The best gravel rides around Cornwood

Gravel biking around Cornwood offers a diverse landscape, from the rugged granite uplands and peat bogs of Dartmoor National Park to ancient woodlands like Dendles Wood and scenic river valleys such as the River Yealm. You'll encounter a mix of unpaved paths, quiet country lanes, and bridleways, providing varied terrain for off-road cycling.

There are over a dozen gravel bike routes available around Cornwood, catering to various skill levels. The komoot community has mapped 15 distinct tours, with options ranging from moderate to difficult.

While many routes in the immediate vicinity of Cornwood tend towards moderate to difficult, the broader Dartmoor area, accessible from Cornwood, offers sections suitable for families or beginners. For example, the Plymbridge Valley Cycle Path, a highlight near Cornwood, provides a more accessible, traffic-free option that can be incorporated into rides.

The region is rich in natural beauty. You can explore ancient woodlands like Dendles Wood National Nature Reserve, known for its old oak and beech trees and unique rock formations like Combe Tor. Routes often pass by significant tors such as South Hessary Tor or offer views of reservoirs like Burrator. The Plym Valley Trail and Princetown Railway Track also offer interesting historical and natural points of interest.

Yes, many of the gravel routes in the Cornwood area are designed as loops. For instance, the South Hessary Tor – Two Bridges Stone Bridge loop from Princetown offers a challenging circular ride through Dartmoor's open moorland. Another option is the South Hessary Tor – Burrator Reservoir and Dam loop from Princetown, which winds around a scenic reservoir.

The gravel biking routes around Cornwood are generally categorized as moderate to difficult. Out of the 15 available tours, 6 are moderate and 9 are difficult, reflecting the challenging nature of Dartmoor's terrain with its significant elevation changes and varied surfaces.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.7 stars from around 7 reviews. Riders often praise the challenging terrain, the stunning Dartmoor landscapes, and the sense of adventure offered by routes like the Lydia Bridge Waterfall – The Station House loop from Lee Mill, which leads through varied river valleys and rural areas.

Yes, you can find routes that include these features. The Lydia Bridge Waterfall – The Station House loop from Lee Mill explicitly mentions a waterfall. Additionally, routes like the South Hessary Tor – Burrator Reservoir and Dam loop from Princetown and the Lydia Bridge Waterfall – Avon Dam Reservoir loop from South Brent will take you past scenic reservoirs.

For a longer and more challenging ride, consider the Lydia Bridge Waterfall – The Station House loop from Lee Mill, which is 52.1 km long and typically takes over 4 hours. Another demanding option is the Burrator Reservoir and Dam – Shaugh Tunnel loop from Cann Woods, covering 53.5 km with significant elevation changes.

Given its proximity to Dartmoor National Park and reserves like Dendles Wood, you might spot a variety of wildlife. Dendles Wood is home to rare species such as the blue ground beetle, Barbastelle bat, pied flycatcher, redstart, and wood warbler. On the open moorland, you may encounter Dartmoor ponies, sheep, and various bird species.

While gravel biking is possible year-round, spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be excellent, but be prepared for potentially warmer weather and more visitors. Winter rides are possible but require appropriate gear for colder, wetter conditions, especially on the exposed moorland sections.

Yes, the area has historical industrial remnants. You can find highlights like the Shaugh Tunnel and the Foggintor Quarry Lake (North Side), which add an interesting historical dimension to your rides. The Burrator Reservoir and Dam – Shaugh Tunnel loop from Cann Woods specifically includes the Shaugh Tunnel.