6 Best Komoot Gravel Routes — Explore Dartmoor, Exmoor, and the Cotswolds
South West England offers some of the UK’s most varied and rewarding gravel terrain. From gentle reservoir loops to remote moorland challenges, this guide highlights six representative Komoot routes, selected to show the region’s range: 2 Easy, 2 Moderate, and 2 Hard. Each route is accessible via Komoot, so you can preview, save, and download GPX files for offline navigation.
Future regional articles in this series will cover Wales and Northern Ireland, following previously published guides for Scotland, North West England, North East England, and East Anglia & the Midlands.
About Komoot.
Komoot is a GPS-based route planning and navigation platform. You can discover, preview, save and download GPX files for offline navigation — ideal when exploring rural Scotland with limited mobile signal. Routes below link to Komoot so riders can save or export them directly.
EASY RIDES — Gentle Loops & Scenic Views
1. Burrator Reservoir Loop – Dartmoor National Park
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/e878077116/burrator-reservoir-schleife-dartmoor-national-park
Distance: ~7.9 km | Elevation: 130 m | Estimated Time: ~35 min
Difficulty: Easy
A short, scenic loop around Burrator Reservoir with smooth gravel tracks, gentle gradients, and moorland views. Ideal for beginners or a relaxed warm-up ride.
Access & Logistics:
- Parking at Burrator Reservoir visitor areas
- Best accessed by car
- Minimal amenities on site
2. The Fosseway and Malmesbury Common Loop from Sherston — Cotswolds
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/e1654450554/the-fosseway-and-malmesbury-common-loop-from-sherston-cotswolds
Distance: ~26.7 km (~16.6 mi) | Elevation: ~150 m (~492 ft) | Estimated Time: ~1 h 54 min
Difficulty: Easy
A gentle and scenic loop in the Cotswolds AONB, starting in Sherston, following parts of the historic Fosseway Roman road and Malmesbury Common. Mostly smooth surfaces and minimal climbing make this perfect for new or casual gravel riders.
Access & Logistics:
- Parking in Sherston village
- Rail access via Chippenham station + cycle or taxi
- Amenities: cafés, pubs, shops in Sherston and Malmesbury
MODERATE ROUTES — Half-Day Adventures
3. North Devon Coast Gravel Route – Barnstaple Clock Tower Loop from Croyde
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/35011365
Distance: 33.8 km | Elevation: 290 m | Estimated Time: ~2 h 06 min
Difficulty: Moderate
A scenic coastal loop in North Devon combining bridleways, quiet roads, and forest tracks. Rolling terrain and sea views offer a balanced half-day ride for intermediate gravel cyclists.
Access & Logistics:
- Parking in Croyde village
- Train access via Barnstaple station + onward cycle
- Amenities: cafés and shops in Croyde/Barnstaple
4. Chipping Sodbury & Hawkesbury Upton Loop — Cotswolds
Komoot: Chipping Sodbury & Hawkesbury Upton Loop
Distance: ~59.8 km (~37.2 mi) | Elevation: ~430 m (~1,425 ft) | Estimated Time: ~4 h
Difficulty: Moderate
A scenic Cotswolds loop starting near Bristol, this route combines quiet country roads and smooth gravel tracks. Rolling hills, charming villages, and classic countryside views make it an ideal half-day ride for riders with some off-road experience.
Access & Logistics:
- Parking: Chipping Sodbury town centre or nearby public car parks
- Train: Closest stations in Bristol or Yate
- Amenities: Cafés, pubs, and shops in Chipping Sodbury, Hawkesbury Upton, and surrounding villages
HARD EPICS — Big Days & Challenging Terrain
5. The Dartmoor Way Loop from Ivybridge – Dartmoor National Park
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/e1203248274/the-dartmoor-way-loop-from-ivybridge-dartmoor-national-park
Distance: 142 km | Elevation: 2,190 m | Estimated Time: ~9 h 53 min
Difficulty: Hard
One of South West England’s ultimate gravel adventures. Remote moorland, long climbs, and challenging surfaces make this ideal for experienced, endurance‑minded riders.
Access & Logistics:
- Parking: Ivybridge or surrounding forest car parks
- Train: Ivybridge station accessible from Plymouth/Exeter
- Amenities: Limited — bring provisions
6. Westcountry Way Gravel Route – Devon & Somerset (Segment Option)
Komoot Collection: https://www.komoot.com/collection/977403/-the-westcountry-way
Distance: Variable (typically 60–90 km segments) | Elevation: Significant climbing
Difficulty: Hard
Segments of the Westcountry Way cross Dartmoor and Exmoor, featuring remote bridleways, rugged moorland, and long gravel climbs. Suitable for strong, experienced riders seeking adventure and epic day rides.
Access & Logistics:
- Car and public transport options vary by segment
- Minimal services on-route — plan food/water carefully
🌍 Travel & Logistics — South West England
Train Access:
- Plymouth, Barnstaple, Tavistock, Ivybridge — options for rail-to-ride
Car Parking:
- Village and park car parks at Croyde, Burrator, Yelverton, Sherston, Ivybridge
Local Amenities:
- Cafés, pubs, shops in villages along routes
- Remote Dartmoor and Exmoor sections: carry provisions
Ride Planning Tips:
- Download routes via Komoot for offline use
- Tyres 35–45 mm recommended
- Be prepared for changing weather, especially on Dartmoor and Exmoor
Conclusion
South West England offers some of the most varied gravel riding in the UK, from quiet woodland trails and converted railway paths to rugged moorland tracks and coastal routes. The region combines scenic countryside with more demanding terrain in places like Dartmoor National Park and Exmoor National Park, making it a rewarding destination for gravel riders of all abilities.
As part of our UK Komoot gravel cycling series — which also includes Gravel Cycling in Scotland, North West England Gravel Cycling, Gravel Cycling in North East England, and Gravel Cycling in East Anglia & the Midlands — this guide highlights six routes that showcase the diversity of riding across the South West.
Two further guides complete the series: Gravel Cycling in Wales, exploring mountain and upland gravel routes, and Gravel Cycling in Northern Ireland, which highlights the region’s coastal tracks, forests and rolling countryside. Together, these articles provide a practical overview of some of the best gravel cycling routes across the UK, all easily accessible through Komoot for planning and navigation.
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