Highlight • Lake
Avon Dam Reservoir
Mountain biking
4.8
(40)
Hiking
4.8
(27)
Cycling
5.0
(3)
This Highlight is in a protected area
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Tips
October 13, 2022
Hiking
•
December 17, 2020
Hiking
The dam itself is just as spectacular as the views you can enjoy from it and the Avon Dam Reservoir is vast and beautiful as well. This is a perfect spot for a rest and a bite to eat, particularly as the ascent to it from the south is quite steep in the final section.
May 7, 2018
Mountain biking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Avon Dam Reservoir
3.6
(12)
59
riders
32.2km
02:56
540m
540m
Embark on the Red Lake & Avon Dam loop from Ivybridge, a diverse mountain biking trail spanning 20.0 miles (32.2 km) with 1760 feet (537 metres) of elevation gain. This moderate route, typically completed in 2 hours and 55 minutes, winds through open moorland, past granite tors, and along river valleys. You will encounter varied surfaces, from gravel to natural trails, and enjoy vast views of the Avon Dam reservoir and the distinctive conical spoil tip of the historic Red Lake, where Dartmoor ponies often graze. Be prepared for some challenging sections that may require advanced riding skills or even pushing your bike.
To make the most of your ride, plan your visit during drier months to avoid boggy conditions, especially past Avon Dam. The starting point in Ivybridge is easily accessible by public transport, and you will find parking options along with places for food and drink. Be aware that some tracks around Avon Dam Reservoir can disappear, adding a navigational challenge, so come prepared with good route-finding skills.
This loop offers a rich blend of natural beauty and history. The Avon Dam Reservoir provides a picturesque spot for a break, while Red Lake, a former china clay quarry, offers panoramic views from its prominent spoil tip. You will also ride along the "Puffing Billy" gravel trail, an old narrow-gauge railway line that now provides a long, fast-flowing descent off the moor. The trail is highly rated for its diverse terrain and scenic vistas, making it a rewarding adventure for experienced mountain bikers.
4.6
(5)
18
riders
22.3km
01:50
510m
510m
Embark on a moderate mountain biking adventure through Dartmoor National Park with the South Brent & Avon Dam loop. This 13.9 miles (22.3 km) route, with an elevation gain of 1672 feet (510 metres), offers a diverse terrain including paved roads, gravel, and semi-technical singletrack. You will experience stunning river valleys with gushing waterfalls along the River Avon, leading to the magnificent Avon Dam Reservoir, all within an estimated 1 hour and 50 minutes of riding.
To begin your ride, head to Shipley Bridge, a convenient starting point that offers parking, toilets, and information boards. While the trail is rated moderate and requires good fitness, some sections, like the paved bridleway to Avon Dam, are gentle and suitable for all skill levels. Be prepared for varied surfaces, including rocky sections and roots, especially on descents. The route provides an excellent introduction to Dartmoor mountain biking, balancing challenging climbs with more manageable stretches.
This loop is notable for its blend of natural beauty and historical interest, particularly the Avon Dam, which was built in 1957. The trail provides expansive views across the reservoir and down the valley, as well as wide-open moorland vistas as you ascend. It serves as an ideal entry point for less experienced riders to explore Dartmoor's southern moors, climbing to nearly 400 metres while avoiding the wildest parts of the park. The traffic-free section to Avon Dam enhances the scenic experience.
4.4
(7)
25
riders
20.8km
01:58
570m
570m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 350 m
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Friday 12 June
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9°C
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Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h
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