The best road cycling routes around Aylesbeare

There are over 430 road cycling routes in the Aylesbeare area, offering a wide range of options for exploring the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Road cycling routes around Aylesbeare feature diverse terrain. You'll find country lanes, sections near the Exe Estuary that are predominantly flat, and routes with moderate climbs and descents. The area is characterized by lowland heathland and woodland, notably Aylesbeare Common, and lies on distinct red, silty sands and quartzite gravels.

Yes, Aylesbeare offers routes for various skill levels. Out of over 430 routes, approximately 98 are considered easy, 273 are moderate, and 65 are more difficult, ensuring there's a suitable challenge for most road cyclists.

The road cycling routes in Aylesbeare are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 200 reviews. More than 13,000 road cyclists have used komoot to explore the area, often praising the varied terrain and scenic beauty.

You'll encounter significant natural features such as Aylesbeare Common, a lowland heathland and woodland that is part of the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths Site of Special Scientific Interest. Many routes also offer views towards the Exe Estuary and pass through areas with diverse flora and wildlife.

Yes, several routes pass by interesting points. For instance, the Killerton Parkland Bridleway – River Otter at Ottery St Mary loop from West Hill explores parkland and follows the River Otter. You might also pass by historic sites like Sidbury Castle or enjoy coastal views towards Budleigh Salterton Beach on routes like the Sidmouth Beach – Sidmouth Esplanade loop from West Hill.

While many routes involve country lanes with varying traffic, the proximity to the Exe Estuary Trail offers a predominantly flat, largely off-road option that is ideal for families. This 22.5-mile route connects Exmouth, Exeter, and Dawlish, providing scenic views in a safer environment.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Aylesbeare are designed as loops. Examples include the Exe Marsh Flats – Country Lanes to Lympstone loop from West Hill and the Country Lanes to Lympstone – Statue of Sir Walter Raleigh loop from West Hill, allowing you to start and finish at the same point.

Parking is generally available in and around the villages that serve as starting points for many routes, such as West Hill or Colaton Raleigh. For routes accessing Aylesbeare Common, specific parking areas are often designated for visitors to the heathland.

The region is enjoyable for road cycling throughout much of the year. Summer months offer warmer weather and longer daylight hours, ideal for exploring the heathlands and coastal views. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, though some routes may be quieter outside of peak season.

While Aylesbeare itself is a smaller village, its proximity to larger towns like Exeter and Exmouth, which are well-served by public transport, makes it accessible. The Exe Estuary Trail, for example, connects directly to train stations in Exmouth and Exeter, allowing for car-free access to a significant cycling network.