Dartmoor is a true paradise for cyclists. Wide open natural landscapes and many disused railways combine to provide trails that have something for everyone, from challenging climbs to miles of traffic-free cruising, all with stunning views.

Our dog-friendly hotel in Dartmoor is excellently located to enjoy the region’s natural beauty to the fullest, and we are within easy reach of many of the trails mentioned in this article.

This article will focus on Dartmoor’s signposted and well-known circular routes. However, Dartmoor has a host of straight-line trails that we also recommend for visitors to ride there and back, because Dartmoor is so beautiful, it pays to see the sights twice! Check out our guide to the best Dartmoor cycle trails for more information on those must-see spots.

Princetown & King’s Tor

Popular Start Point: Princetown
Distance: 6 miles
Terrain Difficulty: Challenging – Lots of gravel and grass sections; suitable for mountain bikes.

Princetown, in the heart of Dartmoor, is home to one of the region’s most popular cycle trails: Granite & Gears, built on a disused railway track and named after the granite quarries in the area. Granite & Gears encompasses a few different routes, with this one being the shortest.

This route sees you leave Princetown and follow an old railway line that circles King’s Tor before heading back into town. This is a thoroughly enjoyable short cycle across natural terrain, perfect for mountain biking.

Image credit: Abandoned tramroad by King’s Tor by David Smith. CC BY-SA 2.0

King’s Tor cycle path
Princetown railway cycle path

Princetown & Burrator Reservoir

Popular Start Point: Princetown
Distance: 19 miles
Terrain Difficulty: Moderate – Accessible dirt path with some sections along quiet roads.

This route is the most popular Granite & Gears experience. Follow the Princetown Railway south, along some minor roads to Burrator, before circling its stunning reservoir and heading back north.

This is a popular, well-trodden route used by hikers, horse riders and more, so is suitable for a wide range of cycling abilities.

Alternatively, if you are comfortable riding along country roads and more challenging terrain, you can do a pure circular encompassing Sheepstor and the nearby Nun’s Cross Farm.

Image credit: Princetown: Former Yelverton to Princetown railway by Nigel Cox. CC BY-SA 2.0

Dartmoor Way

Popular Start Point: N/A
Distance: 95 miles
Terrain Difficulty: Moderate – a mix of cycle paths, country lanes and minor roads.

This list wouldn’t be complete without Dartmoor’s most famous circular route, although you would do well to finish this during your stay!

The Dartmoor Way is a 95-mile route that goes around the edge of Dartmoor. The route captures everything we love about Dartmoor, with rugged paths, quiet countryside lanes and smooth, traffic-free cycling routes all included on the trail.

Despite moving tracks across its route, the Dartmoor Way is well-signposted throughout, making it accessible for all keen cyclists.

Image credit: Signpost on Dartmoor Way by Derek Harper. CC BY-SA 2.0

Dartmoor Way signpost
High Moorland Link cycle path Dartmoor

Dartmoor Way via High Moorland Link (South Circular)

Popular Start Point: Tavistock or Buckfastleigh
Distance: 60 miles (approx.)
Terrain Difficulty: Moderate – a mix of cycle paths, country lanes and minor roads.

For those who want to experience the Dartmoor Way but perhaps don’t have the time or energy for the full route, the High Moorland Link runs through the bottom half of the circular and can be used to create a shorter version of Dartmoor’s popular trail.

Also known as the High Moor Link, this 27-mile cut-through travels primarily over quiet roads and villages deep in Dartmoor, providing stunning natural vistas.

By starting in Buckfastleigh, working anti-clockwise and joining the High Moorland Link at Tavistock, you can experience a lot of Dartmoor’s beauty in a much shorter trip!

Image credit: Sheep on the railway, Dartmoor Way by Derek Harper. CC BY-SA 2.0

Dartmoor is filled with cycling routes, and no matter where you are, you’ll be able to find someone recommending a path to follow. Of course, if plotting your own cycling adventure, be mindful of Dartmoor’s rules around cycling and stick to designated paths and roads.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, Mill End Hotel is excellently located in the heart of Dartmoor; we are situated on the Dartmoor Way in Chagford and just a 30-minute drive from Princetown and the Granite & Gears route. So, if you can’t wait for a Dartmoor adventure, why not book today?

Featured image credit: Walkhampton: Former Yelverton to Princetown railway by Nigel Cox. CC BY-SA 2.0