The best cycling routes around Ottery St Mary

There are over 50 touring cycling routes around Ottery St Mary, catering to various skill levels. This includes 7 easy routes, 36 moderate routes, and 9 more challenging options, ensuring there's something for every cyclist.

The terrain around Ottery St Mary is diverse, featuring picturesque East Devon countryside with rolling hills, woodlands, and serene riverside paths along the River Otter. You'll find a mix of quiet Devon lanes and well-maintained traffic-free paths, including sections that connect to broader networks like the Exe Estuary Trail. Some areas, like East Hill, offer more challenging ascents and descents through woodland.

Yes, Ottery St Mary offers several family-friendly cycling options. Routes that incorporate traffic-free paths, such as sections of the Exe Estuary Trail – Exe Estuary Trail loop from West Hill, are ideal. The area's quiet Devon lanes and paths within estates like Killerton also provide a safe and enjoyable experience for families. The River Otter at Ottery St Mary – St Saviour's Bridge loop from Ottery St. Mary is an easy route suitable for beginners and families.

Cycling routes often follow the beautiful River Otter, offering tranquil riverside views. You can also explore the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve, known for birdwatching. For dramatic coastal scenery, some routes extend towards the coast, providing views of the red sandstone stacks at Ladram Bay Sea Stacks.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Ottery St Mary are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the Talaton Pub – River Otter at Ottery St Mary loop from Harpford and the Talaton Pub – The Six Bells Inn loop from Harpford, both offering scenic loops through the countryside and villages.

Absolutely! Many routes are designed to pass through local villages and past traditional pubs, offering convenient stops for refreshments. For instance, the Gittisham Church – The Otter Inn loop from Ottery St. Mary specifically highlights a pub stop. Poltimore House, often featured in local cycling loops, also offers a café.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 20 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, from quiet Devon lanes to riverside paths, and the blend of natural beauty with charming village stops and historic sites.

Yes, for those seeking a challenge, there are 9 difficult routes available. Areas like East Hill feature woodland paths with notable ascents and descents, providing a more strenuous ride. These routes often explore the more undulating parts of the East Devon countryside.

The East Devon countryside is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions for touring cycling with milder temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer is also popular, though routes can be busier. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

Yes, cycling routes in the area often include or pass by significant historical sites. The Killerton Estate, a National Trust property, allows for traffic-free cycling and opportunities to visit Killerton House. Poltimore House is another historic landmark often featured in local cycling loops. The Donkey Sanctuary, a family-friendly attraction, is also accessible via National Cycle Network Route 2.

Ottery St Mary has local bus services that connect to nearby towns. While specific public transport links directly to trailheads can vary, many routes are accessible from the town center. For broader connections, the area links to networks like the Exe Estuary Trail, which is well-served by public transport options between Topsham and Exmouth.

Parking is generally available in Ottery St Mary town center and in many of the villages that serve as starting points for routes. Specific parking information for individual trailheads or routes can often be found on local council websites or detailed route descriptions.