Cycling

The Tour of Britain is coming to Dartmoor!

Friday 20 September 2013 Sidmouth - Dartmoor (Haytor)

The Tour of Britain is returning to Dartmoor National Park again in 2013, with the Devon stage of the race finishing at Haytor.  This will be the first time in the Tour's history that a mountain climb finish has been staged and the Authority is working closely with Devon County Council and The Tour of Britain organisers to plan the event.  This page will be updated as further details become available.

Road closures and Park & Ride

There will be road closures in place between Bovey Tracey, Haytor and Hemsworthy Gate on Friday 20 September.  There will be no vehicular access to Haytor for the Tour of Britain and a Park and Ride system will be in operation from Bovey Tracey.  Alternatively, keen cyclists may wish to make their way to the Finish by bike.  More information will be added to the website as it becomes available.

Camping

Please be aware that wild camping on Haytor is not allowed and is an offence under the byelaws.  There will be some provision for camping off the moor and information about sites will be added to the website as it becomes available.

Community Meeting

The National Park Authority is hosting a meeting for the local community on Wednesday 3 July, 5.30pm at Parke.  The event is principally aimed at the local communities that will be affected by the finish at Haytor and there will be a presentation by Devon County Council, regarding the Devon Stage finish, road closures and opportunities for linking in and making the most of the event.  Devon County Council and Dartmoor National Park Authority staff will be on hand to answer questions.

For more information on the Tour of Britain, visit the the Tour of Britain website (external link, opens in new window), South West Tour of Britain (external link, opens in new window) and on Twitter follow @SWTourofBritain.

Dartmoor has been a key  stage in the Tour of Britain cycle race for the last three years and is it any wonder when it mixes safe, traffic-free trails, quiet forest tracks, challenging bridleways and historic rural lanes. So whether you are a passionate pedaller, a casual cyclist, or whether its road cycling or off-road cycling then Dartmoor has everything you could wish for to enjoy at your own pace.

The Tour of Britain 2012

Some of Europe’s top cyclists crossed Dartmoor on the penultimate stage of the 2012 Tour of Britain race on Saturday September 15th. The huge crowds were able to cheer on stars such as Mark Cavendish and to even greater cheers the race leader (and eventual winner) was local rider, Jonathan Tiernan-Locke. Jonathan often uses Dartmoor as a training run, with one of his regular routes taking in Princetown, Moretonhampstead and Bovey Tracey. Take the challenge and follow his route from this map (456 kb -PDF Help)

Where you can and cannot ride

There are many opportunities for cyclists on designated cycle tracks, byways and bridleways, see the Dartmoor cycling map below. However, under the Dartmoor Commons Act of 1985, cyclists are NOT permitted to ride on the open moor and it is an offence to do so where there is no indicated right of way. Please see the Dartmoor Commons factsheet for further information.

The Dartmoor Cycling Map

To help you plan great routes on and around Dartmoor, the Dartmoor and Surrounding Area for Cyclists map is invaluable. This tough, detailed waterproof map shows tried and tested cycle routes whether you are cycling off-road or touring.

All paths and tracks where cyclists have a legal or permitted right to ride are shown. Off-road routes have also been graded and colour coded by cyclists so that you can easily identify the paths that will suit your ability and mood.  The map includes enlargements of the Tamar Valley AONB and Haldon Forest Park and shows public transport hubs.

The map is available to buy from our information centres.

A new leaflet has been produced by Dartmoor National Park Authority to promote opportunities for off road cycling. The leaflet was researched and written by two Mosaic Youth Champions to promote opportunities for cycling to younger audiences.

The route is based on a 20km circuit, starting at Princetown, cycling around Burrator reservoir and returning to Princetown via South Hessary Tor.  As well as providing route information, the leaflet contains top tips for enjoying mountain biking on Dartmoor, advice on responsible riding and safety information. A copy is available to download. (220 kb -PDF Help)

Cycle Routes

There are a number of pre planned cycle routes for your to explore on Dartmoor to suit all abilities:
For more information visit the cycling pages on the Devon County Council website (external link, opens new window) or select the cycling links below. Please note all links are to external content and open in a new window.

The Plym Valley Trail
Easy traffic free family cycling from Plymouth to Clearbrook near Yelverton, on south west edge of Dartmoor. The route follows a former railway line over many spectacular viaducts.  7 miles /11km

Drakes Trail
Drake's Trail in West Devon is a cycling and walking route linking Tavistock with Plymouth running through wooded river valleys and across open moorland and up close to fascinating wildlife and history. Drake’s Trail (3.88Mb -PDF Help)also includes iconic features such as Gem Bridge, replacing an older viaduct, and Grenofen Tunnel. The
Trail also includes the long-established Plym Valley Trail, and creates a network of safe and easy cycling and walking opportunities for all the family to enjoy. 21 miles /34km

The Granite Way
Ideal family cycling between Okehampton and Lydford along former railway with spectacular views of Dartmoor and west Devon countryside, superb viaducts along the way. Steam train option in summer between Okehampton and Meldon. Includes short on-road section via Bridestowe, continuing to Lydford along former railway line.  11miles/18km

The Devon Coast to Coast
This is part of the Sustrans millennium route No 27 and runs between Ilfracombe on the north Devon coast to Plymouth on the south Devon coast. It traverses the western edge of Dartmoor between Plymouth and Okehampton. The route is way marked.

1 South West is creating an off-road cycling region for people to enjoy adventurous off-road cycling and progress their riding with confidence and provides the information to help you plan and enjoy great adventures time and again. Find out more at www.1sw.org.uk. You can use their interactive map to find places to cycle within the Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks and other protected landscapes in the South West.

Cycling with Moor Care

• Ride only where you are legally permitted to do so.
• Be prepared, with right equipment and clothing including a helmet. Know your equipment and ability and that of others in your group
• Be considerate of other users. Cyclists should use bells or greetings to let others know they are coming - and take care not to scare horses.
• Avoid riding fast on wet ground - tyres and hooves can soon turn fragile moorland into mud. please avoid heavy braking and skidding when you off road.
• If you are cycling on road be seen and be prepared for the unexpected on narrow winding lanes. Watch out for stock on roads across open moorland.