1 minute read
On Yer Bike
©www.Malcolm Snelgrove Pho
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Many people have already discovered Dartmoor’s wonderful rural lanes, challenging bridleways and traffic free trails.
©Adventure Okehampton
On-road cycling is hugely popular across the UK, but across Dartmoor’s 368 square miles, you have a wonderful mix of challenging climbs and exhilarating descents, although you do need to keep any eye out for cattle, sheep and wild ponies!
Cycling here means that your ride is always accompanied by fantastic scenery – no wonder that the Tour of Britain chose Haytor as its first ever King of the Mountains stage finish in 2013.
If you and your family prefer road riding to cross country, there are plenty of opportunities on Dartmoor. Explore family friendly traffic-free trails such as the Granite Way (Okehampton – Lydford) or the Princetown Railway track taking you from the High Moor to Burrator reservoir. These trails allow you to get a real taste of Dartmoor but please remember that cycling on open moorland or common land is only allowed on public bridleways or designated routes.
If you fancy exploring more then try the National Cycle Network route 27 Devon Coast to Coast or the circular 95 mile Dartmoor Way, which has the option of a 27-mile High Moorland link add-on to complete a ‘figure of eight’ route.
You don’t even have to bring your bike as there are number of bike hire options on and around Dartmoor including electric bikes, or better still take advantage of a tour of Dartmoor by electric bike. By hiring you know that your bike is in good working order, you have the right kit for your ride and you will know what the weather might do... remember there are plenty of great cafes and pubs to relax in though to shelter from the sun or rain!
©www.cyclosport.org
Whether on road or off road, a gentle traffic free trail or a punishing ascent, Dartmoor really does offer you all you could possibly want when it comes to cycling.
Call in to any of the award winning National Park Visitor Centres for information, maps and leaflets from the friendly, knowledgeable staff.
