Ride for Life Training Rides in Devon

Topsham to Venice in Aid of Cancer Research

Topsham to the Tors of Dartmoor

A classic horseshoe route which rewards a fairly testing ride to Moretonhampstead with a glorious stretch across the heart of Dartmoor passing the dramatic granite rock formations of Hound Tor and Haytor, returning through Bovey Tracey and the beautiful and undiscovered Teign Valley.

Distance: 57 miles
Terrain: Moderate with some difficult stretches
Refreshments: In Moretonhampstead; at the tea van at Hound Tor; in Bovey Tracey.
Route Description: From Topsham, head out through Marsh Barton to the Okehampton roundabout, then take the B3212 road towards Longdown. This is a nice gentle climb over the Haldon ridge, which then descends to Dunsford. A rather up-and-down route proceeds mainly upwards, by way of Steps Bridge and Doccombe to Moretonhampstead, which is the gateway to Dartmoor. Continue through Moretonhampstead, climbing some rather steep rises, past the golf course, then find a turning left signposted to Manaton. Continue on the rather winding road, eventually emerging at Hound Tor (stop for tea at the van here) and so on to Haytor. This is glorious, open moor country, with views, on a fine day, down to Torbay and the channel as well as back across the ripple of Haldon hills that have already been crossed. From Haytor, descend down to Bovey Tracey, find the road to Chudleigh Knighton , then take the B3193 up the Teign Valley towards Dunsford once more. Look out for a fork right (signposted Exeter) at the top of the valley to rejoin the B3212 at the foot of the climb back over the Haldon ridge to Longdown. Return to Topsham by way of Marsh Barton and Countess Wear.

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