The best traffic-free bike rides around Plymouth

This guide highlights three excellent moderate-difficulty routes specifically designed for gravel biking with minimal traffic. These routes offer a fantastic way to explore the diverse landscapes around Plymouth, from woodlands to moorland edges.

Yes, several areas around Plymouth are ideal for family-friendly gravel biking. The Plym Valley Trail, for example, offers a largely traffic-free experience through woodlands and along disused railway lines, making it suitable for various ages and skill levels. While this guide focuses on moderate routes, the general area provides many accessible options.

The no traffic gravel bike trails around Plymouth offer a rich variety of scenery. You can expect to cycle through ancient woodlands, alongside rivers, and across parts of the rugged Dartmoor National Park. Routes like the Cann Woods (Plymbridge Woods) – Plymbridge Valley Cycle Path loop immerse you in serene forest environments, while others provide glimpses of historic railway structures and open moorland vistas.

Yes, this guide includes several circular routes to ensure you start and finish in the same location. For instance, the Cann Viaduct – Plymbridge Valley Cycle Path loop from Plymstock offers a substantial circular ride, allowing you to experience varied terrain without retracing your steps.

The routes often pass by significant natural and historical features. You might encounter impressive Victorian railway engineering, such as the Cann Viaduct, or cycle along the scenic Plym Valley Trail. The wider Plymouth area also boasts landmarks like the historic Mayflower Steps and the iconic Tinside Lido, though these are typically closer to the city center.

Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for quiet gravel biking in Plymouth, with milder temperatures and fewer crowds than peak summer. Winter can also be rewarding, especially on well-surfaced disused railway lines, though some moorland sections might be more challenging due to weather. Always check local conditions before heading out.

Yes, many popular starting points for gravel trails around Plymouth, especially those utilizing disused railway lines like the Plym Valley Trail or Drake's Trail, have dedicated parking facilities. For example, routes starting near Plympton or Plymstock often have accessible parking nearby, making it convenient to begin your ride.

Plymouth has a good public transport network, and some trailheads are accessible by bus or train. For instance, sections of the Plym Valley Trail and Drake's Trail can be reached from various points within or just outside the city, allowing for car-free access to your gravel biking adventure. It's advisable to check specific bus routes and timetables for the most convenient access points.

The komoot community often praises the diverse landscapes and the sense of escape offered by Plymouth's gravel trails. Riders particularly appreciate the extensive network of traffic-free paths, especially those converted from old railway lines, which provide a safe and enjoyable experience through beautiful woodlands and along scenic river valleys.

While this guide features moderate routes, the proximity to Dartmoor National Park means there are definitely more challenging options available. Routes like the Nun's Cross (Siward's Cross) – Leather Tor Clapper Bridge loop from Shaugh Prior offer significant elevation gain and varied terrain, providing a more demanding experience for those seeking a challenge on the edge of the moor.

Many of the traffic-free paths, especially those through woodlands and along disused railway lines like the Plym Valley Trail, are popular with dog walkers. While cycling is permitted, always ensure your dog is under control, on a lead where required, and be mindful of other trail users to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

For more general information about the beautiful countryside and green spaces surrounding Plymouth, you can visit the official Plymouth tourism website. They offer details on various outdoor activities and natural attractions in the region. You can find more details at visitplymouth.co.uk.