The Challacombe Valley and Widecombe in the Moor from Exeter — Dartmoor road rides

A longer loop out from the city of Exeter to Dartmoor and back, this ride starts and finishes at Exeter St Davids train station so can easily be enjoyed from further afield. While the distance may not seem like too much to some, you’ll need to pace yourself for the tough Dartmoor climbs and the final ascent over Haldon from Chudleigh on the way back.

Start by riding out of Exeter through Exwick and onto the Dunsford Road. The steady climb leads you to Longdown before a fantastic descent down to the edge of Dunsford, where you meet the edge of Dartmoor National Park.

Another long climb through the woodland is up next, twisting between the trees on this scenic stretch of tarmac before reaching Doccombe. A snaking road descent leads you down into the Wray Valley before a short, sharp climb into the historic town of Moretonhampstead past the old stone almshouses on the right.

For a first pitstop, there are a few great cycling friendly cafes in Moretonhampstead, including Hound of the Baskervilles and Central Cafe. Heading on, take the main road towards Princetown for the next stretch. As it’s a wide, open road, you can enjoy the spectacular views without too much bother from traffic.

When you reach Challacombe Cross, take the turning to the left, signposted for Widecombe in the Moor. Riding into the valley, a little uphill at first, keep your eyes peeled for the herd of Highland cattle that graze here. You’ll then descend the tarmac past Grimspound, the ruins of a large ancient settlement, and Challacombe Farm, known widely for its rewilding efforts. Enjoy the breathtaking views as you descend all the way to Eastern Lane Cross, where you turn left to follow the road to Widecombe in the Moor.

Another moorland settlement with a rich history, both Cafe on the Green and The Old Inn come highly recommended for a pit stop. Don’t over indulge though, as the mighty Widecombe climb is up next, measuring just under a mile at an average of 12%. Ouch!

From the top, enjoy the easy pedal along the smooth tarmac to Hemsworthy Gate and then on to the top of Hay Tor. Take care when descending Hay Tor, as the road surface isn’t the best, and it can often get busy with traffic, not to mention stray sheep, cows and ponies in the road!

Take a pit stop in Bovey Tracey at Cafe 3 Sixty if you wish, before getting ready for the last climb up and over Haldon to get back to Exeter. Follow the road to Chudleigh Knighton and then past Finlake to Chudleigh, before taking Old Exeter Street out of the centre of the small town. Two short climbs warm you up for the main, steeper section up the hillside, gradually easing nearer the top as you ride into the trees. From the top near Haldon Forest Park, descend back into Exeter via Shillingford St George and into Alphington, before following the Exe for the last stretch back to the station.