In one of our biggest ride drops EVER, Rob Bennett brings us a great collection of rides from the south west of England.
Inside this series you’ll find historic locations and landmarks, quaint fishing hamlets and a real taste of the English seaside.
For those Tour of Britain lover, be sure to check out Haytor, a classic hill climb that has been used on several editions of The Tour of Britain and was the first hill finish in the modern era of the race.
Big blue skies and empty rolling roads await as you climb from Land's End to ride the 32 Km/20 miles along the coast to St Ives. Pretty coves, quaint Cornish villages, and relics of disused tin mines pepper your route. Land's End is the south west extremity of Great Britain, and is the starting point of the journey from Land's End to John O'Groats (LEJOG), approximately 1,400 Km/875 miles away on the north east coast of Scotland.
More InfoAfter leaving the ancient market town of Tavistock, the ride takes in two very different categorised climbs. Rundlestone (Official Climbs #11) is long with a max of 15% whereas Dartmeet (Official Climbs #8) is short and very steep. The lumpy ride over the beautiful Dartmoor landscapes finishes in the tourist village of Widecombe in the Moor. Watch out for the close shave with Shaun the Sheep.
More InfoAn undulating ride taking in magnificent views of the Cornish coast in the far South West of England. Starting from the 15th century former smuggling and fishing village of Cawsand the route climbs to the cliff tops before taking the elevated narrow coastal road passing through several small communities and finishing overlooking the lifeguard station on Seaton beach.
More InfoTake it easy meandering around the narrow roads and the historic old buildings of Looe passing by the beach and fish market before heading onto the 13th century fishing village of Polperro. After the fast descent into Polperro, ease off the power so that you can fully appreciate the visually stunning village, one of Cornwall's many filming locations. For the best Fulgaz experience, try to ride this ride at a moderate pace when you are in the twisty, narrow lanes of Looe and Polperro.
More InfoA beautiful sunny day in South Devon, ideal for a trip to the beach! Ride through the narrow country lanes finishing with spectacular views of the famous Art Deco Burgh Island Hotel. The hotel has a rich history having been frequented by The Beatles, Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie who wrote two novels here. The island is cut off from the mainland twice each day as the tide closes in from both sides.
More InfoA ride between the riverside towns of Kingsbridge and Dartmouth through picturesque Devon villages taking in two stiff climbs. Look out for the salvaged Sherman tank as you leave Torcross, commemorating the loss of 1,000 American soldiers training for the D Day landings following a surprise attack by German torpedo boats. The Tour of Britain followed the last 15 miles of this route on the penultimate stage in 2013.
More InfoDartmoor National Park is a vast moorland in the county of Devon, in southwest England. Its craggy landscape is defined by forests, rivers, wetlands and tors (rock formations). Trails wind through valleys with Neolithic tombs, Bronze Age stone circles and abandoned medieval farmhouses. Filmed on a typically atmospheric Dartmoor day, the mist lifts and the sun appears to reveal the rugged beauty of the landscape. The ride finishes on a nice downhill into the picture postcard village of Dunsford.
More InfoPlymouth is Britain’s only Atlantic city. Starting from the National Marine Aquarium the ride passes the fishing port, harbour, and Plymouth Gin Distillery (circa 1400) on the Barbican, where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail to discover America 400 years ago. Then along the Seafront and onto the Royal William Yard with largest listed military buildings in Europe. The ride ends on The Hoe, past the war and seafarers' memorials to the iconic Smeaton’s Tower.
More InfoThis climb has been used on several editions of The Tour of Britain and was the first hill finish in the modern era of the race. It is quite sheltered for the first half but opens out onto the windswept Dartmoor moorland, and more often than not, with strong headwinds as on the day of filming! Official UK Climbs #9.
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