The best traffic-free bike rides around Great Haldon
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No traffic touring cycling routes around Great Haldon traverse a landscape characterized by the Haldon Hills, a prominent ridge offering panoramic views over Exeter and the Exe Valley. The area features a 3,500-acre conifer plantation, Haldon Forest, interspersed with remnants of lowland heathland. The terrain includes varied elevations, with the highest point reaching 827 feet, providing diverse cycling experiences.
Best no traffic touring cycling routes around Great Haldon
- The most popular no traffic touring cycling route is The Ridge Café…
Last updated: July 13, 2026
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311
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7.26km
00:44
120m
120m
Hard bike ride. Great for any fitness level. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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(1)
229
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Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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16
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
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54
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
48
riders
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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Tips from the Community
Whether road or off-road this area has much to offer the cyclists.
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This sheltered viewpoint is on the family friendly, multi-user trail at Haldon Forest. Big views over the flat lands around Exeter and towards the coast at Exmouth.
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Haldon Forest Park opened the new start to the red trail in mid December 2023 and it's fantastic. It's packed gravel with berms at the start, then splits in two. Take the right 'short cut' to cut the entire red in two (or take it to ride back to the start and do the new section again) or stay left to carry on along the new bit and then get onto the usual red. This new section is nowhere near as challenging as the main red, but it's super fast and fun. As it spits you out on the fire track after a short distance, it's great for kids too, who can have a great time on this punchy gravel but bail before the red gets hairy. The way it's set up means it's easy to only do this bit, ride back to the start, and do it again and again.
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Great little hire shop. £20 for 4 hours and decent bikes for the trials around the forest. Don't forget ID
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Nice and very cycle friendly cafe at Haldon Forest. Plenty of outside bike storage, picnic benches etc as well as indoor seating. Good simple menu for food, snacks, and drinks. Perfectly positioned to ride from here on the surfaced trails of Haldon or to include it as a stop in a longer loop. Open every day.
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As you round the corner on Haldon's Discovery Trail, the woods fall back and the views open up. Looking east, the Exe Valley drops down before your eyes and you can see right across to the other side. On a clear day, this view is always exceptional but autumn evenings or early mornings can be particularly special.
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Here you can hire mountain bikes for riding at Haldon Forest Park and enquire about the Segway tours that operate here. It's right next to the cafe, car park, play area and toilets so there's plenty of facilities for all the family. Bike servicing is also offered here, so if your mountain bike could do with a little TLC, it's a great place to come. At the end of the ride, make the most of the bike wash too (a small charge applies), so that's one less thing to clean when you get home! For more information about the hire bikes, availability and pricing, visit: http://www.forestcyclehire.co.uk/
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The pump track at Haldon Forest Park is found next to the cafe building and children's play park, and is best suited to toddlers and young children learning to ride. The aim of the game is to make it all the way around the twisting course without pedalling, which you'll find is particularly hard here! A great place for youngsters to practice riding while you can enjoy a cuppa from the cafe.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available in Great Haldon?
There are over 10 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes in Great Haldon, offering a variety of experiences. Most of these, around 7, are rated as easy, making them suitable for many cyclists.
Are there any easy, traffic-free routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Great Haldon offers several easy, traffic-free routes perfect for beginners or families. For instance, the Haldon Forest Viewpoint – View of Exe Valley loop from The Ridge is an easy 3.8 km ride. Another great option is the Haldon Forest – Haldon Forest MTB Skills Park loop from Haldon Forest Park, which is 6.3 km and also rated easy.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the no-traffic touring cycling routes in Great Haldon?
The terrain in Great Haldon primarily consists of well-maintained forest trails within Haldon Forest Park. While many routes are traffic-free, some may include gentle inclines and descents as you navigate the Haldon Hills. The area's geology, with its New Red Sandstone and gravel, contributes to varied surfaces, but the touring routes are generally suitable for hybrid or touring bikes.
Are there any circular no-traffic touring cycling routes in Great Haldon?
Yes, many of the no-traffic touring cycling routes in Great Haldon are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Haldon Forest Viewpoint – View of Exe Valley loop from Dunchideock and the more challenging The Ridge Café – View of the Forest Trail loop from Haldon Forest Park.
What are the best viewpoints or natural features to see along these routes?
Great Haldon offers stunning panoramic views over Exeter, the Exe Valley, and even distant Dartmoor from its elevated positions. The routes often pass through the diverse conifer plantation and remnants of rare lowland heathland. Keep an eye out for wildlife, as the forest is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and home to birds of prey, nightjars, and pearl-bordered fritillary butterflies.
Can I rent bicycles in Great Haldon?
Yes, bicycle hire services are available within Haldon Forest Park, including electric bikes, adaptive cycles, trikes, and recumbents, making cycling accessible to a wide range of visitors. You can find more information at Forest Cycle Hire Haldon Forest Park.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Great Haldon?
The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience in Great Haldon, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, traffic-free environment, the well-maintained trails, and the beautiful forest scenery. The variety of routes, from easy family-friendly loops to more challenging rides, is also frequently highlighted.
Are there any cafes or refreshment stops along the no-traffic routes?
Yes, within Haldon Forest Park, the Ridge Cafe provides refreshments and is conveniently located near many cycling facilities and routes. This makes it a great spot for a break during your ride.
What nearby attractions can I visit in addition to cycling?
Beyond cycling, Great Haldon offers several attractions. You can visit the distinctive Haldon Belvedere, also known as Lawrence Castle, which offers impressive views. Other nearby highlights include the majestic Canonteign Falls and the historic Powderham Castle. For more details, explore the Attractions around Great Haldon guide.
Is Great Haldon accessible by public transport for cyclists?
While Haldon Forest Park is primarily accessed by car, the 'Haldon Link Cycleway' connects the forest to Kenn, suggesting potential for integrating with broader touring routes that might be accessible via public transport connections to nearby towns like Exeter. However, direct public transport links to the heart of the forest for bikes may be limited, so planning is advised.
What is the longest no-traffic touring cycling route in Great Haldon?
The longest no-traffic touring cycling route listed is the Haldon Forest MTB Skills Park – Haldon Forest Viewpoint loop from Forest Cycle Hire, which spans approximately 21.8 km and is rated as difficult due to its length and elevation changes.
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