Mountain Biking Collection by Katherine Moore
Devon & Somerset’s coast to coast — The West Country Way
4 days
3-4 h/day
195km
3,520m
3,530m
A large part of the West Country Way is comprised of the Two Moors Way; a bridleway linking Dartmoor and Exmoor. Expect wide traffic-free gravel trails, as well as some muddy climbs, wooded tracks, valley-side singletrack and field trails, linked by quiet lanes through picturesque villages — the perfect setting to pick up some food and drink and a pretty place to stay overnight. Passing through Dartmoor, you have the unique opportunity to wild camp as it’s the only place in England where you can legally do so (read more at dartmoor.gov.uk/enjoy-dartmoor/outdoor-activities/camping).
This is a mountain bike orientated Collection, but there’s little reason why you can’t do it on a gravel bike. It’s also worth noting that a full suspension mountain bike will probably be a bit overkill for this distance too.
Choose the spring, summer or autumn for this challenge. It’s not recommended to attempt this in the winter due to unfavourable ground conditions on the moorland which can get very boggy, and as the weather on Dartmoor especially can be harsh and unpredictable. In any season, make sure you have a survival bag and basic first aid with you and are familiar with the local emergency procedure.
This route is presented in four stages, which you can opt to ride as four days, more or less. Ridden in this way, you’ll get to experience a night of wild camping on Dartmoor followed by two to three nights in Devon and Somerset villages and towns.
Access to either end of the trail is easy and train services are recommended as this is an A to B rather than circular tour. There’s a major train station in Plymouth at the start, where stage one begins, before leading you to The Hoe for the official start of the trail (see more details at gwr.com/plan-journey/stations-and-routes/plymouth). At the other end in Minehead it is less simple; either you extend your route heading west to Barnstaple Train Station, or ride south east to Taunton (24 miles/38 km by road, or 25 miles/40 km by mountain biking route over the Quantocks), which is on a more major train line. Therefore, it might be worth considering taking a night’s stay in Minehead at the end of your trip before riding towards the station the next day.
Please note; this is not to be confused with Sustrans’ West Country Way, a long distance road cycling route from Bristol to Bude on National Cycle Route 3: komoot.com/collection/889051/vibrant-cities-emerald-hills-the-west-country-way
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The West Country Way
189km
3,680m
3,700m
Last updated: November 28, 2024
Do it yourself!
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Activities
51.6km
04:34
860m
560m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
46.6km
03:58
790m
970m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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59.2km
04:57
1,000m
880m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
37.9km
04:08
870m
1,120m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Collection Stats
Activities
4
Distance
195 km
Duration
17:36 h
Elevation
3,520 m
3,530 m
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