On a crisp, chilly morning, I departed from Exeter aboard my Specialized Tarmac S-Works, pedaling along a scenic stretch of the River Exe cycle trail toward Exminster. The roads glistened with moisture, and the rural lanes were slick with mud and dotted by expansive puddles. I cruised through the picturesque village of Kenn, taking in the charm of its quaint cottages, before climbing toward Haldon. From there, I tentatively ventured onto a bustling 70 mph dual carriageway—a nerve-wracking choice at first, but I quickly settled in and savored the thrilling, speedy descent into Chudleigh. Pushing onward, I tackled a series of rolling hills en route to the seaside town of Dawlish, then looped back home, invigorated by the adventure.
The A38 is a major trunk road in the UK, stretching from Bodmin in Cornwall to M25 in Greater London. In Devon, the section between Plymouth and Exeter is officially known as the Devon Expressway. This 42-mile (68 km) dual carriageway serves as the primary route linking Plymouth to the rest of the UK’s motorway network, functioning as a southward extension of the M5 motorway. It forms the southern boundary of Dartmoor National Park and was largely completed in the early 1970s, with the full Plymouth-to-Exeter stretch opening by 1977.
The Devon Expressway is predominantly a two-lane dual carriageway, with several grade-separated junctions for local access. It includes bypasses around towns like Ivybridge (opened 1973) and South Brent (1974), and features like the Tamar Bridge crossing into Cornwall. The road is managed by National Highways and handles significant traffic volumes, connecting to the M5 at junction 31 near Kennford, south of Exeter.
Focus on Haldon Hill
Haldon Hill is a prominent and challenging section of the Devon Expressway, located about 8 miles (13 km) southwest of Exeter. This stretch marks a key transition point where the A38 climbs from the coastal plains into the higher moorland terrain of Haldon Forest.
My observations are the subject of this ride. So come along and enjoy another great cycling adventure.
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Products I use:
E Bike: Specialized Turbo Creo SL Comp Carbon
Vlogging Camera DJI Action 5 Pro, DJI Mini Mic
Tyres: Specialized Pathfinder Pro 38c / Specialized Roubaix Pro 30/32c
Mudguards: SKS Bluemels
Pedals: Speedplay and Cleats
GPS: Wahoo Roam V2
Mount: Specialized Stem Accessory
Rear Camera, Radar and Tail Light: Garmin Varia RCT715
Front Camera and Light: Cycliq FLY12 Sport
Saddle Bag: Silca Mattone Pack
Top Tube Bag: Tailfin 0.8ltr Pack
Water Bottle: Fidlock System
Bell: Knog Oi
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15 Comments
Having grown up in Plymouth, I love to see your rides around Devon, but have to say the A38 ride did seem risky, but your call to make – stay safe mate!
nice video again. I take jelly beans ! it is lovely to see lanes, trains, water and churches on your travels.
Absolutely brilliant video, thanks for sharing your tips about using jelly’s for fuelling on your ride.
Thanks for sharing this lovely ride. Some of the route looked familiar from when I did the Moor to Sea Sportive earlier this year. I keep away from scary fast roads these days, handy for getting from a to b quickly. Your poor SWorks getting wet and dirty, time for the Creo with mudguards. I still take a banana with me along with some SIS tablet / water hydration in hot weather. Sometimes have a Clif Blok chew, probably similar to your jelly sweets (good idea and probaly cheaper the Blok) thanks for the tip.
Despite our differences, on a global level, we as humans all agree – meteorologists are absolutely useless. lol.
Great video again,one of my favourite places to ride to is Teignmouth golf course with its fantastic views, and it is fun getting back to Kingsteignton because it is all downhill
Scary that A38 part.
No way I would ride that road it might be your first and last time. There used to be a rider on time trial bike training and I used to see him just your side of Plymouth when I was driving when you are doing 70 it is can be dangerous if you are in a lot of traffic. Nice video Thanks
All these roads are very familiar to me especially the Exe trail my commute into Exeter from Teignmouth. The sketchy bit on the A38 had me closing my eyes though. Love the videos
I was Plymouth based originally (currently Bristol) and I did ride Haldon Hill a few time on some longer rides. I have ridden it in both directions and hit over 60mph on the Exeter side. This was many years back when the traffic was less, tend to avoid A roads these days if can
You very rarely see Cockwood Harbour full with water. And I take egg sandwiches and a flask of coffee to keep me going.
They never build those cycle tracks wide enough to cater for all the Muppets, do they.
Another enjoyable ride, and a nice history lesson from the lady. I don't actually mind getting wet, it's the cleaning the bike after that I don't care for much 😮
I'll only use A roads if I have to, and I never really feel comfortable on them
I also use jelly babies for a ride, but honey sandwiches work too. I make sure I get off the bike and eat them though, as honey stuck on your gloves, glasses and handlebars doesn't go well 😅😂 Stay safe pal…
Ice ride Harvey surprised you haven’t put the s works to bed for the winter lol creo weather mate .stay safe 🚴👍
What Brand of Head / Body Can are you using.