The best gravel rides around Ottery St Mary

There are over a dozen gravel bike trails around Ottery St Mary, offering a variety of experiences. These routes cater to different skill levels, from moderate to difficult, allowing you to explore the diverse landscapes of East Devon.

The terrain around Ottery St Mary is quite varied, featuring picturesque rolling hills, extensive woodlands, and gentler riverside paths along the River Otter. You'll encounter a mix of ascents and descents, as well as flatter sections, providing an engaging ride through the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

While many routes offer moderate to difficult challenges, you can find options that are more accessible. For a moderate ride with scenic views, consider the Exe Estuary Trail boardwalk – View over the Exe Estuary loop from Bicton, which includes a boardwalk section. The riverside paths along the River Otter also tend to be flatter and more suitable for a gentler experience.

The region is rich in natural beauty. You can explore the unique Pebblebed Heaths, such as on the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths – East Devon Way loop from Colaton Raleigh. For stunning coastal views, the Seaton Beach and Cliffs – Axmouth Bridge loop from Whimple takes you towards the coast. You might also spot wildlife at the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve or enjoy the dramatic scenery of Ladram Bay Sea Stacks.

Yes, for those seeking a longer and more challenging adventure, the Woodbury common loop from Honiton is a difficult 49.6 km trail exploring the Pebblebed Heaths. Another demanding option is the Seaton Beach and Cliffs – Axmouth Bridge loop from Whimple, which spans nearly 89 km.

The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience in Ottery St Mary, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 5 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse landscapes, from rolling hills and woodlands to serene riverside paths, and the variety of routes available for different skill levels.

Many of the gravel routes in the area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the challenging Woodbury common loop from Honiton and the moderate East Devon Pebblebed Heaths – East Devon Way loop from Colaton Raleigh.

Absolutely. The flatter riverside paths along the River Otter offer a gentler experience, perfect for families or those preferring a relaxed pace. While specific 'family-friendly' routes are not explicitly detailed, the presence of moderate trails and the general character of the riverside paths suggest suitable options for a leisurely outing.

Ottery St Mary's diverse terrain makes it enjoyable across seasons. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery with changing foliage. Summer is ideal for longer days and exploring coastal sections, while winter can provide a different, often quieter, experience, though some trails might be muddier after rain.

Yes, for those interested in more technical riding or jumps, there are several spots nearby. You can find areas like Pines Ridge Jumps and Yettington Jump Line. The Woodbury Common Perimeter Singletrack also offers a more dedicated trail experience.

While specific parking locations for each route are best checked on individual tour pages, Ottery St Mary itself has public parking facilities. Many routes, especially those starting from towns or villages like Honiton or Colaton Raleigh, will have designated parking areas nearby. It's always advisable to check the starting point of your chosen route for the most convenient parking options.

Many of the gravel routes around Ottery St Mary are either within or provide easy access to the East Devon AONB. For example, the Woodbury common loop from Honiton and the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths – East Devon Way loop from Colaton Raleigh both traverse parts of this protected landscape, offering stunning natural scenery.