The venue for this weekend’s campervan getaway was Sourton Down Campsite. Its just outside Okehampton and only a stone’s throw from the Granite Way.
We’d earmarked this site late last year, drawn in by its proximity to some great cycling trails and the added bonus of having a bike shop café right next door. The Pump and Pedal looked like a perfect spot for a post-ride snack.
The Granite Way is an 11-mile, traffic-free cycle path running between Okehampton and Lydford. It traces much of the old Southern Region railway line. Originally part of the London and South Western Railway. The line opened in the 1870s and served as a key route for transporting Dartmoor granite, livestock, and passengers across Devon. It was closed to regular passenger services in the 1960s during the Beeching cuts. Today it’s been reborn as part of National Cycle Route 27 (the Devon Coast to Coast) a scenic, gently graded route with lovely moorland views.
Friday: First Trip of the Season
Our plan for the weekend was simple: take the campervan on its first outing of the year, make sure everything was still working after its winter hibernation, spend some time relaxing, and get the mountain bikes out on the trails. We’d short-listed two possible routes. Either head north towards Okehampton and then up onto the moors for some off-road exploring, or head south to Lydford, following quiet lanes with the potential for a pub stop or two.
We managed to get away from Bristol on Friday evening. While the usual bottle-neck where the M5 meets the A30 caused a bit of a slowdown, the journey was surprisingly smooth. Especially considering it was the first weekend of the Easter holidays, the hottest day of the year so far, and the forecast was wall-to-wall blue skies.
The campsite was easy to find, just off the A30. Which did mean a bit of road noise, but nothing too intrusive. We opted for a hardstanding pitch, just in case the ground was still damp despite the recent spell of good weather. The pitches are all quite level, well spaced out, and we were able chose our own. There was some lively discussion about which way to face the van to catch the evening sun, we got it right in the end! With the van set up, we kicked back with a drink and enjoyed some low-key people-watching as our neighbours set up their awning.
We’d hoped to grab dinner at the café next door, but it turns out it currently only opens 10am–5pm (though word is they stay open later in high season). No worries, we were happy enough soaking up the last of the sunshine.
Saturday Ride: Dartmoor, Viaducts, and Off-Road Adventure
Saturday dawned cloudy and windy, which was a bit of a let down but thankfully the clouds soon gave way to clear blue skies, even if the wind stayed chilly.
After a lazy breakfast of coffee and a bacon butty at the café, we loaded our northern route towards Okehampton onto the Garmin and set off.
The Granite Way is fully paved and largely flat, with a steady downhill gradient which heads north towards Okehampton. Around a mile in, we passed a lovely picnic spot (worth remembering for a future stop). A bit further on, we crossed the Meldon Viaduct, which offers spectacular views over the valley and towards Meldon Dam.
From there, we followed the path to Okehampton, where the Granite Way officially ends (or begins, depending on your perspective). We then picked up the Tramlines Bridleway, passing beneath another viaduct and heading onto the moor towards Belstone, where the climb began.
We’d marked a pub in Belstone, but it turned out to be slightly off the route, so we missed it. From there, it was on to the more rugged section. An off-road stretch across the moors. Climbing up to Scarey Tor before descending back to the road near Okehampton Training Camp. We then re-joined the Granite Way.
On the return leg, we rode a bit beyond the campsite to check out the Highwayman Inn as a possible stop for a drink or late lunch, but in the end, we decided to head back. We rolled into the campsite and relaxed in the sunshine outside the café with a couple of drinks, a wood-fired pizza, and some excellent cake.
Sunday: A Sunny Send-Off
Sunday brought another glorious day, though it wasn’t quite as warm as Saturday and still carried a brisk wind. We returned to the café for breakfast, timing it just right as shortly after we ordered, a wave of runners showed up for their post-run coffee.
The Pump and Pedal isn’t just a café it also houses Okehampton Cycles, a well-stocked bike shop and workshop. It’s clearly geared more towards the off-road crowd, and has a great selection of spares, clothing, and even bikes. Definitely worth a look if you’re in the area and need something bike related.
After breakfast, we completed our departure checks on the van and started the journey home. Unfortunately, we got caught up in a closure on the M5, which added around 45 to 50 minutes to the drive. Even so, we made it back in time for lunch, already talking about the next trip.
Final Thoughts
Sourton Down Campsite turned out to be a great base for a weekend of mountain biking and campervan chilling. The showers and toilets were clean and tidy, the hardstanding pitch was level, and overall it was a peaceful site, despite being close to the A30. Having the Pump and Pedal café/pub next door is a real bonus, especially with its bike shop and workshop and being right next to the Granite Way. There is also easy access to bike hire, which makes it ideal for exploring on two wheels.
Pros:
- Clean, tidy facilities
- Level pitches
- Quiet atmosphere
- Café and pub next door
- Immediate access to cycle routes and bike hire
Cons:
- Some road noise from the nearby A30
- Slightly on the expensive side at £34 per night for a hardstanding pitch with electric hook-up
We’d definitely consider staying here again, there’s still plenty of Okehampton and Dartmoor we’d like to explore.
🗺️ Our route can be found on Komoot
🏕️ Sourton Down Campsite
☕ Pump and Pedal Café & Bike Shop
Comments