The best road cycling routes in Torbay

Torbay offers a diverse range of road cycling routes, catering to various skill levels. You'll find everything from relatively flat coastal promenades, ideal for leisurely rides, to more challenging routes with significant elevation gains through undulating hills and winding country lanes. The region features 15 easy, 79 moderate, and 43 difficult routes, ensuring options for all cyclists.

Yes, Torbay provides family-friendly road cycling opportunities, particularly along its scenic coastal promenades. A four-mile stretch between Torquay harbour and Paignton Harbour offers a beautiful, relatively flat winding coastal road suitable for all abilities. For a safe, traffic-free environment, the Torbay Velopark in Paignton is an excellent option with various track distances and bike hire available.

Torbay, part of the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark, is rich in scenic beauty. Cyclists can enjoy dramatic cliffs, diverse beaches, and impressive geological formations. Notable viewpoints include Berry Head Headland & Lighthouse, Hopes Nose, and Babbacombe Downs Clifftop Promenade, which offers expansive coastal views. You might also spot Thatcher Rock with its distinctive profile.

Many of Torbay's road cycling routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the Fairy Cove – Devon Country Lane loop from Paignton takes you through charming country lanes and offers coastal access. Another option is the Goodrington Sands North Beach – Torquay Pavilion loop from Brixham, which provides a moderate ride with coastal views.

Torbay benefits from a mild climate, making it suitable for road cycling for much of the year. The spring and autumn months generally offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, ideal for exploring the region's diverse landscapes. Summer is also popular, especially for coastal rides, though routes might be busier. Winter cycling is possible, but be prepared for cooler, potentially wetter conditions.

Parking facilities are generally available in the main towns of Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham, which serve as common starting points for many routes. Specific parking information for individual routes can often be found on their respective komoot tour pages. Additionally, the Torbay Velopark in Paignton has dedicated parking for its users.

Yes, Torbay has a well-connected public transport network, including train stations in Torquay and Paignton, and extensive bus services throughout the region. This allows for convenient access to various starting points for road cycling routes. Always check local transport provider policies regarding bikes on buses or trains before planning your journey.

Absolutely. Torbay's hinterland features steeply undulating hills that provide challenging climbs for advanced road cyclists. Routes like the Dartmouth & Salcombe loop from Brixham — South Devon, with over 1200 meters of elevation gain, offer extensive coastal views and demanding ascents. The Totnes High Street – Winding Road Near Modbury loop from Torquay is another difficult option, covering over 100 km with significant climbing.

The road cycling routes in Torbay are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 70 reviews. Cyclists often praise the region's dramatic coastline, the variety of terrain from flat promenades to challenging hills, and the charm of its winding country lanes. Many appreciate the blend of scenic beauty and diverse cycling experiences.

Yes, Torbay offers numerous opportunities to stop for refreshments. The coastal towns of Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham have a wide selection of cafes, pubs, and restaurants. Many routes, especially those passing through villages or along the coast, will have convenient spots to refuel. For example, the Cafe 3 Sixty – Wray Valley Trail loop from Torre specifically highlights a cafe along its path.

Road cycling routes in Torbay vary significantly in length. You can find shorter, leisurely rides along the coast, while many popular routes range from moderate distances of 35-55 km (e.g., Fairy Cove – Devon Country Lane loop from Paignton at 55.8 km) to longer, more challenging tours exceeding 70 km, such as the Exeter Ship Canal shared path – Riverside Valley Park Cycleway loop from Torre which is over 80 km.

Yes, Torbay is home to the Torbay Velopark in Paignton, which is the only outdoor closed-road cycling circuit in Devon and Cornwall. It provides a safe, traffic-free environment with three distance options (1.5km, 1.0km, and 0.5km). It's an excellent facility for both amateur and professional cyclists, and bike and helmet hire are available on-site.