Exmoor Dartmoor bikepacking gpx routes or advice.

Hi all. 3 weeks time me and the Mrs will head off for a few days. Have only briefly ridden Dartmoor for a few hours and always wanted to go back. I’m told Exmoor is better or easier as less bog.

I will be riding a packed Fully rigid Sonder Frontier and the mrs on her MTB so we aren’t looking for crazy downhill etc just a nice 2 day one night 30 to 40 miler. Any links, gpx or advice appreciated. I understand no one may want to throw up any camping routes so if Ness drop us a pm.

where are you based?

Dartmoor is awesome but dartmoor miles count twice

If dartmoor miles count twice, Exmoor miles count thrice….

Dartmoor is dry as a bone at the moment. But that could all change in three weeks time.

For easier less technical stuff, stick to the west side of dartmoor. You could cross from the military ranges in the north to postbridge fairly easily when it’s this dry.

I’m in Norfolk so long way away. We ride a lot around Yorkshire and peaks but understand that’s different.

Looking for a circular ideally and happy with 5 hours on the bike per day but don’t want a ton of hike a bike but also happy with 3 hours and lovely views.

When I rode Dartmoor last time is was from oakhampton from the old railway station out on to the moor then back round the reservoir.

Ref the military ranges, are they currently all closed?

Ranges usually open- there is a number you can call to find out.

Just dropped you a PM with a gpx route link- East and central Dartmoor. Hope it works..

Top job guys. Will look when home tonight.

This is where to look for Dartmoor firing times.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dartmoor-firing-programme

Nothing for the next 6 weeks.

The Military Road out of Oke is a nice loop, but not a challenge terrain wise.

Just back from the Plymouth to Minehead route … email in profile if you need any assistance

Cheers tuska. Will have a look.

Eviljoe, all sorted and opened. Looks good and not to massive climbing.

Will see what happens with the weather and book somewhere local and then camp half way round.

Stupid question. We will be wild camping. What is the issue with wild camping away from the wild camping designated areas? Is it simply just trying to restrict or am I going to disappear down a mine or get landed on by a helicopter or something stupid?

There’s advice on wild camping on the national park website here; http://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/enjoy-dartmoor/outdoor-activities/camping 

There’s also guidance on the main entrance points to the army ranges here on what not to pick up etc – essentially if it looks explode-y then avoid.

Obviously at the moment wildfire risk is a biggie so be careful in that regard. Pyrotechnics ban across the training areas at the moment, justifiable based on my previous efforts on setting fire to the moor with miniflares

Not wild camping (bunkhouse or campsite)  but nice place to spend a night.

http://theplumeoffeathersdartmoor.co.uk/accommodation.html

So basically just common sense . Top job guys and many thanks for you help, gpx files sent and lodging ideas. It is really appreciated.

Wife is looking forward to it and as am I, will be doing the Dartmoor ride sent as appears more guite than exmoor. Lol simply I hate bumping into people!!

Enjoy your weekend all