The Ivybridge Loop
34 miles | 9/10 difficulty | 6–8 hours
About this route
This route is absolutely pushing a gravel bike beyond what it is designed to do BUT the rewards really are worth the efforts. First of all, the loop out and back to Holne can be missed out entirely to save 8 miles and 1–2 hours riding time, although you’ll also miss the tea shop there are others as you get closer to Ivybridge. I’ve rated this one as a 9/10 because the technical parts are very long and tiring, and for many, they will be true HAB (hike-a-bike), plus there are some true navigational tests as small bits of track disappear in true Dartmoor fashion; but it’s a real place for adventurous riding for those who enjoy that kind of experience. There are some fantastic, well-earned tracks to enjoy which in my opinion, make the harder parts that much more rewarding. And let’s be honest, too easy can be too boring at times!
I did this ride on a very cold, sunny dry day and didn’t stop for food until I got back to Ivybridge. It’s a hard route, made extra tiring by the very long, technical/rocky descents, but for every hard section, there’s an even better nice section!LIVE LIFE ~ RIDE HARD
Weather
The weather can change quickly on Dartmoor and there are a number of high and very exposed parts of the route, so I always advise on carrying clothing for bad weather.
Map
Start point
I started in Ivybridge as there are plenty of parking options and places to get food and drink when you finish. It also guarantees a long descent to end your ride!
Route Overview
You ascend out of Ivybridge on small lanes to the village of Hartford, passing Hartford Camping Barn and Campsite where you could stay, before getting onto the moor. A grassy track takes you up onto the old Redlake Tramway and over Ugborough Moor, past Left Lake (a great spot to wildcamp) until you hit the “end of the road” and start to head down the South Zeal Tramway to the River Avon. This descent is a bit of a monster! It’s long, not rideable in a few places for some, with long stretches of walking and/or rocks. But at least it’s flat or downhill so make the most of this truly exposed bit of wild Dartmoor because once at the bottom, you will come to the beautiful River Avon and a lovely tarmac track, with lots of people!
Having dodged the people it’s then a gravel ascent up to Avon Dam Reservoir. As you pass the dam walls it’s easier to push your bike on the footpath for two reasons.
- It’s too rocky to ride.
- The bridleway/track literally disappears into the tussocks.
- Or you can fight your way along a GPS line as I did as a test.
Having navigated your way onto Abbot’s Way you earn a beautiful descent all the way down to Dean Burn Wood where it’s decision time.
- Cross the stream and take the extended loop via Holne community tearoom.
- Don’t cross the stream and take the track to the right (and save yourself 8 miles).
Assuming you choose the Holne Community Tearoom, which you really should, it’s a bit of a gnarly track to the road and then a nice ride before a final tough track into Holne where you’ll find the local oasis shop/tearoom/cafe.
There is a water tap around the back of the tea room if they’re closed.
After your food stop, you head out on the lanes until you then veer left and loop back on some lovely tracks onto Sandy Way. As you descend back towards Holne, be aware that I pushed my fully laden bike UP Sandy Way as part of the Dartmoor 130 Loop! Once at the bottom, it’s road all the way back to Dean Burn Wood where you’ll then take the track you chose not to take. And what a lovely track it is; up and up then down, down, down all the way to the road. Cross the junction and back onto another well-graded track called Forder Lane all the way down into South Brent with shops, pubs and cafes galore! You could stop here for (another) quick cuppa although you’re only 6 miles from the end; albeit there’s a final killer climb still to come!
Leaving South Brent it’s the road again until you turn right to get back onto the moor, via the killer hill. It’s a tough one and goes on and on but once at the top, it’s perfect Dartmoor gravel again, before descending back down, on a long, rocky, tiring track and into Ivybridge. And by the time you arrive you’ll be ready to stop and rest!
Route grading
I would consider the route 85% rideable, 30% technical and 15% walking.
I rate this route as 9/10 for difficulty because of the long technical parts and small bits of tricky navigation.
- Rideable: tarmac, gravel or hard short grass.
- Technical: easy on an MTB with suspension forks, hard on a gravel bike.
- Walking: steepness, grip or gnarly but rideable on an MTB.
NOTE: I’m an average MTB rider so my version of “gravel” may be slightly more aggressive than other views of gravel. But, I have ridden the entire route on my gravel bike so do not expect any major issues for anyone on a gravel bike.
Weather risk
Dartmoor weather can change very quickly from strong winds to hard rain to very thick fog. The terrain particularly on this route is featureless in many places making it VERY easy to get lost and disorientated.
The parts of this route where weather risks are highest:
- Harford to River Avon: Mile 2–11/KM 3–17.
- Holne to Sandy Way: Mile 17–19/KM 27–30.
- Dean Burn Wood to Road: Mile 21–23/KM 33–37
Navigation
Overall navigation is easy enough, the only difficult parts are the South Zeal Tramway and around Avon Dam Reservoir where the track literally disappears. As long as you follow the GPS track you will be fine. Trust me!
The GPX file
I’ve made this a Google Drive link available to anyone. This will open a text file, top right there is a download link to allow you to save it to your computer.
April 2021
