The Three Reservoirs from Bovey Tracey — Dartmoor road rides

When people think of Dartmoor, it’s often the vast expanses of open, rugged moorland that come to mind, yet there are also a number of steep-sided, wooded river valleys that characterise the area, particularly to the east.

This Tour explores the plateau to the east of the Wray Valley, atop which you can find three large reservoirs: Kennick, Tottiford and Trenchford. After riding past the water and one of the dams, you can take a break in gorgeous Moretonhampstead before the easy pedal back to Bovey Tracey along the easy gravel Wray Valley Trail.

Start your ride by heading east out of Bovey Tracey towards Chudleigh Knighton, turning left across Chudleigh Knighton Common as signposted for the reservoirs. A fairly long climb ensues, though rest assured that this is the most gentle of all ascents from this area.

The narrow lane takes you up to the crossroads at Five Lanes and on to Hennock, said to be one of the most scenic villages in Devon thanks to its position along the hillside overlooking Haldon and the valley between.

The climbing is not over yet, as you take the ramp out of the village on lanes towards the reservoirs. The first one you reach is Trenchford, where you turn sharp right to follow the lane alongside its southern edge. Turn right when you reach the dam for Tottiford Reservoir, skirting the edge through the woods. You may notice signs for the Dartmoor Way cycle route, which you have now joined.

You’ll ride right over the dam for Kennick Reservoir next, with magnificent views across the water and down into the valley. Then there’s a gradual climb in store on the lanes as you head north away from the reservoirs, including along a tree-lined passage that’s very scenic, and past Blackingstone Rock on your right.

Take a left at the T-junction for the last lane section, which leads you to the main road, where you can enjoy a spectacular descent towards Moretonhampstead. A short, sharp climb leads you into the moorland town, where there’s a couple of cafes for a pick-me-up, should you want one.

The way back to Bovey Tracey is easy along the light gravel of the Wray Valley Trail, as it’s almost all traffic-free (bar a section through Lustleigh village) and trends ever so gently downhill. If you’d rather stick to tarmac, take the Wray Valley road, though it can get a bit busy.