Cycling on Dartmoor.
There are many cycle tracks upon Dartmoor, the South Hams and the surrounding area that are suitable for family cycling for all ages. These include;
The popular Exe Estuary Trail forms part of Route 2 of the National Cycle Network. The 16 mile mainly level trail runs along both sides of the estuary and connects Exeter to the coastal towns of Exmouth and Dawlish. Further details can be found here.
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The Granite Way is an 11 mile cycle trail running between Okehampton and Lydford along the north western edge of Dartmoor. It is mostly traffic free, largely following the course of the former Southern Region railway line with gentle gradients. There are several refreshment stops along the route and superb views of Dartmoor, the Meldon Viaduct and, at the Southern end, is the Lydford Gorge. Further details can be found here.
The Plym Valley trail is another route on the course of a former railway line and offers easy, largely level, riding for 10 miles between Plymouth and Dartmoor. Part of the national cycle network routes, number 27, the Plym Valley trail is part of a much bigger trail from Devon Coast to Coast spanning a total of 97 miles. Parts of the trail are within the National Trust Plymbridge Woods – stunning in the autumn. Further details can be found here.
Dartmoor has an extensive network of quiet lanes and designated cycle routes. However, if mountain biking is more your thing, then there are over 220 miles of bridleways and byways within the National Park to explore. Note that the only place that is off the limit is the open moor. Visit the Dartmoor National Park cycling page for more information.
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The Princetown Railway mountain biking route offers a choice of a 6 mile or 18 mile route. Intermediate grade, the routes follow mostly traffic free cycleways and minor roads. Further details can be found here.
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The Princetown and Burrator cycle route is a 12 mile intermediate to difficult route that is largely traffic free following bridleways and minor roads. Further details can be found here.
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There are longer routes and events for the more experienced rider including;
The Heart of Dartmoor Cycle Challenge event was last held in May 2014. Around 90 cyclists participated with approximately two-thirds selecting the 46 mile “Classic” event and the remainder the 75 mile “King of the Mountains” route. Further details can be found here.
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The Dartmoor Classic is run by the Mid-Devon Cycling Club and offers a choice of three routes, The Grande (107 miles), The Medio (68 miles) and The Debutante (35 miles). The Grande and Medio routes are open to all, whilst the Debutante is a women only route. Further details can be found here.
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The Dartmoor Way Cycle Route is a circular 95 mile route that circumnavigates the Dartmoor National Park, linking hamlets, villages and towns as it goes. Additionally there is a 27 mile “High Moorland” link enabling a total “figure of eight” route or alternatively a “Southern Hemisphere” and “Northern Hemisphere”. Many riders split the route over several days. Further details can be found here.
The Two Moors 100 links both the Exmoor National Park and the Dartmoor National Park in a choice of routes – either 100 miles or 100 kilometres (62 miles). The routes pass “through some of the most scenic countryside in the British isles with great climbs and long sweeping descents”. Further details can be found here.
Cycling on Dartmoor: Off road
We have some great off-road and traffic-free cycling routes on Dartmoor, but please only cycle where you are legally permitted to do so. Cycling on open moorland or common land is not allowed unless on a public bridleway or designated route.
Cycling on Dartmoor: The Granite & Gears Princetown Railway route
Choose a 10km or 30km route along Princetown’s disused railway, passing the granite quarries to reach Burrator Reservoir
Princetown Railway route (PDF)
Cycling on Dartmoor: Granite & Gears Princetown & Burrator route
A 20km route from Princetown, crossing open moorland on permitted bridleways to reach Burrator Reservoir.
Princetown to Burrator route (PDF)
Cycling on Dartmoor: Drake’s Trail
This is a 21 mile cycling and walking route linking Tavistock with Plymouth, using the National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 27. The route runs through superb countryside with attractive scenery along the western edge of Dartmoor together with much historical and heritage interest.
Cycling on Dartmoor: Granite Way
This is an 11 mile (18 km) multi-use trail running between Okehampton and Lydford along the north western edge of Dartmoor. It is mostly traffic free, largely following the course of the former Southern Region railway line. A journey along the Granite Way offers fantastic views of the granite landscape of Dartmoor, as well as a number of specific sites of geological interest.
More information on the Granite Way (PDF)
Cycling on Dartmoor: Wray Valley Trail
A 7 mile (11km) mainly traffic-free route from Bovey Tracey to Moretonhampstead, following the dismantled railway line through the National Trust Parke Estate and the picturesque village of Lustleigh.
Take me to the Wray Valley Trail
We want you to enjoy cycling on Dartmoor and make the most of the stunning landscape. Please cycle responsibly and read our Cycling code leaflet. Top tips from the code are:
- Cycle only where legally permitted
- Be safe
- Be considerate of other road users and moorland visitor
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Where is the Old Armoury?
Situated on the Southern slopes of the Dartmoor uplands, The Old Armoury is in the centre of the thriving moorland town of Ashburton in a quiet, private, yard with on-site parking. It is within easy reach of all parts of the Dartmoor National Park, the South Hams, the South Devon coast and within 3 hours of London.