The best cycling routes around Hatherleigh

There are over 70 touring cycling routes mapped around Hatherleigh on komoot, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences.

The region offers diverse terrain, from the rolling hills and lush green countryside of Ruby Country to the dramatic moorlands of Dartmoor National Park. You'll find tranquil river valleys, including the River Okement, and access to largely traffic-free paths like sections of the National Cycle Network Route 27 and the Tarka Trail. Routes can range from undulating to those with steep hills, providing a varied cycling experience.

Yes, there are several options suitable for families and those seeking easier rides. The Mosaic Otter Sculpture – Tarka the Otter Sculpture loop from Meeth is an easy 13.3-mile route that takes you through local countryside. Additionally, sections of the Tarka Trail, accessible from nearby Meeth, are largely traffic-free and ideal for leisurely cycling.

For a more challenging experience, consider the Tarka Trail – River Taw loop from Hatherleigh. This difficult 54.6-mile route includes significant elevation gain and explores varied countryside. Routes venturing closer to Dartmoor National Park will also offer more demanding climbs and descents.

You can encounter a variety of natural features and landmarks. Near Hatherleigh, you'll find the lush river valleys of the River Okement and the rolling landscapes of Ruby Country. Further afield, routes like the Granite Way (accessible from Okehampton) pass stunning areas such as Meldon Viaduct and Lydford Gorge. Dartmoor National Park offers impressive tors like West Mill Tor and Scarey Tor, along with traditional stone walls and ancient crosses like Fitz's Well Cross.

Yes, many routes in the area are designed as loops. Examples include the Mosaic Otter Sculpture – Puffing Billy Trading Co. loop from Meeth, a moderate 22.4-mile path, and the River Torridge Bridges – Mosaic Otter Sculpture loop from Black Torrington. The Hatherleigh and Folly Gate Cycle Route is also a 20-mile circular route on quiet lanes.

The region is enjoyable for cycling throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with fewer crowds. Summer provides longer daylight hours, ideal for longer tours. While winter cycling is possible, be prepared for potentially wet and cooler conditions, especially on exposed moorland sections.

Yes, Hatherleigh itself has parking facilities. For routes accessing the Tarka Trail, you can often find parking in nearby villages like Meeth. When planning your route, it's advisable to check specific starting points for available parking, especially for popular trailheads.

Hatherleigh has limited public transport options. However, nearby Okehampton, which provides access to routes like the Granite Way, has a railway station (Okehampton Station) that connects to the national rail network. Buses also serve some of the larger towns in the region, which may provide access points to cycle routes.

Hatherleigh, as a market town, offers cafes and pubs. Many routes pass through charming villages and towns in Ruby Country and along the Tarka Trail, where you can find local establishments for refreshments. For example, the Mosaic Otter Sculpture – Puffing Billy Trading Co. loop from Meeth specifically mentions a trading company, suggesting a potential stop.

The touring cycling routes around Hatherleigh are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 100 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied countryside, the tranquility of the rural paths, and the accessibility of traffic-free sections like the Tarka Trail.

The Ruby Country landscape, with its veteran oak trees and damp grasslands, is home to diverse wildlife. You might spot bats, various invertebrates, wading birds, small mammals like fallow deer, and barn owls. Along river valleys and canals, look out for kingfishers and dragonflies. The region's natural beauty provides ample opportunities for wildlife observation.

Yes, Hatherleigh's proximity to Dartmoor National Park means many routes offer glimpses or direct views of its majestic moorlands and tors. The 'Okehampton and Hatherleigh loop' is known for providing superb Dartmoor views. Challenging routes on the eastern side of Hatherleigh will often bring you into areas with expansive vistas of the park.

Beyond natural features, you can cycle to historical sites. For instance, if you venture towards Okehampton, you can visit the extensive ruins of Okehampton Castle. The Mosaic Otter Sculpture – Wooded Path loop from Black Torrington offers a mix of rural scenery and potential points of interest.