Only a few hours earlier, we’d been wondering if our 14-year-old son could still ride a bike independently. He learned to cycle very slowly along the pavement when he was at primary school, but as he got older it became clear that his lack of a sense of danger, due to being on the autism spectrum, meant it wouldn’t be possible for him to graduate to cycling on the road.
But in August we were staying for a night at YHA Okehampton, near Dartmoor, and I realised that this offered an unusual opportunity for him to get back in the saddle, safely. At Granite Way Cycles, right next to the hostel, visitors can hire bikes for a fantastic day trip along The Granite Way, a family-friendly off-road cycle track through beautiful Devon countryside. It follows the route of an old railway, to the village of Lydford and back: a total of 22 miles.
What made the day a resounding success was the time and trouble that the Granite Way Cycles staff member took to find us all the right bikes for our size and ability. For our son she suggested a special tricycle with wide wheels, and this was just what he needed to give him confidence from the start. They also offer electric bikes and trikes, and a selection of tag-a-long bikes including baby chariots and trailer bikes. The cost for the whole day from 9-5, for a family of four, was £59. We’d brought helmets but these can be hired too.
Bikes chosen and adjusted, off we went. Our 11-year-old daughter, who’d done her cycling proficiency at school, quickly got the hang of her mountain bike and zoomed off with her dad. I plodded along in the rear, feeling a bit out of breath on the return leg, though the path doesn’t actually go up and down that much.
It was perfect cycling weather, with sunny intervals, scudding clouds and a breeze that kept us cool, wafted the scent of fresh hay and heather down from the moors, and filled the air with the fluffy seeds of rosebay willowherb. We traversed two viaducts and admired dramatic views of Dartmoor rising up to the side. There are several places to get refreshments en route, including in Lydford, and Granite Way Cycles has a cafe for the beginning and end of a trip.
YHA Okehampton is located in an old railway goods shed opposite Okehampton railway station. In May 2022 the train service from Exeter St David’s was reinstated, and we were able to watch trains coming and going from the window of our room.
Back at home, we’ve bought a second-hand tandem, so our son can enjoy more cycling adventures.
Wheels for All is a charity that promotes inclusive cycling:
https://wheelsforall.org.uk/wheels-for-all
The reopening of Exeter-Okehampton train line:
https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/dartmoor-line-success-250000-taken-7876493
Getting to YHA Okehampton and Granite Way Cycles by bus and train:
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