Join me for a cycling adventure deep in the heart of Dartmoor National Park in Devon, southwest England. This 25 km loop ride takes me from the high moorland town of Princetown down to Burrator Reservoir, passing granite tors, wild ponies, old tin mines, and a stretch of the historic Princetown Railway trail.
Dartmoor is one of the UK’s most iconic wild landscapes – a rugged highland of granite outcrops, open moorland, sweeping valleys, and deep history. It’s famous for its dramatic tors, roaming Dartmoor ponies, and unpredictable weather. If you love cycling, nature, and adventure, this loop combines them all.
🚴 The Route
I start the ride in Princetown, the highest town on Dartmoor (and one of the highest in England), known for its remote location and the historic Dartmoor Prison. From here, I head out on Ivybridge Lane, a rough moorland track dotted with grazing cows and the first of many gates. Not far in, I meet some of Dartmoor’s most famous residents – the wild Dartmoor ponies, including a curious foal who seemed just as interested in me as I was in it.
The first landmark is South Hessery Tor, a modest granite outcrop with wide views across the moor. Tors are Dartmoor’s signature feature – free-standing granite rock outcrops shaped over millions of years of erosion and weathering. From here I enjoy my first proper descent, jumping my bike around and swooping down the hillside.
Next up is Nun’s Cross, a historic stone cross dating back to at least the 13th century, once used by monks and travellers as a waymarker when crossing this often unforgiving landscape.
🐴 Wildlife & History
The trail is never dull – I ride past herds of cows, meet more ponies, and cross a few little streams (trying not to splash my white cycling outfit too much!). The route also passes Eylesbarrow Mine, once one of Dartmoor’s busiest tin mines in the 1800s. The ruins still remain today, scattered with granite foundations, while sheep now graze over what was once a hive of industry.
From the mine, I enjoy a wicked descent down towards Gutter Tor and then head toward Sheepstor, a steep-sided hill that rises to about 369 m. Sheepstor is one of Dartmoor’s most dramatic tors and was even used as a filming location for Spielberg’s War Horse. Climbing up through long grass and past lazy cows, I reach the summit to take in stunning views down to the Burrator Reservoir.
💧 Burrator Reservoir & Return
The descent from Sheepstor is steep (steep enough that I admit to walking parts of it!), before reaching the southern edge of Burrator Reservoir. Built in the late 19th century to supply water to Plymouth, this vast reservoir is framed by woodland and granite hills. I ride across the impressive Burrator Dam, a beautiful curved stone structure completed in 1898.
From here, I climb up to join the old Princetown Railway line, a disused track that once linked the moor to the outside world. Opened in 1883 and closed in 1956, the line transported granite, supplies, and passengers. Today, it’s a scenic walking and cycling route, mostly flat and easy to ride – although it does include about 20 gates to open and close! Riding this trail back to Princetown is the perfect way to finish the loop, with big views across the moor and another tor, Ingra Tor, along the way.
🌄 Why This Ride Was Special
This loop has a little bit of everything – history, wildlife, climbs, fun descents, and incredible scenery. I got to ride past granite tors, explore old mine ruins, meet Dartmoor ponies, and enjoy both rocky technical trails and smooth railway gravel. The mix of landscapes and landmarks makes this one of my favourite rides on Dartmoor so far.
If you’re planning a cycling trip to Dartmoor, I’d highly recommend this loop from Princetown to Burrator Reservoir. It’s challenging without being extreme, and the variety of terrain keeps it interesting from start to finish.
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📍 Highlights of this Dartmoor Cycling Vlog:
• Princetown – the highest town on Dartmoor
• South Hessery Tor – granite outcrop with sweeping views
• Nun’s Cross – 13th-century waymarker
• Eylesbarrow Mine – 19th-century tin mine ruins
• Sheepstor – dramatic tor and War Horse filming location
• Burrator Reservoir & Dam – Victorian engineering feat
• Old Princetown Railway – historic trail back to town
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🐴 About Dartmoor Ponies
Dartmoor ponies are a hardy native breed that has roamed these hills for centuries. Though they appear wild, most are semi-wild and owned by local farmers. They’re rounded up annually for health checks and pony sales, but the rest of the time they wander freely across the moor. Spotting them while out cycling or hiking is one of Dartmoor’s greatest joys.
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⚡ Watch more adventures
If you enjoyed this ride, check out my other cycling vlogs across the UK and beyond – from the Cotswolds and Brecon Beacons to Spain, France, and Morocco.
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