Will
I lived decades of my life believing I’m anti-social, that I simply don’t possess the social skills others have. Some of my happiest memories are of me as a kid, in South Africa going off – all on my own – into the mountains on the edge of town. Just a barefooted boy, having an adventure. Confusingly, … Read more
I’ve done lots of wild-camping in my life. Interestingly, wild-camping is a term I only learned after moving to the UK. In South Africa wild-camping is what you mean when you say you’re going camping. My wild-camping experiences include only carrying a small daypack, with water and food and almost nothing else, and simply sleeping … Read more
Dr Ian Walker is quite well known on Cycling Twitter, being an ardent advocate for cycling, and usually being the voice of reason. Though an obviously very intelligent man, the impression Ian Walker mostly creates is that of a humble and kind human being. For reasons I cannot begin to understand, these are strong characteristics … Read more
Some consider them a curse, but it’s very hard to argue against the very real benefits smartphones bring to our lives. Whether it’s accessing social media, or taking a photo, most of us are using our phones all the time, and that simply means it’s quite easy to totally drain your phone’s battery during a … Read more
What actually goes into making a route guide? For me, it begins with research – what sort of route am I thinking of? Do I want a traffic-free and family-friendly route, a fast, hilly and challenging road route, or a leisurely slow route, perhaps with a picnic at the end? Once I know that, I … Read more
What would you say if I told you I found a miracle treatment for stress, anxiety, depression, and a number of other ailments? A treatment that’s scientific, and proven through peer-reviewed research? Would you want to have it prescribed? I’ve long believed that cycling is not only good for my body, but also for my … Read more
A ride of 14 flat & traffic-free miles When you cycle the Camel Trail, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular – it really is a very beautiful route. If you pick the date to ride it well, it simply is one of the best leisurely bike rides you can do. Almost perfectly flat, … Read more
Grand Western Canal cycle route overall rating: (Colour explanation: blue = good, yellow indicates some warning, and red indicates issues to be aware of) The Grand Western Canal was originally intended as part of a far larger canal network, to create a canal link to the English Channel. Only part of the canal survives, and … Read more
Stover & Wray Valley Trails cycle route overall rating: ⭐⭐⭐ The Stover Trail links Newton Abbott with Bovey Tracey, mostly traffic-free, or on very quiet lanes. The Wray Valley Trail links Bovey Tracey with Moreton Hampstead, again either traffic-free, or on normally very quiet lanes. It therefore makes sense to do a single route guide … Read more
7.9 miles, hilly, on rural green lanes with very little traffic, but shared with cars Bere Ferrers is essentially situated on near-enough a pensinsula, cradled between the Tavy and Tamar rivers. This cycle route is a true hidden gem, and offers some spectacular views. By car, getting to the start is quite a trek along … Read more
Dawlish to Exeter cycle route overall rating: B3⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you’re looking for a stunning day out, this is the route for you. At 14 miles in length, it offers spectacular sea views, quaint waterside villages, and even canalside cycling. Overall, the route is very flat, but it does have a section that tops out at … Read more
Want to cycle Devon Coast To Coast (also known as Devon C2C) but unsure of how to go about it? Worry no more! My Devon Coast To Coast cycle route guide will make your whole experience a better one. It’s more than just a route guide – it’s a Digital Tour Leader! The guide consists of … Read more
When was the last time you did something for the first time? Just think about that for a few minutes. Also the next question: why was it so long ago? Do you remember, when you were a child, watching ants march in and out of their underground homes, sometimes spending ages, in pure fascination? Do … Read more
Your cycle touring questions answered Following on from my cycle camping post, I thought I’d look at cycle touring in a bit more detail. You’ve read those stories of daring and adventure, of cycle tourists taking on the world and the elements and emerging, triumphantly, at the end, right? The reality will at times be … Read more
Kitty Jay’s grave I love cycling at night, on otherwise pitch-dark lanes. It’s a totally different experience, and the reason why I started Darkmoor. However, not everyone thinks cycling 100+ miles, right through the night, is great fun, and people aren’t always able to fit in such rides. Park that there for a moment, and … Read more