The best road cycling routes around Ottery St Mary

There are over 25 road cycling routes around Ottery St Mary, offering a variety of experiences. These include 5 easy routes and more than 20 moderate routes, ensuring options for different skill levels.

The terrain around Ottery St Mary is characterized by rolling hills, dense woodlands, and tranquil river valleys within the East Devon National Landscape. You'll find a network of mostly paved country lanes and shared-use paths, offering diverse scenery and varying elevation gains.

The spring and summer months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling in Ottery St Mary, with milder weather and longer daylight hours. However, the region's beauty can be enjoyed year-round, with autumn providing vibrant foliage and winter offering crisp, quiet rides, though some routes may be less suitable in adverse weather.

Yes, Ottery St Mary offers quiet country lanes and beautifully surfaced shared-use paths. For example, the "Ottery St Mary to Budleigh Salterton Loop" includes a National Trust shared-use path through the scenic Killerton Estate. The Exe Estuary Trail also features significant traffic-free sections. Additionally, there's a proposed Otter Trail, a new shared-use cycleway following an old railway track, which aims to further expand safe cycling infrastructure in the area.

Yes, the River Otter flows through the area, and several routes incorporate its scenic paths. For instance, the Killerton Parkland Bridleway – River Otter at Ottery St Mary loop from West Hill leads along the River Otter, offering tranquil views and opportunities for wildlife spotting, including the reintroduced beaver colony.

Road cycling routes in the area can take you past various points of interest. You might encounter the dramatic red sandstone stacks of Ladram Bay on the Jurassic Coast, or cycle along the Exe Estuary Trail. The River Otter itself is a significant natural feature, and the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve is excellent for birdwatching.

Yes, several historical sites are within cycling distance. Routes can take you past significant landmarks such as Killerton House and Poltimore House. Cadhay, a historic manor house with exquisite gardens, is also in the vicinity, offering a cultural stop during your ride.

While many routes are moderate, some offer more significant challenges. For example, the Steep Climb – Whimple Village Centre loop from Ottery St. Mary is a longer route with over 600 meters of elevation gain, providing a good test for experienced cyclists.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from more than 10 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, the mix of quiet country lanes and shared-use paths, and the variety of routes suitable for different abilities. The scenic beauty of the East Devon National Landscape and the tranquil River Otter are frequently highlighted.

Yes, Ottery St Mary offers several easy routes suitable for families. The Head Weir – Combe Farm Shop Café loop from Ottery St. Mary is an easy 19 km path, providing a shorter, accessible ride through local countryside. The proposed Otter Trail, once completed, will also offer a dedicated shared-use path ideal for family cycling.

Yes, the Donkey Sanctuary, a popular attraction near Sidmouth, is situated on Route 2 of the National Cycle Network. This makes it an accessible destination by bike from Ottery St Mary, allowing you to connect to the wider network.

For more general information about Ottery St Mary and its surroundings, you can visit external resources such as visitsouthdevon.co.uk or visitdevon.co.uk. These sites offer details on local attractions, walks, and things to do in the area.