Lydford, Princetown & Chagford loop from Okehampton — Dartmoor National Park

Bike touring routes & trails

Lydford, Princetown & Chagford loop from Okehampton — Dartmoor National Park

Hard

4.7

(3)

riders

Lydford, Princetown & Chagford loop from Okehampton — Dartmoor National Park

05:19

77.1km

1,300m

Cycling

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: June 8, 2024

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Dartmoor National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

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3.80 km

Meldon Viaduct

Highlight • Bridge

Constructed from iron, the Meldon Viaduct was built in 1874 to carry rail passengeacross the West Okement River. The viaduct was in operation until the 1990s.

Today, the viaduct forms part of the Granite Way, a long-distance cycle path in Dartmoor. It's well-surfaced so perfect for families and children. There are no hills either! The Viaduct is one of only two such railway bridges still surviving in the UK.

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13.9 km

Lydford Gorge and Castle

Highlight • Gorge

Created by King Alfred the Great, Lydford has a rich history. It was once the second biggest town in Devon during the reign of Edward the Confessor, now it has a population of less than 500.

Lydford Castle was built in 1132 on the site of a pre existing castle built just after the Norman Conquest. Entry is free, further details available at the English Heritage website english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/lydford-castle-and-saxon-town

Lydford Gorge is managed by the National Trust and those who take a walk through the woods will be rewarded with the spectacular 30ft White Lady waterfall. See their website for more information nationaltrust.org.uk/lydford-gorge

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25.1 km

River Tavy

Highlight • Natural

Winding peacefully through Dartmoor, the River Tavy is one of Devon's wildest rivers. Forming high in Dartmoor, the river meanders through Tavistock before joining the River Tamar. Popular among walkers, cyclists, swimmers and kayakers, the river is the perfect place to relax. It is also home to various species of wildlife such as otters and kingfishers. You can find out more about the river, here: wrt.org.uk/project/river-tavy

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38.8 km

Princetown War Memorial and National Park Visitor Centre

Highlight • Monument

Princetown is a village located within Dartmoor National Park in Devon, England. It is the principal settlement of the civil parish of Dartmoor Forest. The village has its origins in 1785, when Sir Thomas Tyrwhitt, then secretary to the Prince of Wales, leased a large area of moorland from the Duchy of Cornwall estate, hoping to convert it into good farmland. He also proposed that a prison be built on Dartmoor to house the thousands of captives of the Napoleonic Wars and the later War of 1812. The site was given by the Prince of Wales, who held the lands of the Duchy of Cornwall to which the whole moor belonged. This is why the settlement is named Princetown. Princetown is the site of Dartmoor Prison, which was built in 1806 and is still in use today. Princetown is also home to the National Park Visitor Centre, which offers exhibitions and displays about Dartmoor’s history, wildlife and culture.

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41.2 km

Two Bridges Stone Bridge

Highlight • Viewpoint

Two Bridges is an isolated location in the heart of Dartmoor National Park in Devon, England. It is situated around 2.5 km (1.6 mi) north east of Princetown on the old turnpike road which was built across Dartmoor in the late 18th century.

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47.2 km

Postbridge Clapper Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

This is more a little stop along the way instead of a destination. It has two bridges that are pretty and a little shop. It would be a good starting point to hike onto the moor from as it has parking that has a donation box and allows overnight parking.

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69.1 km

Finch Foundry

Highlight • Structure

Now under the care of the National Trust, Finch Foundry is hidden away in the pretty village of Sticklepath. This incredible water-powered forge is still operable and it’s now used to provide demonstrations for visitors. It was in active use until 1960.

The foundry was created at the beginning of the 19th century and was a family business for its entire lifespan. A fascinating business history makes visiting the foundry museum well worth the stop, not to mention there’s cake and tea on offer in the cafe. It also has a pretty garden which the National Trust has worked hard to restore.

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