Haldon Forest & Canonteign Forest loop from Chudleigh — Dartmoor National Park

Bike touring routes & trails

Haldon Forest & Canonteign Forest loop from Chudleigh — Dartmoor National Park

Hard

riders

Haldon Forest & Canonteign Forest loop from Chudleigh — Dartmoor National Park

02:41

32.1km

680m

Cycling

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: June 8, 2024

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Dartmoor National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

4.24 km

Old Exeter Road Climb

Highlight • Trail

The climb from Chudleigh up to Haldon Forest, a real brute but thankfully beautiful! It's known as Old Exeter Road, presumably the historic route over Haldon from Chudleigh before the A38 was built. Pace yourself as it takes a while, but once past the estate gates and around the corner the last section is gorgeous through the trees, and you may see some of the melanistic (dark-coloured) Haldon deer.

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5.68 km

Spicers Trail (Blue Grade)

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Spicers Trail is a blue graded bike trail to the east of the main hub at Haldon. It's a well-made gravel trail, designed to be a bit more technical than the easy Discovery Trail but still easy to ride and suitable for hybrids and touring bikes. Some sections are narrow and twisty but never steep.

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8.86 km

The Ridge Café, Haldon Forest Park

Highlight • Rest Area

Brilliant little cafe at the heart of Haldon Forest Park, just next to the car park, bike hire and loos.

There's both inside and outside seating, so you can sit on the covered deck and watch your bike if you're covered in mud without feeling too bad!

I'd highly recommend the soup and cheese scone combo and the homemade cakes for a mid-trail snack.

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19.6 km

Canonteign Forest Main Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Forest

A mixture of smooth single track and a wide gravel track.
Watch out for downed trees and keep your eyes open for deer!
Plenty of exploring to be done here. However it is managed by the forestry commission who whilst not approving riding here also seem to, for the most part, tolerate it. So ride considerately.

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