Friday: Forest Trails and a Scenic Campsite
At the end of August, we set off for a mini adventure on Dartmoor. I had Friday off work, so we made the most of the long weekend and hit the road that morning. Our first stop: Haldon Forest Park; a sprawling 3,500-acre woodland just 15 minutes from Exeter, packed with trails for every ability level.
We jumped straight into the Ridge Ride Trail, a red-graded route that’s fast, technical, and packed with tight corners and lively descents. It runs along the Haldon Ridge and winds through some of the forest’s most scenic stretches. You can check out our route here.
With sunshine on our side, we wrapped up the ride with a well-earned drink and an ice cream at the forest café, then carried on to our next stop.
We rolled into Barley Meadow Touring Park—a peaceful, adults-only campsite tucked into the edge of Dartmoor National Park. We’d managed to snag a last-minute pitch on one of their smaller Aire spots, which turned out to be perfect: loads of space and even a picnic table to relax at.
Barley Meadow really impressed us. The site’s clean, quiet, and surrounded by rolling countryside. Facilities are spot-on. Immaculate showers, a handy on-site shop, and super friendly staff. Bonus points for the dedicated dog park, which is ideal if you’re travelling with a four-legged companion.
Saturday: Castle and Gorge Trails
Saturday started slow, just how we like it. After a relaxed morning, we jumped back on the bikes late morning for another adventure. This time, we set off straight from the campsite—here’s the route.
We cycled out towards the moors and through Drewsteignton, climbing up to the entrance of Castle Drogo. We didn’t stop this time, but it’s definitely on the list for a future visit.
Castle Drogo is the last castle built in England, constructed between 1911 and 1930. Despite its medieval look, it’s surprisingly modern inside, featuring electricity and lifts powered by 1920s hydroelectric turbines. (Check out the National Trust site for more details.)
Finding Hunter’s Path: Scenic Gorge Views
From there, we tried to pick up Hunter’s Path. It wasn’t easy—we took a few wrong turns—but eventually found our way. The trail hugs the edge of the Teign Gorge and forms part of the Two Moors Way. It’s a moderately challenging route with some steep climbs, but the views of the river and surrounding landscape more than made up for it.
Lunch with a View at Fingle Bridge
We reached Fingle Bridge just in time for lunch and grabbed a table outside the inn. The Ploughman’s hit the spot, and the setting—right by the river—was hard to beat.
After lunch, we followed a stunning trail alongside the River Teign, weaving through woodland all the way to Clifford Bridge. It was easily one of the most beautiful parts of the ride.
The Bull and the Road Detour
Later on, we hit a slight snag—the route at Cheriton Cross crossed a field with a bull in it. We weren’t in the mood to negotiate, so we detoured back to the main road instead.
Evening Sun and a Well-Earned Rest
We rolled back into camp in the late afternoon, just in time to kick back with a couple of drinks and soak up the last of the sunshine.
Check out our other rides around Dartmoor