Distance: 10 miles
Difficulty: Moderate/Hard
End points: Dartmouth (Grid Ref SX 877 513)
Dartmouth (Grid Ref SX 877 513).

This is a scenic route for the fit off-road rider using minor roads, green lanes and bridleways. This route is for mountain-bikers and is not suitable for road bikes.

It starts and ends in Dartmouth, a popular boating centre and one of the prettiest towns in Devon. Dartmouth is especially rich in buildings of historic and architectural interest, including the 17th Century Butterwalk and Dartmouth Castle. The route will take you to Blackpool Sands, which is an unspoilt, sheltered bay amongst evergreens and pines. The superb, golden beach has won many awards and has consistently achieved blue flag status.

This route offers some wonderful views from Waterpool Road, where you can turn round and look back over Dartmouth and River Dart. The coast road offers a panoramic view of Start Bay and you can see Start Point lighthouse in the distance, Torcross and Slapton Ley. There are excellent coastal views along the bridleway at Little Dartmouth, with the opportunity to also see sea birds.

Relevant maps/guides: Explorer (1:25,000) No. OL 20 South Devon; Landranger (1:50,000) No. 202 Torbay & South Dartmoor, Totnes & Salcombe
Facilities along route: Food and Drink is available at Blackpool Sands, Dartmouth and Stoke Fleming. There are also public toilets available in all three locations.

Please note that this is not a Devon County Council maintained route
This route should take between 1½ and 2½ hours plus rests and sight seeing. It is mostly of moderate difficulty, with one advanced technical downhill - however, this is avoidable. There are also 3 climbs, but one of these is avoidable too. The route is not too muddy, except in winter, but even then it usually remains fun and rideable. However, be careful at the bottom section of the second bridleway, as the rocks here can be slippery if wet.
Hints and tips: For an alternative route, follow Blackpool Valley Road by stream from Riversbridge Farm to avoid an advanced, steep, technical section. Also, take care on the main road sections and beware of fast traffic!

Theme: Country, Coast, Nature, Bird Watching,
Style of route: Mountain Biking, Off Road,
Area: South Devon - South Hams.