Recommended Cycling Routes in South West England

Want to take your country walks (check out the guide first) a step up? If you are looking for a more spine-tingling way of exploring south west England, you should try cycling - you’ll discover that South West England offers excellent cyclists tracks. In this review, you’ll read about some of the best cycling routes in the region, and don’t worry, you don’t need to have a superhuman stamina of a Tour de France competitor to conquer the routes. Before you do so, make sure that you have all the gear necessary and perhaps consult with one of Swindon’s cycling clubs.

Saltram’s Riverside Cycle Trail

This cycling route is ideal for families with young children. You’ll enjoy cycling through the Plym estuary, ancient oak trees, and seasonal scenes like the spring bluebells, summer flower meadows, and the colorful autumn woodlands. If you want to build your skills and practice new skills, you can try the pump track specially designed for children. The terrain is friendly to new cyclists as it is mostly flat with only one steep hill.  The amphitheater overlooking the creek is an excellent location for a picnic. This trail has less traffic and has multiple users. There is ample parking, a garden, and toilets. You must book tickets before visiting.

Kingston Lacy’s Woodland Trail in Dorset

This trail will take you through the beautiful woodlands as you cycle along the ancient carriage
drives made by the Bankes family. You’ll also enjoy picturesque views of the house and parkland. You are also likely to bump into the estate’s herd of cattle as you pass by. You can make a stopover for a picnic as you enjoy the wildlife in the area. The trail is on a smooth terrain wide enough to accommodate walkers, runners, and cyclists. It is also somewhat fat, making it friendly for beginners. You can also use a wheelchair on the trail. There is plenty of parking space, a garden, parkland, and toilets. It would be best to make reservations before visiting as you’ll be turned back if you don’t.

Lanhydrock

At Lanhydrock, there is a trail for everyone regardless of your experience as a cyclist. It is upon you to select from smooth rides through the woodlands or select much hillier trails. You must make reservations before you visit. You must also book for your parking space. If you don’t own a bicycle, there is a cycle hire facility.

You can choose between the Green grade trail, which is gentle and takes you through the English woodlands and conifer trees on the Lanhydrock estate. It is a great track for families as it is wide, smooth, and devoid of challenging features. There is also a skills area and balance bike track. This new track is ideal if you want to practice your skills over rollers and jumps, drops, and banked corners. The features were modified to
mimic the ones you’ll encounter on the real trail. The blue and red trails are for more experienced cyclists.

Baggy Point to Barnstaple cycle trail

This is an 11-mile cycle trail that will take you through the serene countryside lane to Braunton. From here, you’ll join the Tarka trail that has less traffic and follows the Taw River to Barnstaple. You can cycle further down the Tarka trail down to the other side of the Taw river to Torridge river. 

The terrain is moderate, meaning new and experienced cyclists can use it comfortably. Visitors
also have access to ample parking, toilets, and tearooms. 

Studland Peninsula, Dorset

This trail presents cyclists with a gentle, moor and expansive views along a 6.5-mile circular route. As you enjoy the terrain, you’ll come across all the six British reptiles, the deer, insects, and birds. If you enjoy tracking wild animals, you’ll enjoy this cycling trail. It also presents cyclists the opportunity to try new things like water sports, horse riding, and camping in the wild. If any of these activities is on your bucket list, you should plan a trip to Studland.