Devon Delight Challenge Ride

The Devon Delight, as its name suggests, takes in some delightful lanes and scenery around the County of Devon. The ride is one of Cycling UK's Challenge Ride Series and takes place in mid-July. 

Setting out from the market town of Newton Abbot, the route takes in a few flat miles past the famous racecourse, and then climbs steadily for a few miles over the Haldon Hills. A steep descent drops into the Ashcombe valley, where the road gently descends along a quiet valley into the seaside town of Dawlish. From here the route follows the coast and the edge of the river Exe, and around the pretty harbour at Cockwood, past Brunel's famous 'Atmospheric Railway' at Starcross. At Powderham, the route heads back inland and then through Exminster and across the top of the Exe Estuary and through a maze of lanes. Leaving Stoke Canon, you then follow the Exe Valley for a while, before rolling over a few gentle hills into the back of the city of Exeter, and then a long steady climb back over the hills of Haldon, through the village of Longdown - aptly named as after this it’s a long downhill run for about ten miles through the beautiful Teign valley, and then the final handful of miles back to Newton Abbot. Don't forget to stop for a Devonshire cream tea for a truly delightful day out!