April 6, 2011

Out earlier than usual as no bike to pack. Soon I hit the moors at Throwleigh common.

Moretown Brook

Throwleigh common

Progress is rapid from here as I arrive at Belstone.

Belstone Telegraph Office

Okehampton, I slowly wind my way up the steep hill to the railway station. Its like a step back in time. It has a shop for everything a Hornby model railway enthusiast would want plus Airfix kits too, a leap back into my childhood.

Okehampton railway station

From here I can join the Sustrans (UK cycle route network) no. 27. This route joins Ilfracombe , (north Devon) to Plymouth (south Devon) coast to coast. It starts as a bridleway near the station.

Meldon viaduct

I leave the bridleway at Prewley Moor, heading to Bridestowe then Lydford.

Lydford Castle

Lydford Castle is a 13th century tower, built on top of a 12th century predecessor. The castle served as a prison for enforcing the laws that regulated both Dartmoor’s forest and also its important tin mining industry.

Blackdown Moor common

Past Lydford Gorge, again National Trust, so money to get in.

I get the chance to move off the road with a bit of dirt track through Blackdown Moor, less of a track poor a ramblers path. The bike handled it no problems, well built....no skinny tyres here!

Dartmoor

With the weather been so good, I could see the following tor from 15 miles away, very distinct feature.

Church of St Michel de Rupe

Brent Tor is a unique example of an early carboniferous basaltic volcano, now weathered down. The Church of St Michel de Rupe ("Saint Michael of the Rock") atop the Tor dates to the 13th century and is still in service today.

Brent Tor

On the hill over looking Mary Tavy is the Dartmoor Gliding Club. Popped in for a chat.

Dartmoor gliding club

Down into Mary Tavy and stock up on food.

Hill Bridge

Made my way up the River Tavy valley looking for somewhere to pitch for the night. Stopped to ask a farmer at Horndon for water. He was busy dealing with the lambs. Helpful and after conversation invited me to use his one of his fields up stream. Very kind.

I did not use his field but next door a small piece of ground next to the river at Hill Bridge, ideal. Thank you Farmer Palmer!

 

34 miles