A classic South Dartmoor off-road loop – Red Lake overnighter

Linking the Avon and Erme river valleys, this is a classic off-road loop to the south of Dartmoor that can easily be reached from South Brent, Ivybridge and even Plymouth.

While the loop makes for a great day ride, it also lends itself to becoming a great overnighter as much of the moor here is included on the Dartmoor Camping Map ( dartmoor.gov.uk/about-us/about-us-maps/camping-map ) for wild camping, including around Red Lake.

Whether you choose to tackle it in a single day or two, you can expect some wild riding from high-hedged lanes up to Shipley Bridge to technical bridleways around the Avon Reservoir and a fast-flowing, if a little rough, descent of the 'Puffing Billy' gravel trail back down off the moor.

For those who enjoy wild swimming, there are multiple options to get a dip in along the route, from the fresh running waters of the River Avon by Shipley Bridge to the remote moorland flooded quarries of Red Lake and Left Lake.

We chose to camp next to Red Lake, hoping for a morning dip, but as is all too often the case on Dartmoor, we had some wild weather during the night and didn't much fancy a swim by the time we'd dried out after sunrise. There are a few spots to pitch a tent, though it's an exposed spot.

Red Lake itself is a flooded quarry, mined for China clay between 1913 and 1932. Beside it, the huge conical spoil tip looks foreign in the otherwise gentle landscape, and offers wide-ranging views from the top back towards Avon Dam and as far as the Princetown mast.

Like most of the riding around here, it's best enjoyed in the drier months to avoid too much squelch and bog, but it’s a wise idea to wear your waterproof socks for this ride as it's pretty marshy throughout the year in the Avon Valley.

You could ride this route on a mountain bike or gravel bike, though the former is probably better suited to it. It can be slow going after Avon Dam due to the boggy singletrack and there's a steep hike-a-bike up to Red Lake. In short, though the route is short, don't underestimate it!

The second stage is much easier, mostly rideable and generally downhill, with a short section on back lanes on the Dartmoor Way to link back to the start between Bittaford and South Brent.

If you’d like to access the route by train, you could easily start in Ivybridge and add a short stint to Bittaford to join the loop. Equally, the loop can be enjoyed in either direction.

Make sure you familiarise yourself with the Dartmoor Camping Code before you set off: dartmoor.gov.uk/enjoy-dartmoor/outdoor-activities/camping/backpack-camping-code