Sparrow Hawk Backpackers

LeJoG? Is that a designer label for runners? No! Its the funky portmanteau word to replace the cumbersome Land’s End to John O’Groats cycle route. In this age of Branjolina, Brexit and brunch, saying the full name of anything is just too much effort! Hence: LeJoG. 

If you’re planning your attack on this 900-odd mile cycling epic, Sparrowhawk Backpackers in Moretonhampstead on Dartmoor is recommended as a second night stop. Obviously that’s if you’re going South to North. If its your second night after starting out from John O’Groats, you’ve made suspiciously rapid progress and we might have to ask for a urine sample!

The hostel’s accommodation is in a beautifully converted stone stable, with solar-heated showers, a fully equipped kitchen and a secure bike shed. 

You are more than likely to be tempted to stay longer though.  Moretonhampsetad village is a charming place to explore. It has cafes and lively pubs serving great food and beer.  After a day cycling over open moorland though wooded valleys, you’re likely to welcome these comforts. But wait, wander round a little bit. There’s the art gallery, an open-air heated swimming pool and small independent shops. 

I can picture you passing through on your LeJoG adventure (I’m warming to the abbreviation now), and making a mental note to come back when you’re more at leisure and spend a bit of time here.

Amid the magical wilderness of Dartmoor

Wild and rocky; windswept and glorious; by turns heart-breaking and inspiring; able to turn from sunny good-cheer to dark melancholy instantly. No, I’m not talking about the latest Foo Fighters album, I’m talking about Dartmoor.

The small, friendly Eco-Hostel, Sparrowhawk Backpackers, is right in the centre of it. A converted stone stable with solar water heating and an open courtyard welcome you. They are well set up for cycling, being right on the CTC/ Cicerone LeJoG and Dartmoor Way cycle routes, and with secure storage. 

Dartmoor is a magical and challenging place, it has attracted walkers, cyclists, artists and writers, climbers and dreamers for centuries. Come along yourself and lose yourself amid the high moors, broken tors, ancient stone circles and wooded rivers. 

Dartmoor is dotted with stone circles and stone rows.

Dartmoor National Park is dotted all over with ancient stone rows and stone circles.  Grab an ordnance survey map and a pair of strong boats and wonder across the wild moorland to find them.  Often close to roads, seemly unnoticed and forgotten, you can find large areas of stone patterns. A stay at Sparrowhawk Backpackers, will  give plenty of time to explore the Dartmoor National Park, and a pleasant room with self catering to come home to.