Ride for Life Training Rides in Devon

Topsham to Venice in Aid of Cancer Research

The North Devon Horseshoe

This is not the most difficult century ride around here, but the climb to the roof of Exmoor makes it a rewarding and challenging one all the same. The climb out of Dulverton is about 4 1/2 miles but it is never overly steep. The valley stretches which cover the bulk of the miles are easy.

Distance: 98.5 miles
Terrain:Easy for most of the way, with a moderate but prolonged climb to the top of Exmoor.
Refreshments: In Dulverton, Simonsbath, South Moulton.
Route Description: From Topsham, head towards Exeter, then take the by--pass out to Broadclyst. Past Broadclyst, look for a turning to Killerton House which leads across through Silverton to the Exeter-Tiverton road. Turn right and head through Bickleigh to Tiverton. This road follows the Exe Valley to North Devon. Above Tiverton, look for a turning left to Dulverton. This is a particularly pretty stretch as it follows the Barle River to that foot-of-the-moor town famous for its Lorna Doone connections. This distance from Topsham to Dulverton is 34 miles. Stop here for refreshments and to catch your breath before ascending to the roof of Exmoor.

The climb takes from Dulverton starts almost immediately, and involves no more than about a half-hour of sustained but never overly arduous climbing (the gradient is steady and not steep, just bloody long!). When you reach the top, there is a glorious stretch that continues right across the moor, grandiose scenery, with the shadow of Dartmoor visible to the left on a good day. This road eventually ends at a T-junction. Turn left here to Simonsbath, then, in Simonsbath, find a turning left to South Moulton, 11 miles further on. There is a fairly testing climb out of Simonsbath, but you are then rewarded with a long, easy descent eventually to South Moulton itself. This busy mid-Devon town is another good place to pause and have a bite or a cup of tea.

From South Moulton, find the road to Crediton which follows a lovely (and flat) river valley before eventually joining the old Exeter-Barnstaple road. Turn left on this and continue through Copplestone, Crediton, and so back to Exeter and Topsham (either straight through the city center or at St. David's Station, by way of the canal cycle path that leads past the Exeter Quay and so to the Double Locks for a final refreshment.

Allow a leisurely 8 hours or so to complete the circuit, counting several short breaks.

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