The best cycling routes around Thrushelton
4.6
(52)
881
riders
63
rides
Touring cycling routes around Thrushelton are set within West Devon, offering access to the diverse landscapes of Dartmoor National Park. The region features rolling hills, expansive moorland, and former railway lines converted into cycle-friendly paths. Notable features include the historic Meldon Viaduct and the scenic Granite Way, providing varied terrain for cyclists.
Best touring cycling routes around Thrushelton
- The most popular touring cycling route is Roadford Lake loop, a 11.8 miles (19.1 km) trail that takes 1 hour 14 minutes to complete, circling the scenic Roadford Lake.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Cornish Country Lanes – Roadford Lake Valve Tower loop from Roadford Forest, a difficult 32.4 miles (52.1 km) path that explores the quiet country lanes and features the Roadford Lake Valve Tower.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Roadford Lake – Roadford Lake Valve Tower loop from Broadwoodwidger, a 14.3 miles (23.0 km) trail leading through the area surrounding Roadford Lake, often completed in about 1 hour 28 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Thrushelton is defined by the varied landscapes of Dartmoor National Park, former railway lines, and picturesque country lanes. The network offers options for different ability levels, from moderate loops to more challenging long-distance paths.
- The routes in Thrushelton are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from more than 100 reviews. More than 1000 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Thrushelton's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 14, 2026
4.0
(1)
16
riders
19.1km
01:14
200m
200m
Touring cyclists can enjoy the moderate 11.8-mile Roadford Lake loop, featuring 669 feet of elevation gain and scenic lake views.
4.5
(2)
73
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
5.0
(2)
44
riders
22.3km
01:26
260m
250m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
10
riders
41.6km
02:40
490m
490m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
3
riders
15.6km
01:03
210m
210m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Great coffee or lunch spot. Has bike stands out toward the kids play area.
0
0
Witherdon Wood is managed by Forestry England. It's a mixed woodland with some large tracks running through it.
0
0
Roadford Lake is a reservoir fed by the river Wolf. It's the largest area of water in the south-west and is used to supply drinking water for north and South Devon. As a runner there isn't a trail that allows you to circumnavigate the lake, but you can run along the northeastern shore.
0
0
Roadford lake was once farmland before being flooded to create a reservoir in 1989. The water in the lake supplies North Devon and anything over capacity runs into the River Tamar. The concrete structure that can be seen from the dam is the valve tower. On open days, usually twice a year, it is possible to walk in the tunnels underneath the water and up the tower, which provides spectacular views.
0
0
Roadford Lake is set just outside Dartmoor National Park so is the perfect place for a rolling ride with a backdrop of dramatic tors and hills. You can tur your hand at plenty of watersports here including sailing, kayaking, fishing and paddleboarding. For further details please see the website https://www.swlakestrust.org.uk/pages/site/activities/category/roadford-lake
0
0
Lakeside cafe is open 7 days a week and serves coffee and cake everyday, plus hot lunches Monday to Friday. The building is also available to hire as a wedding venue. For further details please see their website https://www.swlakestrust.org.uk/roadford-lake-cafe-and-venue
1
0
Picturesque freshwater lake. The largest freshwater lake in the Southwest. The lake has a large activity centre. Canoeing, fishing, archery and windsurfing amongst others. The centre also has a fantastic cafe serving quality freshly prepared food and drink.
1
0
One of two viaducts on the Granite Way, Lake Viaduct is an impressive granite span with nine arches. Built for the now-closed railway reaching from Plymouth to Okehampton, the viaduct was built in the late 1800s. Today, the railway is gone and the viaduct resurfaced, forming a foot and cycle path on the Granite Way and the Dartmoor Way. It’s a wonderful place to stop, with benches at intervals and views east to the rugged moor and west to flatter, patchwork landscapes.
2
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Thrushelton?
There are over 60 touring cycling routes around Thrushelton, offering a wide range of options for exploring the West Devon landscape and Dartmoor National Park.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Thrushelton offers several easy touring cycling routes. For instance, the Granite Way, a well-surfaced cycle path, provides an accessible experience. While specific easy routes are not detailed in the provided data, the region has 4 easy routes out of 62 total, and many moderate options that can be enjoyed by those looking for a less strenuous ride.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes near Thrushelton?
The terrain around Thrushelton is diverse, ranging from rolling hills to expansive moorland within Dartmoor National Park. You'll find former railway lines converted into cycle-friendly paths, such as those at Halwill Junction, offering smoother rides, alongside picturesque country lanes and more challenging ascents.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes around Thrushelton?
Yes, many routes are designed as loops. A popular option is the Roadford Lake loop, which is a moderate 11.8-mile (19.1 km) trail circling the scenic Roadford Lake. Another is the Dartmoor National Park – Lake Viaduct loop from Bridestowe, a moderate 9.7-mile (15.6 km) route.
What are some notable landmarks or attractions I can see while cycling near Thrushelton?
You can encounter several interesting landmarks. The historic Meldon Viaduct is an integral part of the Granite Way. You might also spot the granite Widgery Cross at Brat Tor. For natural beauty, consider visiting Yes Tor summit for breathtaking vistas or the dramatic Lydford Gorge with its Whitelady Waterfall.
Are there any challenging touring cycling routes for experienced riders?
Absolutely. Thrushelton offers 28 difficult routes for experienced touring cyclists. An example is the Cornish Country Lanes – Roadford Lake Valve Tower loop from Roadford Forest, a challenging 32.4-mile (52.1 km) path that explores quiet country lanes and features the Roadford Lake Valve Tower.
What do other touring cyclists say about the routes in Thrushelton?
The touring cycling routes in Thrushelton are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 100 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied landscapes of Dartmoor National Park, the well-maintained former railway lines, and the picturesque country lanes that define the area's cycling experience.
Can I access touring cycling routes near Thrushelton using public transport?
While specific public transport links directly to trailheads are not detailed, the region's former railway lines, like those at Halwill Junction, have been converted into cycle paths, suggesting some historical transport infrastructure. For detailed public transport access, it's advisable to check local bus services connecting to villages around Dartmoor National Park.
Are there any routes that feature lakes or water bodies?
Yes, several routes incorporate Roadford Lake. The Roadford Lake – Roadford Lake Valve Tower loop from Broadwoodwidger is a 14.3-mile (23.0 km) trail leading through the area surrounding Roadford Lake, often completed in about 1 hour 28 minutes.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Thrushelton?
The diverse landscapes of Dartmoor National Park can be enjoyed throughout much of the year. Spring and summer offer milder weather and longer daylight hours, ideal for exploring. Autumn brings beautiful foliage. Winter cycling is possible, but conditions on the moor can be more challenging due to weather.
Are there any routes that offer a mix of natural beauty and historical interest?
Many routes combine both. For example, cycling along the Granite Way allows you to experience the natural beauty of Dartmoor while also crossing the historic Meldon Viaduct. The wider region also features historical castles like Okehampton Castle, Launceston Castle, and Lydford Castle, which can be explored as part of a longer touring adventure.
Most popular attractions around Thrushelton
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Cycling routes in other regions.
