The best traffic-free bike rides around Cann Woods

There are over 100 carefully curated no traffic touring cycling routes around Cann Woods, offering a wide range of distances and difficulty levels. You'll find everything from easy, short loops to more challenging, longer rides through the scenic Plym Valley.

The komoot community highly rates touring cycling in Cann Woods, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 500 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the peaceful, traffic-free nature of the routes, the beautiful mixed woodland scenery, and the historical points of interest along the way, such as the Plym Valley Trail and Cann Viaduct.

Yes, Cann Woods offers several easy, family-friendly options perfect for a relaxed ride. The Plym Valley Trail – Plymbridge Woods Trails loop from Plym Bridge is an excellent choice, covering about 4.4 km with minimal elevation, making it suitable for casual riders and families. The Plym Valley Trail itself is largely traffic-free and follows a former railway line, providing a safe and enjoyable experience.

The routes in Cann Woods are rich with natural beauty and historical landmarks. You can cycle alongside the picturesque River Plym, through diverse mixed woodlands, and spot wildlife. Notable historical features include the impressive Cann Viaduct and remnants of the area's industrial past. Keep an eye out for the Peregrine Falcon Viewing Platform, Plym Valley for birdwatching opportunities, especially in spring and early summer.

Yes, many of the no traffic touring cycling routes in Cann Woods are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Plym Valley Trail – Cann Woods Gravel loop from Plym Bridge offers a moderate 14.5 km circular ride through varied terrain.

Cann Woods is beautiful year-round, but spring (April-May) is particularly enchanting with bluebells, wild garlic, and wood anemones in bloom. Autumn (September-October) offers stunning fall foliage. Summer provides pleasant weather for longer rides, while winter can be quiet and atmospheric, though some paths might be muddier. The traffic-free nature of the routes makes them enjoyable in most conditions.

Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the trails in Cann Woods, provided they are kept under control, especially around wildlife and other users. Always ensure you clean up after your dog to help maintain the natural environment for everyone.

For experienced touring cyclists seeking a greater challenge, Cann Woods offers longer and more difficult routes. The Plym Valley Trail – Grenofen Tunnel loop from Plym Bridge is a demanding 79 km ride with significant elevation, while the Plym Valley Trail – Shaugh Tunnel loop from Plympton covers nearly 90 km, both offering extensive exploration of the wider Plym Valley area.

Many of the no traffic cycling routes, particularly sections of the Plym Valley Trail, follow former railway lines, meaning they often feature mostly paved or well-maintained compacted gravel surfaces. This makes them suitable for touring bikes and generally accessible. Some unofficial trails within the woods might be rougher, but the main touring routes are typically smooth.

While the immediate traffic-free routes within Cann Woods might not have cafes directly on them, there are often facilities at key access points like Plym Bridge. Additionally, the nearby towns and villages surrounding Cann Woods, such as Plympton, offer various cafes, pubs, and accommodation options for pre- or post-ride refreshments.

Cann Woods is accessible by public transport, with bus services operating to areas near the woods, particularly from Plymouth. Check local bus timetables for routes that stop close to main access points like Plym Bridge or the Cann Woods car park. This allows for car-free travel to begin your cycling adventure.

Generally, no specific permits are required for recreational cycling on the designated public trails within Cann Woods. However, it's always good practice to check the official local authority website for any updates or specific regulations, especially for larger groups or organized events. You can find more information on the Plymouth City Council website: plymouth.gov.uk/cann-wood-lnr.