The best road cycling routes around Lustleigh

There are over 120 road cycling routes around Lustleigh, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. These routes explore the diverse landscapes of the Wray Valley and Dartmoor National Park.

Road cycling around Lustleigh features a mix of terrain, from the steep-sided, wooded valleys of Lustleigh Cleave to the open moorland and granite tors of Dartmoor National Park. You'll find both challenging ascents and more gentle valley paths, often on quiet lanes and designated cycle routes.

Yes, Lustleigh offers 17 easy road cycling routes. A notable option is the Wray Valley Trail, an 11km (7-mile) mainly traffic-free route that is ideal for family cycling and connects Lustleigh to Bovey Tracey and Moretonhampstead, following a dismantled railway line.

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, there are 35 difficult routes around Lustleigh. One popular option is The haytor triple from Bovey Tracey — Dartmoor National Park, a 62.1 km (38.6 miles) route with significant climbs and descents. Another is Doccombe Climb – Cafe 3 Sixty loop from Moretonhampstead, a 57.3 km (35.6 miles) path navigating varied Dartmoor landscapes with notable ascents.

Yes, many road cycling routes around Lustleigh are designed as loops. For example, the Wray Valley Trail – Haytor Descent loop from Moretonhampstead is a 41.6 km (25.9 miles) route that takes you through the Wray Valley and towards Haytor. The wider Dartmoor Way Cycle Route also offers circular sections accessible from Lustleigh.

Road cycling routes around Lustleigh offer numerous scenic viewpoints and landmarks. You can encounter iconic granite tors like Haytor Rocks, Hound Tor, and Hunter’s Tor, which provide dramatic vistas of Dartmoor. The Lustleigh Cleave itself offers panoramic views from its ridge and enchanting riverside scenery.

Yes, you can cycle to historical sites near Lustleigh. Castle Drogo, a dramatic National Trust property, is one such attraction. You might also encounter Challacombe Medieval Hamlet, offering a glimpse into the region's past.

The road cycling routes in Lustleigh are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 60 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, from challenging Dartmoor climbs to scenic valley routes, and the stunning natural beauty of the Wray Valley and Dartmoor National Park.

Yes, after a ride, cyclists can enjoy village amenities. Lustleigh village itself has the 15th-century Cleave pub and a quaint tea room. Many routes will pass through or near villages with similar establishments, providing opportunities for refreshments.

The spring and summer months are generally ideal for road cycling in Lustleigh, offering pleasant weather and the chance to see bluebells and foxgloves covering the slopes of Lustleigh Cleave in early June. However, the region's beauty can be enjoyed year-round, with autumn providing vibrant foliage and winter offering crisp, quiet rides, though conditions can be more challenging.

Yes, the Wray Valley Trail is particularly well-suited for families. It's an 11km (7-mile) route that is mainly traffic-free, following a dismantled railway line through the National Trust Parke Estate, making it a safe and enjoyable option for cyclists of all ages.

Lustleigh is well-located for accessing sections of the 95-mile circular Dartmoor Way Cycle Route. This route winds through the national park's natural beauty, and a 27-mile 'High Moorland link' allows for variations in longer rides, connecting you to different parts of the wider network.