When we decided on a bike-packing theme for this issue's Big Ride, W I immediately thought of Dartmoor. Yes, it's possible to wild camp elsewhere in England and Wales, but only with the landowner's permission. On Dartmoor, it's not just allowed but even encouraged. As you'd expect, there are guidelines to adhere to and some areas that are out of bounds, but it feels much more relaxed, and therefore enjoyable, to know you can pitch up more or less wherever you want to.
Dartmoor is a wild and rugged place, though. Bleak even, with its expansive barren upland moors and characteristic tors (granite outcrops) providing a feeling of remoteness. And then there are the numerous ghostly folklore stories that'll bounce around in your head in the middle of the night as you stare up into the huge dark sky, for what'll certainly be a memorable night.
Please note that you can't pitch your tent or sling your bivvy bag just anywhere - check out the camping map at www.dartmoor.gov.uk, which shows where you can stay the night legally. No vehicles, large tents or groups are allowed, and remember, leave no trace and don't light fires. Check the website for further info, such as not camping near roads or dwellings.
Ticking off the tors
Starting from Okehampton, our route joins the West Devon Way, which makes for an easy-to-navigate start to the ride, past Okehampton Castle, where supposedly - the ghost of Lady Howard haunts the corridors and, every night at midnight, travels from Okehampton to Tavistock in the form of a black dog, running alongside a coach made from the bones of her dead husband. Thankfully, it's daytime so Russell and I are just sharing the trail with other holidaymakers as we head further southwest, skirting the edge of the moors.
Bu hikaye Mountain Biking UK dergisinin July 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Mountain Biking UK dergisinin July 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
GRIME TIME - EXPERT WORKSHOP ADVICE
WHEELY ANNOYING
TRAILCREW HAFOD TRAILS
We discover the delights of Wales's newest bike park, located deep in beautiful Carmarthenshire
BIKETEST ULTIMATE HIRE BIKES
We test three park-cum-DH rigs - the kind of bikes available in holiday spots like Morzine and Whistler, as well as uplift venues closer to home
SCOTT GAMBLER 910 - £4,399 A bike park-ready budget beater worth taking a chance on
This latest iteration of Scott's long-standing Gambler launched in 2019.
THE MANY FACES OF MOUNTAIN BIKING
WE HIT THE ARIZONA DESERT AS PART OF A HUGE FEMALE-LED GROUP RIDE THAT PUTS THE FOCUS ON FUN AND FRIENDSHIP
PARIS HERE WE COME!
With the 2024 Olympics in France fast coming around, we take a quick dive into the history of mountain biking at the Games, plus explain what to expect, how to watch and who to keep an eye on this year
TRANSITION SPUR XO AXS - £7,999 Can the smallest of revisions keep Transition's downcountry demon at the top of the pile?
Transition's Spur has set the benchmark for downcountry bikes since its release in 2020.
MARIN ALPINE TRAIL E2 BOSCH - £6,385 Big-battery, high-powered e-MTB for gravity fans at a (relatively) affordable price
The Alpine Trail E Bosch is Marin's first e-MTB to use a four-bar linkage suspension design and a non-Shimano motor.
PINARELLO DOGMA XC - £12,000 Designed by and for Elite racers, with a ride feel to match
STRAIGHT OUT OF THE BOX & ONTO THE TRAILS
MBUK SUPER BIKE - #128 MATT WALKER'S SARACEN MYST
The British national downhill champ has a new ride for the 2024 race season