DARTMOOR, ENGLAND

DISTANCE 136KM (85 MILES), CLIMBING 3,000M (9,842FT) TIME 2 DAYS TO 3 DAYS

The route: This circular route passes along the northern edge and centre of Dartmoor National Park, following a variety of excellent, and challenging, trails

Start: Okehampton station (postcode EX20 1EJ, grid ref SX 592/944)

1

Ride south-west along the West Devon Way bridleway (or the Granite Way cycle route no.27 for an easier start), drop to Sourton and join the Granite Way. Peel off to rejoin the West Devon Way or stay on the easier Granite Way to Lydford (where they converge) and continue to Mary Tavy, then Peter Tavy on the NCN.27.

2

Head into the moors, along bridleways to Merrivale. Continue south to Burrator Reservoir (or left on the old railway line to Princetown if preferred). Loop across the moors, north to Princetown and then along rough moorland tracks and stepping stones at Sherberton. Take the technical descent at Bellever (or go via Laughter Hole to avoid it) to Postbridge.

3

Venture back into the moors, around Soussons Down. Go over the hills to Hound Tor (enjoy the optional little loops here if you want) and Manaton, before heading north for a fun descent to North Bovey and then following some quiet roads to Moretonhampstead. A mixture of tarmac and moors leads to a fast descent to the valley bottom and a gentle track along the River Teign, leading to Fingle Bridge.

4

Climb to the fabulous Piddledown Common trail, passing close to Castle Drogo, before descending and then following a long section of quiet roads, past Widdon Down to South Tawton. There are some more off-road sections to enjoy as the route leads you back to Okehampton and the railway station to finish.

THE LOCATION Dartmoor National Park is one of the last truly wild areas in England, with huge swathes of open, bleak and desolate moorland. Despite its huge size there aren’t all that many rideable bridleways, but there are enough, and some great ones at that, especially around the fringes of the park and in the centre.

GETTING THERE Okehampton is on the A30, west of Exeter, at the southern end of the M5. It has a railway station.

FACILITIES Dartmoor is the only place in England where you can wild camp without express permission from the landowner (in certain places – check online). There are several pubs, hotels, campsites, cafes and shops around the route.

MORE INFO Bikepacking England: 20 Multi-day Off-road Cycling Adventures by Emma Kingston (Vertebrate Publishing)