The best cycling routes around Milton Damerel

There are over 50 touring cycling routes around Milton Damerel, offering a wide range of options for exploring the region's diverse landscapes. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars.

Touring cycling around Milton Damerel is defined by its rolling green hills, traditional Devon hedge banks, and tranquil river valleys, including the River Waldon and River Torridge. You'll find a mix of terrain, from flat, traffic-free paths to quiet country lanes with moderate climbs, catering to various ability levels.

Yes, the area offers options suitable for beginners and families. The Tarka Trail, accessible from the broader area, is a significant draw. It's a 32-mile section of continuous, traffic-free path built on a disused railway line, making it flat and easy, ideal for various bikes and offering stunning views of the North Devon countryside.

Absolutely. For those seeking a more challenging experience, the area offers 26 difficult routes. The 95-mile circular Dartmoor Way, accessible from the broader area, is a notable option that winds around Dartmoor National Park, incorporating quiet Devon lanes and minor roads with panoramic views of the moorland. Routes like Bude Canal – Compass Point Storm Tower loop from Milton Damerel also present a significant challenge with over 600 meters of elevation gain.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Milton Damerel are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the popular Week St Mary – Week Orchard loop from Holsworthy and the Widemouth Bay – Bude Canal loop from Holsworthy.

Milton Damerel provides access to several notable long-distance routes. The Tarka Trail offers a 32-mile traffic-free section, while the 95-mile circular Dartmoor Way is accessible for a multi-day touring experience. Other regional routes like the Ruby Way and the 115-mile East Devon Trail are also within reach.

The routes offer opportunities to see diverse natural beauty. You can cycle alongside the River Torridge, explore the scenic Upper Tamar Lake with its gravel track, and spot wildlife in various Devon Wildlife Trust Nature Reserves like Stowford Moor or Dunsdon Nature Reserve. The Tarka Trail itself passes through estuary mudflats, salt marshes, and woodlands.

Beyond the natural landscapes, you might encounter landmarks such as the Tarka the Otter Sculpture along the Tarka Trail. The broader area also offers attractions like RHS Garden Rosemoor and The Gnome Reserve for diverse interests.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 20 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, from the tranquil river valleys and traditional Devon hedge banks to the more challenging climbs, and the access to well-maintained routes like the Tarka Trail.

While Milton Damerel itself is a small village, the broader network of routes, especially those passing through towns and villages, will offer opportunities for refreshments. For example, the Food on the Go loop from Holsworthy is specifically designed with refreshment stops in mind.

Public transport options directly to Milton Damerel may be limited. However, the region's cycling network, including sections of disused railway lines like the Tarka Trail and Halwill Junction, often connects to larger towns which may have better public transport links, allowing you to access the routes from there.

While specific parking areas for each route are not detailed, accessing routes from nearby towns like Holsworthy, which is a common starting point for several tours, often provides more parking facilities. It's advisable to check local council websites or specific route guides for designated parking at trailheads.