Cycling
Dartmoor is a great place to cycle with an extensive network of quiet lanes and designated cycle routes, together with over 350km of bridleways and byways. However, cycling on the open moorland or common land is not permitted unless it is on a designated bridleway or permitted route
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 cycle routes for off-roading or touring and is available to buy from the National Park Visitor Centres.
On road
There has been a big increase in the popularity of road cycling since the Tour of Britain first visited Dartmoor. The challenge of Dartmoor’s roads – the narrow lanes, hidden bends and steep hill climbs – can be fun, but if you’re cycling on the moor you need to be aware of what you may meet on the roads, including tractors, cattle, sheep and ponies and other motorists.
Off road
We have some great off-road and traffic-free cycling routes on Dartmoor, but please only cycle where you are legally permitted to do so. Check where you can go on our access and rights of way map.
Cycling on open moorland or common land isn't allowed unless on a public bridleway or one of the designated routes highlighted on the map.
Granite & Gears Princetown Railway route
Choose a 10km or 30km route along Princetown’s disused railway, passing the granite quarries to reach Burrator Reservoir
Princetown Railway route (PDF)
Granite & Gears Princetown & Burrator route
A 20km route from Princetown, crossing open moorland on permitted bridleways to reach Burrator Reservoir.
Princetown to Burrator route (PDF)
Drake’s Trail
This is a 21 mile cycling and walking route linking Tavistock with Plymouth, using the National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 27. The route runs through superb countryside with attractive scenery along the western edge of Dartmoor together with much historical and heritage interest.
Granite Way
This is an 11 mile (18 km) multi-use trail running between Okehampton and Lydford along the north western edge of Dartmoor. It is mostly traffic free, largely following the course of the former Southern Region railway line. A journey along the Granite Way offers fantastic views of the granite landscape of Dartmoor, as well as a number of specific sites of geological interest.
More information on the Granite Way (PDF)
Wray Valley Trail
A 7 mile (11km) mainly traffic-free route from Bovey Tracey to Moretonhampstead, following the dismantled railway line through the National Trust Parke Estate and the picturesque village of Lustleigh.
Take me to the Wray Valley Trail
Cycling code
We want you to enjoy cycling on Dartmoor and make the most of the stunning landscape. Please cycle responsibly and read our Cycling code leaflet. Top tips from the code are:
- Cycle only where legally permitted
- Be safe
- Be considerate of other road users and moorland visitors
More cycling opportunities
Dartmoor Way – a 95 mile circular route around the National Park, with an additional 27 mile High Moorland link which crosses Dartmoor.
Tour de Manche – a 1200km route linking Devon and Dorset with Brittany and Normandy.