A recent UK cycle adventure took us through the heart of Dartmoor National Park, from Tavistock to Dunsford via Two Bridges and Postbridge. Covering the same length as a marathon, at a little over 42 kilometres (26.6 miles) in distance, the cycle route proved physically challenging but incredibly rewarding; and less than 3 hours from one edge of the National Park to the other.
The height climbed on the route was calculated at a total of 810 metres (2657 feet), perhaps a reason why many Lands End to John O’Groats cyclists plan a route on the northern outskirts of the National Park, via Okehampton, to reduce the ascent profile to 574 metres (1883 feet). But why miss out on the beauty of this unique UK National Park? We wanted to explore and enjoy the full emotions of this craggy landscape, with roaming ponies and wandering sheep, and the valleys and Tors creating the picturesque and often unforgiving landscape that encompasses medieval farmhouses, Neolithic tombs, and Bronze Age stone circles.
We found ourselves, for 3 blissful hours, in a different world; a wild environment with a rich history and array of activities to enjoy across the landscape. Dartmoor National Park is only 956 square kilometres in area, 11th in size out of UK’s 15 National Parks, but it packs in so much adventure and a range accommodation experiences. People flock to the area to take part in walking, cycling, horse riding, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, archery, gorge scrambling, high ropes and letterboxing, visit numerous National Trust properties, or take in the many events throughout the year.
There are many adventure providers in the area, but our pick of the bunch are Adventure Okehmapton, based on the edge of the Park, and Spirit of Adventure. Tree Surfers located near Tavistock, provide adrenaline-pumping experiences on their high ropes courses with children as young as 4 being able to access their junior ropes course.
Accommodation in Dartmoor National Park ranges from campsites, hostels, yurts, bunkhouses, shepherd’s huts and other glamping experiences dotted amongst the landscape. We love the interactive wild camping zone map provided by the Dartmoor National Park rangers, but remember to always camp at least 100m from the road and leave no trace.
Our cycle route on our adventure across Dartmoor took us directly passed Powdermills bunkhouse, located between Postbridge and Two Bridges, and owned and run by Spirit of Adventure, one of our adventure providers of choice. The bunkhouse is ideal for groups and families, with 26 bunk spaces in 4 rooms, two 4 berths one 8 berth and one 10 berth, a fully equipped kitchen, separate dining area, and cosy lounge with wood burner.
We would have loved to have stayed at Powdermills, our last stay being over ten years ago on an incredibly enjoyable 3-day navigation course. However, we needed to get the distance in that day so our journey took us to the far edge of the National Park and the secluded, tranquil setting of Blytheswood Hostel. This was the perfect stop over for our multi-day long distance cycle journey, and the friendly staff and comfortable bunk rooms provided the rest we needed.
The downhill profile of our route across Dartmoor totalled 815 metres (2674 feet) and the views and calmness of the journey are now missed now we’re back at work. We know we will revisit Dartmoor to take in the many adventurous days it offers, and also to spend time in the local villages and towns to soak in the calmness and tranquility such an area exudes.