CYCLING ROUTE GUIDES
From gentle woodland trails to coastal adventures, Plymouth has a ride for everyone. All routes start directly from our hire centre at Coypool Park & Ride.
Plym Valley Trail
Our most popular route and the perfect introduction to cycling in Plymouth. The Plym Valley Trail follows the old Great Western Railway line through ancient oak woodlands, crossing spectacular Victorian viaducts and running alongside the River Plym. Starting right from our hire centre at Coypool Park & Ride, the route is completely traffic-free and mostly flat — ideal for families with young children, beginners, and anyone who wants a relaxed ride in beautiful Devon countryside.
Route Highlights:
- • Completely traffic-free from start to finish
- • Flat, well-surfaced tarmac path
- • Historic Victorian railway viaducts
- • Peregrine Falcon viewing point at Plymbridge
- • Ancient oak woodland and River Plym views
- • Connects to Dartmoor National Park
Best Lunch Stops:
- 🍴 National Trust Cafe (Plymbridge Woods)
- 🍴 The Skylark Inn (Clearbrook)
- 🍴 Wildwood Cafe (Scenic spot)
Local tip: This is the best route for families with young children. The surface is smooth and the gradient is gentle throughout. Allow extra time to stop and spot wildlife — peregrine falcons nest at Plymbridge and kingfishers can be seen along the river.
Saltram Park Loop
A stunning circular ride around the National Trust's Saltram Estate, one of Plymouth's most beautiful green spaces. The route takes you through sweeping parkland with views across the Plym estuary, past the Georgian Saltram House, and through beautifully landscaped grounds that have changed little since the 18th century. The estate featured as Norland Park in the 2008 film adaptation of Sense and Sensibility. A wonderful route for those who want to combine cycling with history and culture.
Route Highlights:
- • National Trust Saltram Estate
- • Sweeping estuary views
- • Georgian Saltram House architecture
- • Parkland deer and wildlife spotting
- • Café and toilets on site
- • Filming location for Sense and Sensibility
Best Lunch Stops:
- 🍴 Saltram Park Café (on-site, National Trust)
- 🍴 The Boringdon Arms (nearby traditional pub)
- 🍴 Picnic on the parkland green
Local tip: Saltram Estate is managed by the National Trust. The grounds are open to cyclists and the café is a great stop for lunch. Combine with a short section of the Plym Valley Trail for a longer day out.
Plymouth Waterfront
Explore Britain's Ocean City from the saddle on this spectacular coastal route. Starting from the Plym estuary at Coypool, the route takes you along the waterfront to the historic Barbican — Plymouth's medieval quarter where the Mayflower set sail for America in 1620 — past the iconic Smeaton's Tower Lighthouse on Plymouth Hoe, and along the coast to the award-winning Royal William Yard. This route includes some hills and is best enjoyed on an e-bike or e-recumbent. The views across Plymouth Sound and towards Cornwall are outstanding.
Route Highlights:
- • Coastal and estuary scenery throughout
- • Historic Barbican and Mayflower Steps
- • Smeaton's Tower Lighthouse on Plymouth Hoe
- • Tinside Lido (open in summer)
- • Royal William Yard (Grade I listed)
- • Views across Plymouth Sound to Cornwall
Best Lunch Stops:
- 🍴 Rockfish (award-winning seafood on the Barbican)
- 🍴 The Waterfront (West Hoe seafront)
- 🍴 Seco Lounge (Royal William Yard)
Local tip: We strongly recommend an e-bike or e-recumbent for this route due to the hills. The route is best ridden on a clear day for the best views. Allow plenty of time to explore the Barbican and Plymouth Hoe.