Dartmoor 1 (16.72 miles 26.75 km ) Print
Circular riding routes around Bellever Forest and Challacombe Down. Follow markers 1-6 for a route of approx 7.5 miles (11 miles if you add in the forest loop to the south). The whole ride includes an optional detour to the Warren House Inn. You are advised to follow the highlighted (blue) routes. Other bridleways may be boggy and go across rocky or deep river crossings.Download: Dartmoor.gpx Dartmoor Waypoints.gpx
Waypoint 1
Optional extra loop
Turn right for the extra loop (approx 3 miles) via Laughter Hole Farm. The stretch across the common can be quite soggy after wet weather.
Waypoint 2
Turn off the road onto the common
There is a clear track along the top of Riddon Ridge. Eventually you will see a wall on the far side. Do not go through the gate to Babeny, keep the wall on your right and go downhill to the gate and river crossing.
Waypoint 3
turn left onto the track
Follow the track to the road and turn left again. This is a very quiet moorland road.
Waypoint 4
Cator common bridleway
Turn right onto bridleway across Cator common, just after the plantation (known locally as \'Strips\').
Waypoint 5
Pizwell Farm
Cross the ford and then follow the track through Pizwell Farm. The track can be quite wet.
Waypoint 6
Lydgate House Hotel
Go through the gate onto the hotel drive, which leads you back to the main road at Postbridge.
Waypoint 7
Additional loop (approx 6 miles)
This extra loop takes you past Challacombe medieval village and Headland Warren Farm. Take the a detour to the Warren House Inn for refreshments.
Waypoint 8
Challacombe Medieval village
Turn right in the village and through the fields. The slopes are full of bluebells in Spring.
Waypoint 9
Headland Warren Farm
Go through the small gate on the right to avoid the farmyard. Watch out for the alpacas!
Waypoint 10
Mineworkings
Keep to the path here as it is boggy on either side with deep holes from old mine workings. Go through the gate into the forest. You will pass the ruins of Golden Dagger Mine.