyst St. Mary, with milder weather and longer daylight hours. However, the largely flat and traffic-free nature of many routes, especially along the Exe Estuary, makes them accessible year-round, though some paths may be wetter in winter.

Yes, several routes offer convenient stops for refreshments. For example, the Exeter Ship Canal – Turf Hotel loop from Newcourt includes the historic Turf Hotel. The Exe Estuary Trail also connects various towns and villages like Topsham and Lympstone, which have pubs and cafes.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 600 reviews. Reviewers often praise the tranquil countryside, the largely traffic-free paths, and the scenic views, particularly along the Exe Estuary and through the Clyst Valley.

Clyst St. Mary is well-connected, and its proximity to Exeter means that many routes are accessible via public transport links to Exeter, which has a comprehensive network. The developing Clyst Valley Trail is also designed to link towns and villages along the River Clyst to Exeter, enhancing accessibility.

While specific parking areas for each route are not detailed, starting points for many routes are often near residential areas or public access points. For routes connected to Exeter, public car parks in and around the city or near trailheads like Newcourt would be suitable options.

Absolutely. The Exe Estuary Trail – Exe Estuary Trail loop from Newcourt provides stunning, extensive views of the Exe Estuary and its wildlife. The Clyst Valley itself, with its gently rolling landscapes and ancient woodlands like White Down Copse, offers sweeping vistas over the countryside.