Most of us can remember that sense of freedom we had as children when we finally learned to ride a bike and could set off with our friends for a day of adventure. Luckily, it’s an activity that can be enjoyed well into old age – it’s an excellent way of keeping fit and you’ll get plenty of healthy fresh air while doing it. With its extensive network of quiet roads and designated cycle routes, together with over 350km of bridleways and byways, Dartmoor is the perfect location for cycling. Whether you just want a pleasant afternoon ride with the family, or wish to tackle one of the area’s exciting off-road routes, there is something for everyone! Add to that the spectacular scenery, the sense of wilderness and an abundance of welcoming pubs to stop at, and you have the perfect day out.
The area’s narrow lanes, hidden bends and steep hill climbs can be challenging but fun and you will need to keep an eye out for the tractors, cattle, sheep and ponies, as well as motorists and other cyclists, that you are likely to meet on your travels. If you’re planning to go off-road, you’ll need to bear in mind that cycling on the open moorland or common land is only permitted on designated bridleways or permitted routes. The Dartmoor and Surrounding Area for Cyclists map is invaluable if you want to plan routes on and around the moors. The tough, detailed, waterproof map, which shows routes for off-roading or touring, is available to buy from the National Park Visitor Centres.
National Cycle Network Route 27, also known as the Devon Coast to Coast, passes through the area and several sections are featured in designated routes, such as the Granite Way between Okehampton and Lydford, and Drake’s Trail, which links Tavistock with Plymouth. The Granite Way offers incredible views of the surrounding countryside, particularly the tors of north-western Dartmoor. There are also two ruined castles to explore, one at Okehampton and one at Lydford. The route also crosses Meldon Viaduct, where you can make a short detour to visit the peaceful reservoir. As well as wildlife, Drake’s Trail offers plenty to see of historical interest, as it includes several landmarks that featured in Sir Francis Drake’s life. The route passes through Grenofen Tunnel and over Gem Bridge and Magpie Viaduct, before joining the Plym Valley Trail, where it passes through Plymbridge Woods, before heading into Plymouth.
However, for those who like a real challenge, the ultimate has to be the Dartmoor Way. This 95-mile circular route has it all: winding country lanes, panoramic views and pretty villages. There’s also an additional 27-mile High Moorland link, which crosses the moor. Although the route can be tackled in either direction, it’s recommended that you travel anti-clockwise, partly as this gives the best views of the scenery, but also because the hills seem slightly more forgiving this way round! The super-fit should be able to complete the whole route in a day or you can just pick a few shorter sections to explore at a gentler pace.
Road cycling has increased massively in popularity since the Tour of Britain visited the area and the race is set to return to the region on 6th September 2021. Starting at Sherford, near Plymouth, the route passes through the town of Tavistock before climbing on to the high moors. After passing the Warren House Inn (a great place to spectate from), cyclists will then head for Moretonhampstead, before finishing the stage in the cathedral city of Exeter. If you’d rather compete than watch from the sidelines, the Grande Depart of the Dartmoor Classic Sportive leaves from Newton Abbot Racecourse on 20th June 2021.
