Blackdown Hills, Wellington, Bampton & the Exe Valley

Take the old A38 out of Exeter and head towards Cullompton. Go through the town and onto Willand. Continue on the old A38 to Waterloo Cross and then turn right starting the long ascent of the Blackdown Hills. Pass relics of an age when this was the main road out of the county ( such as old derelic filling stations and transport cafes). At the top there is then a superb long descent down to Wellington (famous for Duke of !) and to the right is the Wellington Monument.

In the centre of the town take a left at the crossroads towards Milverton and then at give way in Milverton ( about 5 miles) turn left ( signed Wiveliscombe). There is a marvellous climb through that village and then once the top is reached you'll enjoy a fast (but bendy) downhill stretch finally crossing the river at the pub (take care as this corner is sharp and you can be at a fair speed down this hill). A short and rather boring uphill stretch is then followed by a superb gentle decline to Bampton where a good constant speed can be maintained for several miles.

From Bampton follow the signs for Exeter - main road but a lovely ride through the Exe Valley. Alternatively one can turn off in Bampton (straight on where the Exeter road turns right) and follow this road through the back of Knightshayes house, rejoining the Exeter road at Tiverton.