The best traffic-free bike rides around Okehampton

There are over 20 traffic-free road cycling routes around Okehampton, catering to various skill levels. You'll find options ranging from easy, leisurely rides to more challenging routes with significant elevation gains.

Yes, Okehampton offers several easy, traffic-free options. The Typical Devon Village – River Okement loop from Okehampton is a great example, offering a gentle 19 km ride. The Granite Way, though not a specific komoot route in this guide, is also an excellent choice for easy, mostly traffic-free cycling, following an old railway line with fantastic views.

The terrain varies significantly. You can expect a mix of challenging climbs across rugged moorland, particularly as you venture into Dartmoor National Park, and gentler routes that follow old railway lines like parts of the Granite Way. Routes often feature panoramic views, granite tors, and ancient woodlands.

Many routes offer stunning views and pass by significant landmarks. You might encounter the iconic Meldon Reservoir and the Victorian iron Meldon Viaduct. For breathtaking vistas, routes can lead you towards the highest points on Dartmoor, such as Yes Tor summit or High Willhays summit.

Yes, many of the routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the moderate Meldon Viaduct – Dartmoor National Park loop from Okehampton offers a circular experience through varied landscapes.

The komoot community rates the routes around Okehampton highly, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, the stunning natural beauty of Dartmoor National Park, and the opportunity to find quiet, traffic-free roads that allow for an immersive cycling experience.

Absolutely. For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, routes like the difficult Meldon Viaduct – Gem Bridge loop from Okehampton offer significant distances (over 117 km) and considerable elevation gains (nearly 1400 m), providing a demanding yet rewarding ride through the Dartmoor wilderness.

Yes, several routes will take you through or near picturesque Devon villages. For instance, the Meldon Viaduct – Cornish Country Lanes loop from Okehampton offers a moderate ride that explores the characterful lanes and scenery of the region, often passing through charming settlements.

While cycling is possible year-round, late spring to early autumn (May to September) generally offers the most favorable weather conditions for road cycling in Okehampton. During these months, you can expect milder temperatures and longer daylight hours, making for more enjoyable rides. However, Dartmoor weather can be unpredictable, so always be prepared for changes.

Many routes in the area incorporate beautiful water features. The Abbeyford Woods – River Okement loop from Okehampton, for example, follows the scenic River Okement. You'll also find routes that pass by the picturesque Meldon Reservoir, offering tranquil waterside views.

Okehampton itself offers various parking options within the town. For routes starting directly from the edge of Dartmoor, such as those near Meldon Viaduct or the Granite Way, specific car parks are usually available. It's advisable to check local signage or resources like Visit Okehampton for detailed parking information before your ride.