Burrator Reservoir and Dam – Postbridge Clapper Bridge loop from Meavy

Bike touring routes & trails

Burrator Reservoir and Dam – Postbridge Clapper Bridge loop from Meavy

Hard

riders

Burrator Reservoir and Dam – Postbridge Clapper Bridge loop from Meavy

02:15

32.5km

560m

Cycling

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 19, 2026

Tips

Includes segments that go up or down a series of steps

You may need to carry your bike.

After 1.86 km for 11 m

After 30.7 km for 11 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

22 m

Burrator Reservoir and Dam

Highlight • Lake

Burrator Reservoir is situated within Dartmoor, and the tranquil water and surrounding mixed woodland contrasts sharply with the open moor and the rugged Dartmoor tors. A trip here can be combined with a walk across the moors, or enjoyed as a trip of its own with plenty to do – from walking and taking in the views, to fishing for rainbow and brown trout (just be sure to get a permit, available online or by calling South West Lakes). Devon has relatively few lakes, but the situation and quality of these make them a hidden gem in Devon’s crown.

Tip by

292 m

Waterfall near Burrator Reservoir

Highlight • Forest

Burrator Reservoir, near Yelverton on the south-west side of Dartmoor, is surrounded by attractive wooded countryside. On the west side of the reservoir this waterfall is fed by the Devonport Leat, an artificial watercourse that was constructed in the 1790s to provide a water supply to Devonport. Most of the water from the leat now flows into Burrator Reservoir which supplies water to Plymouth.

Tip by

576 m

Burrator Discovery Centre

Highlight • Lake

Burrator Discovery Centre is a visitor centre located near Burrator Reservoir, on the edge of Dartmoor National Park. It opened in 2014 as part of the Burrator Historic and Natural Environment project. The centre offers exhibitions and displays about Burrator’s history, wildlife and culture. You can see spoken history, an interactive screen and a children’s discovery zone. You can also explore the conservation garden, which features a totem pole and a range of plants found on Dartmoor.

The centre is open from 10am to 4pm daily, except for Saturdays and alternate Thursdays. You can also buy permits for fishing at Burrator Reservoir, which is one of the most tranquil and picturesque natural angling venues in the South West. The reservoir is surrounded by woodlands, wetlands and moorlands, and offers ample walks and views.

Tip by

2.66 km

B3212 Yelverton to Princetown Road, Dartmoor National Park

Highlight (Segment) • Climb

When the B3212 leaves Yelverton it reaches open moorland and the true magic of this road begins for cyclists. High on Dartmoor, this open road is flanked by extraordinary, sweeping views of the national park and its undulating tarmac is an absolute joy to ride.

You’ll see cows and Dartmoor ponies grazing on either side, sometimes strolling across the road, and rugged, tor-topped hills all around. Fairly smooth and with a 40 mph limit, this road is hugely popular with riders and in clear weather you’ll immediately see why. In fog, the atmosphere completely changes; the road becomes eerie and you’ll see why ghost stories and folklore abound in this part of Devon.

Tip by

8.04 km

View of Dartmoor Prison

Highlight • Monument

This prison was built in 1806 by French prisoners of war. From 1812, during the Anglo-American War, Americans were imprisoned there. A century later, during the First World War, it became an open prison for conscientious objectors. From 1921, members of the IRA were imprisoned here, including Eamon de Valera, who would later become President of Ireland.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

16.1 km

Postbridge Clapper Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

This is more a little stop along the way instead of a destination. It has two bridges that are pretty and a little shop. It would be a good starting point to hike onto the moor from as it has parking that has a donation box and allows overnight parking.

Tip by

22.3 km

Two Bridges Stone Bridge

Highlight • Viewpoint

Two Bridges is an isolated location in the heart of Dartmoor National Park in Devon, England. It is situated around 2.5 km (1.6 mi) north east of Princetown on the old turnpike road which was built across Dartmoor in the late 18th century.

Tip by

24.7 km

Princetown War Memorial and National Park Visitor Centre

Highlight • Monument

Princetown is a village located within Dartmoor National Park in Devon, England. It is the principal settlement of the civil parish of Dartmoor Forest. The village has its origins in 1785, when Sir Thomas Tyrwhitt, then secretary to the Prince of Wales, leased a large area of moorland from the Duchy of Cornwall estate, hoping to convert it into good farmland. He also proposed that a prison be built on Dartmoor to house the thousands of captives of the Napoleonic Wars and the later War of 1812. The site was given by the Prince of Wales, who held the lands of the Duchy of Cornwall to which the whole moor belonged. This is why the settlement is named Princetown. Princetown is the site of Dartmoor Prison, which was built in 1806 and is still in use today. Princetown is also home to the National Park Visitor Centre, which offers exhibitions and displays about Dartmoor’s history, wildlife and culture.

Tip by

32.5 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types