The best cycling routes in Mid Devon

Mid Devon offers a diverse landscape for touring cyclists. You'll find tranquil, largely flat canal paths, such as those along the Grand Western Canal, ideal for leisurely rides. The region also features rolling countryside and scenic river valleys like the Exe Valley, which provide varied terrain and more challenging hill climbs, especially as you approach the Blackdown Hills National Landscape.

Yes, Mid Devon is home to several easy, family-friendly routes. The Grand Western Canal loop from Tiverton is a popular choice, offering a flat and scenic ride along the tranquil canal towpath. The Grand Western Canal is designated as a Country Park and Local Nature Reserve, making it perfect for a relaxed outing.

Many touring cycling routes in Mid Devon are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the Hemyock & Culmstock loop from Uffculme takes you through rolling countryside, while the Hemlock and Broadhembury loop explores the scenic Blackdown Hills.

Mid Devon's routes often pass by charming villages and historic sites. Along the Grand Western Canal, you can appreciate its 200-year history. Routes near Tiverton might bring you close to Tiverton Castle or Knightshayes Court, a National Trust gothic mansion. In the Blackdown Hills area, you might encounter St Mary's Church and Hemyock Castle.

For those seeking a longer challenge, Mid Devon offers routes that extend further. The Grand Western Canal – Nynehead Hollow loop from Tiverton is a difficult route covering over 67 km. Another challenging option is the Exeter Quayside – Exeter Canal Basin loop from Hemyock, which is nearly 100 km long and features significant elevation gain.

Mid Devon is enjoyable for touring cycling throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with changing foliage. Summer provides longer daylight hours, ideal for extended rides. Even in winter, many routes, particularly the well-surfaced canal paths, remain accessible, though conditions can be cooler and wetter.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in Mid Devon pass through or near charming villages and market towns like Tiverton, Bampton, Crediton, and Sampford Peverell. These locations often feature welcoming cafes, traditional pubs, and bike-friendly accommodations, perfect for a break or an overnight stay.

Many routes are accessible, with market towns like Tiverton serving as good starting points. For routes along the Grand Western Canal, there are parking facilities available, and the canal itself is part of the National Cycle Network (NCN3). While specific public transport links vary by route, major towns often have bus services, and some routes connect to train stations like Tiverton Parkway.

The touring cycling routes in Mid Devon are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 100 reviews. Cyclists often praise the region's diverse landscapes, from tranquil canal paths to scenic rolling hills, and the variety of routes catering to different abilities.

While Mid Devon has its own distinct beauty, its location provides easy access to and views of the rugged landscapes of Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks. Many cycling routes within Mid Devon's rolling countryside offer panoramic vistas where you can enjoy distant views of these iconic moorlands.

The Grand Western Canal is a significant feature for cyclists in Mid Devon. For more detailed information about cycling along this historic waterway, including its features and facilities, you can visit the official Devon County Council page: devon.gov.uk/grandwesterncanal/thingstodo/cycling.