Dartmoor Way Cycle Route

The route primarily follows quiet Devon lanes and minor roads, with tarmac or hard ground surfaces suitable for road bikes. While generally paved, some sections may include "unsealed firm" or "unsealed loose" surfaces. It also incorporates traffic-free cycle tracks. Be prepared for significant elevation changes, especially in the eastern part, with winding country lanes, high granite hedge banks, and mixed woodlands. Note that the old railway line to Princetown, part of the High Moorland Link, is a gravel bridlepath more suited for mountain bikes.

No, the Dartmoor Way Cycle Route is consistently described as challenging and is not recommended for beginners. It has a "hard" physical rating and requires "very good fitness" due to numerous hills and significant elevation changes, with an overall gain of around 2,100 to 2,400 meters.

The best time to cycle is typically during the warmer, drier months, from late spring to early autumn. This avoids the harsher weather conditions that can make the challenging terrain even more difficult. The ever-changing light and seasonal variations enhance the stunning scenery during these periods.

There are no specific permits or entrance fees required to cycle the Dartmoor Way Cycle Route or to enter Dartmoor National Park itself. However, please be aware of and respect the National Park's byelaws and the Countryside Code, especially regarding livestock, gates, and leaving no trace.

As a circular route, you can start and finish at any of the towns and villages it links, such as Okehampton, Tavistock, Ivybridge, Buckfastleigh, Ashburton, Bovey Tracey, Moretonhampstead, or Chagford. These towns typically offer public parking facilities. For example, Okehampton is a common starting point.

The route offers stunning views of moorland, dramatic tors, and river valleys. You'll pass through pretty villages and can visit highlights such as the Meldon Viaduct, Lydford Castle and Saxon Town, and Abbey Bridge and Weir. The Hoo Meavy Climb offers a challenge, and the Cadover Bridge is a picturesque spot. The village of Chagford Village is also a charming stop.

While the route primarily uses public roads and cycle paths, which are generally accessible, the suitability for dogs depends on their fitness and temperament for long-distance cycling alongside traffic. If cycling with a dog, ensure they are safely secured in a trailer or basket, and always keep them on a lead when off the bike, especially around livestock and wildlife, as you will be passing through Dartmoor National Park.

Yes, the Dartmoor Way Cycle Route connects with several other cycling routes. It shares sections with the Dartmoor Way (Cycle) (88%), EuroVelo 1 - Atlantic Coast Route - part United Kingdom 2 (27%), and the Granite Way (7%). It also links to the Devon C2C (Sustrans Route 27) and Drake's Trail.

Yes, the route is designed to be undertaken as a multi-day holiday, with plenty of places to eat, drink, and stay overnight. You'll find cafes like Bread and Moor Coffee Shop, Cafe 3 Sixty, and Baskervilles Ice Cream Parlour & Coffee Shop, as well as pubs and accommodation options in the various towns and villages it passes through.

The High Moorland Link is a 27-mile section that cuts across Dartmoor via Princetown. This link allows cyclists to create a "figure-of-eight" route, combining the northern and southern loops, or to enjoy shorter sections. It offers exhilarating open roads and spectacular views across the central, wilder parts of the National Park. Be aware that parts of this link, particularly the old railway line to Princetown, are gravel and more suitable for mountain bikes.

Cycling the route in an anti-clockwise direction is often recommended. This is because the hills are considered "slightly more forgiving" when tackled in this direction, and it can help avoid crossing traffic at certain junctions, potentially making for a smoother experience.