05 April 2025 starting at 8:00am
A straightforward route with a spectacularly scenic and rather challenging section along the North Devon coast. There are good cafe and pub controls, and food and drink at the finish.
From Honiton the event takes minor lanes northwards over the edge of the Blackdowns to the Lowman valley, via Bampton, and on to Dulverton on the edge of Exmoor. After a cafe stop it climbs on to the moor through Simonsbath and descends through the spectacular gorge to Lynmouth. The climb up to Lynton is more sharp than short, but there's a reward in the form of good food at Mother Meldrum's at the entrance to the Valley of the Rocks.
The next section is short, scenic, and very hard. It follows steep narrow lanes that cling to the coast and offer fine views down to the beach as well as across to the Welsh coast. It's only 20k, but the control at Combe Martin won't be too soon for most riders.
There follows a long steady climb to South Molton and a direct but laney route to Crediton and the final control.
The final leg is a cross-country route going across the Exe Valley before joining the old A30 for an easy run back to Honiton and the finish.
Start: Honiton
The Controls
Dulverton. Tea-rooms in the town. Or get a receipt from any shop if you don't wish to stop.
Valley of the Rocks. Mother Meldrum's tea-rooms, named after a character in Lorna Doone.
Combe Martin. The Pack o' Cards [wiki link], built by an eccentric local land-owner. Food and drink available.
Crediton. Morrisons supermarket. Food and drink available.
The finish. Food and drink will be available at the finish as usual.
Controls:-
- Honiton (start)
- Dulverton
- Lynton
- Combe Martin
- Crediton
- Honiton
PDF routesheet here [updated 06.04.2024]
gps file here [Updated 21.09 2018]
PARENTAL CONSENT is required for entrants under 18 years of age.
