Two Bridges and Dartmeet from Ashburton — Dartmoor road rides

Starting from the southern edge of Dartmoor at charming Ashburton, you ride up onto the moor to Postbridge, Two Bridges and back, this is a great taste of the road riding around the River Dart.

There’s a hefty climb to start out of town, though it’s a very direct route up into the moor. Lanes lead you through Buckland in the Moor, over the East Webburn River at Cockingford Farm and campsite, and up to Jordan Cross. There are magnificent views over the high moor from here.

The undulations continue as you ride past gorgeous dry stone walls with a view of Riddon Ridge to your left. Hedge-lined lanes give way to open moorland, so keep your eyes peeled for ponies and cattle.

Cross the lovely old stone Bellever Bridge and climb past the edge of Bellever Forest to Postbridge, where you’ll find a corner shop and visitor centre for snacks and water top-ups, as well as an iconic old granite clapper bridge.

From here, you’ll ride to Two Bridges by taking the main road, which is smooth, open and simply wonderful with far-reaching vistas of tors and woodland. From the West Dart River at Two Bridges, start to head back towards Ashburton on the main road signposted for Dartmeet.

There are a few hills on your way past the historic Dunnabridge Pound, an ancient enclosure for gathering livestock that was formerly a Bronze Age settlement. The real challenge comes next though, as you cross the River Dart and head straight up the ramp of the Dartmeet climb.

At just 0.6 miles (1km) long, the climb won’t take forever, but with gradients of up to 15%, with an average of 11%, it will take your breath away! However, the view of Sharp Tor from the car park at the top makes it very worthwhile.

Descend through Poundsgate and cross the Dart twice more as you make your way down off the moor back to Ashburton.

Just off the A38, this ride is best accessed by car, or you can ride to Ashburton through the lanes from Newton Abbot Train Station.