Dartmoor National Park, Drake's Trail Cycle Path

You'll find this cycle path threading through some of Devon's most dramatic moorland, starting near Tavistock and winding deep into Dartmoor proper. Drake's Trail itself is a proper bit of engineering - a converted railway line that takes the steep gradients out of the equation, making it genuinely rideable rather than a constant slog uphill. The route cuts through ancient woodland, crosses open moorland, and passes granite tors that have stood here for millennia. On a clear day you can see for miles; on a misty one it feels properly atmospheric.

Cyclists will get the most from this - obviously - but it's equally good for walkers who fancy a gentler amble than the typical Dartmoor scramble. The flat profile means families with younger kids or less experienced riders can actually enjoy the landscape rather than just gasping for breath. Allow a couple of hours if you're taking it steady and want to stop for views; faster riders will crack it in under ninety minutes.

The whole thing works brilliantly as part of a wider Dartmoor break. Tavistock itself is just up the road, a proper market town with good cafes and a decent range of shops. If you're staying at Langstone Manor Holiday Park nearby, you're perfectly positioned - it's a short drive from the trailhead and the whole area opens up from there. The beauty of this route is that you don't need technical skills or full-suspension mountain bikes; it's accessibility without dumbing things down. Worth the trip if you're in Devon.