☀️ What a stunning sunny morning for a gravel adventure on my freshly repaired Specialized Turbo Creo SL! With the Pathfinder Pro tyres fitted, I headed out from Exeter for a fun spin at Haldon Forest Park.
I rolled through the pretty village of Kennford and climbed the Old London Road, dodging plenty of learner drivers out practising on this popular training route. Once at Haldon, I wasted no time and dived straight onto the trails — riding two blue routes and the green, which were perfect for the Creo.
The real highlight was exploring the miles of beautiful gravel roads winding through the forest. I shared the park with families out for walks, mountain bikers bombing the trails, and horse riders — but I think I was the only one out there on a gravel bike complete with mudguards and flashing front & rear lights 😂
27 miles of pure fun in glorious sunshine. Haldon never disappoints!
Haldon Forest Park is a fantastic 3,500-acre (around 1,500 hectares) woodland area managed by Forestry England, located just off the A38 near Kennford, about 9–15 minutes’ drive from Exeter, Devon.
It’s one of Devon’s most popular outdoor destinations, offering something for everyone — from relaxed family walks to challenging mountain bike trails — and it’s open 364 days a year (7am–9pm, closed Christmas Day).
Key Features & Trails
• Cycling & Mountain Biking: This is a big draw, with graded trails including:
• Green/Discovery Trail: Family-friendly, all-abilities route with fun features.
• Blue Trails (e.g., Spicers): Moderate, great for gravel bikes like your Creo.
• Red Trail (Ridge Ride): More technical and flowing with descents.
• Skills area, pump track, and plenty of gravel forest roads.
• A mix of designated trails and wider tracks makes it versatile for e-gravel adventures while sharing the space with walkers, families, MTB riders, and horse riders.
• Walking & Other Activities: Miles of paths for all levels, including the Raptor Trail (3 miles with info panels), easy access trails, sensory/play trails, wildlife hides, and orienteering. There’s also Go Ape tree-top adventures, Segway tours, cycle hire, and a café.
• Facilities: Paid parking (helps maintain the site), toilets, café (The Ridge Cafe), bike wash, picnic areas, mobility scooter hire, and good accessibility options. Dogs are welcome (on leads where needed for wildlife).
Nature & History
The park sits within a larger working forest planted since the 1920s for timber. It’s a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) with rich wildlife: birds (including nightjars), butterflies (pearl-bordered fritillary), adders, deer, and more.
It officially opened as a visitor-focused Forest Park in 2006 (celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026) and now attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors a year.
#GravelCycling #TurboCreo #HaldonForest #ExeterCycling #GravelAdventure #UKGravel #PathfinderPro #CyclingVlog #POVCycling #DevonCycling
These are raw, unedited POV videos straight from segments of my real rides around Devon and beyond. No music, no flashy edits — just the authentic sounds of the road, wind in the wheels, my live commentary, and the ride unfolding exactly as it happened.
They’re perfect for indoor training sessions on your turbo, KICKR, or smart trainer — keeping you motivated and immersed as the miles roll by. Or simply kick back, relax, and enjoy the scenery passing in real time.
My thoughts, observations, and the little moments that make every ride special are front and centre. So hop on, join me, and let’s share another proper cycling adventure! 🚴♂️
Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored video.
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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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4 Comments
Thinking a road trip is going to be planned, think I need to check out some of those forest trails, looks really good, and nice that you haven't got to compete with cars. Great video as always.
Quick questioon, On your wahoo you havew a green bar on the right hand side is that a setup thing? I like how that looks.. I have the same v2 roam I metrics it gathers is speed cadence from pedals and heart rate. I see gren on the hills block but thats it. I might have a good look at the setting again. good video.
I see a Specialized Turbo Levo mtn bike in your future. I bought one and it opens mtn biking in a whole new way, and gravel riding.
Harvey are you taking on the Exmoor Beast this year?