The best road cycling routes around Clovelly

There are over 40 road cycling routes around Clovelly, catering to various skill levels. You'll find options ranging from easy to difficult, with 6 easy, 32 moderate, and 2 difficult routes to explore.

Road cycling around Clovelly offers a diverse landscape. You can expect dramatic coastlines with stunning sea views, rolling hills providing invigorating climbs and descents, and routes traversing attractive farmland and woodlands. The region is part of the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, ensuring scenic surroundings throughout your ride.

Yes, there are 6 easy road cycling routes around Clovelly. While the immediate area features challenging terrain, the wider North Devon region offers gentler options. For example, the Victoria Park, Bideford – View of the Sea from Westacott loop from Bucks Mills, though moderate, offers extensive coastal views. For a truly traffic-free and flatter experience, sections of the Tarka Trail, accessible nearby, are ideal for families and less experienced cyclists.

Many routes offer breathtaking views. The Coffee on the Square – View of Lundy loop from Hartland provides views towards Lundy Island and passes through the scenic Hartland area. Another excellent choice is the Coffee on the Square – View of Lundy loop from Bucks Mills, which also offers stunning vistas. The dramatic coastline overlooking the Bristol Channel and Bideford Bay is a constant feature of rides in the area.

Absolutely. The region's rolling hills provide significant elevation changes, making for invigorating climbs and descents. There are 2 routes specifically rated as difficult, and many of the 32 moderate routes also demand good fitness due to their elevation profiles. Routes in areas like Bursdon Moor and the Hartland Peninsula are known for their challenging terrain.

The area around Clovelly is rich in natural beauty and points of interest. You might encounter dramatic coastal features like Blackchurch Rock, Mouthmill Beach, or the impressive Spekes Mill Mouth Waterfall. Other notable viewpoints include Hartland Quay and View of Hartland Point Lighthouse. The historic village of Clovelly itself is a unique attraction to explore on foot after your ride.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Clovelly are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the The Old Laundry – Bude Canal loop from Hartland, which takes you through coastal and rural landscapes, and the Barton Lane Leisure Barn – View of Lundy loop from Hartland, offering extensive views.

The best time for road cycling in Clovelly is generally from spring through autumn, when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer. Summer offers the warmest temperatures, but can also be busier. Spring and autumn provide pleasant cycling conditions with fewer crowds and beautiful seasonal scenery. Be prepared for changeable coastal weather at any time of year.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the dramatic coastlines, the challenging yet rewarding rolling hills, and the varied scenery that transitions from open clifftops to attractive woodlands and farmland. The sense of being surrounded by conserved natural beauty within the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is also frequently highlighted.

While the historic village of Clovelly itself has specific parking arrangements, ample parking is generally available in nearby towns and villages that serve as starting points for many routes. For instance, routes often start from locations like Bucks Mills or Hartland, where you can typically find suitable parking to begin your ride.

Yes, many routes pass through or near small villages and towns where you can find cafes, pubs, or shops for refreshments. While the routes themselves might traverse more rural sections, planning your ride to include stops in places like Hartland or other local hamlets will ensure you have opportunities for a break and a coffee.

The duration of routes varies significantly based on distance and difficulty. For example, the Victoria Park, Bideford – View of the Sea from Westacott loop from Bucks Mills, a 41.2-mile route, typically takes around 3 hours and 17 minutes. Shorter, moderate routes like the Coffee on the Square – View of Lundy loop from Hartland (23.8 miles) can be completed in about 1 hour and 50 minutes. Always check the estimated duration for your chosen route on komoot.