The best road cycling routes in Dartmoor

Dartmoor offers a diverse and dramatic landscape for road cyclists. You'll encounter vast expanses of open moorland, punctuated by iconic granite tors like Haytor Rocks and Hound Tor. The routes also wind through deep-cut river valleys with broadleaf and conifer woodlands, and you'll experience challenging hill climbs and exhilarating descents on quiet lanes.

There are over 200 road cycling routes available in Dartmoor, catering to various abilities. The komoot community has explored more than 4000 of these routes, highlighting the region's popularity among cyclists.

Yes, Dartmoor offers a selection of easier road cycling routes. While many routes feature significant climbs, there are 22 routes classified as 'easy' and 138 as 'moderate', providing options for those seeking a less strenuous ride.

For experienced riders seeking a challenge, Dartmoor has 53 routes classified as 'difficult'. Notable challenging routes include the Princetown & Buckfastleigh loop from Two Bridges, which covers over 81 km with significant elevation, and the South moor from Ivybridge, known for its extensive quiet lanes and challenging ascents.

Dartmoor is rich in natural beauty. You can expect to see numerous granite tors, vast open moorland, and deep river valleys. Specific highlights include Haytor Rocks, Yes Tor summit, and the scenic Lydford Gorge with its impressive waterfalls.

While Dartmoor boasts an extensive network of quiet lanes, cyclists should be mindful of narrow sections and potential encounters with tractors, cattle, sheep, and the famous Dartmoor ponies. Always be prepared to share the road.

Dartmoor can be enjoyed year-round, but the weather on the moor can be unpredictable and often worse than surrounding areas. It's always advisable to check forecasts before you set out and carry extra layers, regardless of the season.

Yes, Dartmoor offers several circular routes. The 95-mile Dartmoor Way is a prominent circular route around the National Park, with an additional 27-mile High Moorland link. Shorter loops like the Okehampton & Rundlestone loop from Postbridge also provide excellent circular options.

The komoot community highly rates road cycling in Dartmoor, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 60 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse and dramatic landscapes, the challenging hill climbs, and the extensive network of quiet lanes that offer an engaging and scenic experience.

Yes, some routes will take you past beautiful water features. For instance, the Princetown & Burrator route crosses open moorland to Burrator Reservoir, a serene spot for waterside views. You can also find routes near Lydford Gorge, which features impressive waterfalls.

Absolutely. Dartmoor has many routes in this range. For example, the Dartmeet, Challcombe & Postbridge loop from Princetown is a moderate 42.8 km ride, and the Two Bridges and Dartmeet from Ashburton is a 42.1 km route, both offering scenic experiences.

Dartmoor is rich in history. Beyond the cycling routes, you can explore numerous prehistoric remains, including Bronze Age settlements like Grimspound and ancient stone circles such as the Merrivale Stone Rows. Villages like Princetown offer a glimpse into local character, and Buckfast Abbey is also nearby.