The best gravel rides around Dawlish

There are over a dozen gravel bike routes around Dawlish listed on komoot, offering a diverse range of terrain. These include 1 easy, 8 moderate, and 4 difficult trails, catering to various skill levels.

Dawlish offers a varied landscape for gravel biking, including coastal paths, estuary trails, and extensive forest tracks. You'll find bridleways and quiet lanes connecting areas like the Exe Estuary and Haldon Forest Park, with some routes featuring significant climbs and panoramic views.

Yes, the region offers routes suitable for families. The Exe Estuary Trail, while not exclusively gravel, provides mostly flat, traffic-free sections ideal for a relaxed family ride. Some routes within the Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve are also easy and suitable for all fitness levels.

Many routes offer stunning views. You can enjoy panoramic vistas over the Exe Estuary towards Exmouth, especially from areas like Mamhead Obelisk. The Dawlish Cliffs, with their impressive red Permian sand, are a striking coastal feature. The View of Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve also provides a great perspective of this important habitat.

For a more challenging ride, consider routes that explore Haldon Forest Park. The Rixdale Road – Haldon Forest MTB Skills Park loop from Haldon Forest Park is a difficult 46.7 km path with significant climbs and rewarding views. Routes leading through Kenn and St Andrew's Lane towards Haldon can also be technical.

Yes, several routes are designed as loops. For example, the Haldon Forest MTB Skills Park – Kiddens Trail loop from Kenn is a 25.1 km trail that takes you through varied landscapes. Another option is the Blackhill Quarry Trail – Hawkerland Bridleway loop from Exmouth Community College, a moderate 24.3 km route.

The gravel biking routes around Dawlish are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 20 reviews. More than 100 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore the region's varied terrain, often praising the mix of coastal, estuary, and forest environments.

Yes, you can combine your ride with visits to several attractions. Haldon Forest Park offers not just trails but also facilities like Forest Cycle Hire Haldon Forest Park and dedicated MTB areas like Kiddens Trail. The Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve is a significant ecological site. You might also pass by highlights such as Blackhill Quarry Lake or various bird hides like Goosemoor Nature Reserve Birdwatching Hide.

Dawlish offers good gravel biking opportunities throughout the year due to its diverse terrain. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, especially with the changing colors in Haldon Forest. Coastal and estuary routes can be enjoyed year-round, though some forest tracks might be muddier after heavy rain in winter.

Dawlish is well-connected by public transport, particularly by train, with a station in the town center. This makes it feasible to access various starting points for rides, especially those along the coast or estuary. Some routes, like the Topsham to Woodbury Common — Exeter gravel routes, are also accessible from nearby towns with good transport links.

Absolutely. Most of the gravel routes in Dawlish are rated as moderate. A good option for intermediate riders is the East Devon Way – Hawkerland Bridleway loop from Bystock Nature Reserve, which is 14.3 km long and offers a balanced challenge. The Haldon Forest MTB Skills Park – Kiddens Trail loop from Kenn is another popular moderate choice.