THE dumnonian
dash
about ths trip
A 3-day, small-group adventure motorcycle tour through the south-west counties of the UK to Lands End, Cornwall, for intermediate riders with some off-road experience and a maximum number of bikers at 8.
Running from the Forest of Dean to Land’s End, The Dumnonian Dash traces a hard line through the ancient kingdom of Dumnonia, where distance, terrain, and fatigue combine to shape the experience.
This is not a gentle journey west, but a purposeful push through varied and often demanding conditions. Riders earn their progress mile by mile, arriving at the edge of the land with a strong sense of completion, shared effort, and quiet satisfaction.
The Dumnonian Dash heads west from the edge of the Forest and doesn’t let up. Narrow lanes, remote moorland, rugged coastal sections and long days in the saddle link together a demanding ride across Britain’s far south-west.
One line to the end of the land.
Next available dates:
30th April - 3rd May 2027
2nd - 5th July 2027
Price - £795 including 3 days fully guided riding / 3 nights accommodation (Price based on included hotel costs and shared rooms)
Group size - max 6
Difficulty - medium (A Pathfinder graded trip - click here for more details on our trip grading)
Start/end location - Forest of Dean
Route - A round trip from the Forest of Dean, through the south west to Lands End, Cornwall and back again.
Contact us for bespoke trips to suit you this autumn.
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Friday PM
Arrive Pathfinder HQ in the Forest of Dean - Hoarthorn FarmHouse, Hoarthorn Road, Coleford, GL16 7EY
Bike / Kit check and prep bikes or early start
Hotel check-in and meal out / team intro, route brief, questions and social
Saturday
Approx 7am bike collection from HQ
07:30 Team breakfast
08:30 depart
Short road ride (approx 30/40 mins) to start of route proper
Winding back lanes and off road lanes / trails as we head South from Bristol towards Exeter
Approx 17:30pm arrive first night stop near Exeter
Freshen up and bike / kit checks
Dinner locally, de-brief and regale the day’s events / experience
Sunday (the big one)
Early breakfast - circa 07:00
Depart 08:00 latest
A real mix of riding as we traverse Devon and Cornwall using nothing but B-roads and off road trails and lanes
Lunch stop on route and a scone or ice cream
20:00 arrive Lands End for Pizza and a well earned beer
Group Airbnb when possible
Monday
Late start - approx 09:00 breakfast either at Airbnb or locally
Depart for return leg circa 10:00
A roads and B roads back to Pathfinder HQ with several fuel / lunch / view stops on route
16:00 arrive back Pathfinder HQ
Approx 16:30 / 17:00 - riders depart for home
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29th July - 1st August 2027
Contact us for bespoke trips to suit you this autumn. -
The Dumnonian Dash is a trip to fully immerse yourself in. You don’t control it, you roll with it and embrace the changing landscape mile by mile.
Expect big days and big rewards
Expect some engineered hardship and some unexpected struggle here and there
Cliche? Yes, but this one will change you slightly - its one hell of a journey!
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Rider Kit / Packing List
Our rides often involve long days, changing weather, and remote terrain. Riders should arrive prepared to be comfortable and self-sufficient on the bike.
Our Pathfinder guides will carry some spares for essential trail-side repairs, however, you may be asked to carry some kit on your person / motorcycle. You’ll carry your own clothing and riding gear on the motorcycle, so pack sensibly. If you do not have luggage available, please speak with Pathfinder as we may be able to provide demo kit.
Motorcycle & Riding Gear
Adventure / dual-sport motorcycle in good working order (if using a demo bike, Pathfinder will ensure bike is in safe working order)
Full protective riding gear (helmet, jacket, trousers, gloves, boots)
Waterproof outer layer or laminated riding gear - ideally waterproof trousers too
Spare gloves (recommended)
Neck tube / buff
Ear plugs
Clear visor or glasses for poor light
On-Bike Essentials
These items should be accessible while riding.
Hydration system or water bottle
Small snack or energy bar
Phone with navigation capability or for emergency requirements
Personal medication if required
Driving License
Emergency contact details / next of kin
Luggage
You will carry your own luggage on the bike.
Recommended:
Soft panniers or rackless luggage
Small waterproof duffel to keep vitals dry
Backpack for essentials
Avoid large or overly heavy luggage systems.
Evening / Off-Bike Clothing
Accommodation and one evening meal is provided, but riders should bring:
Casual clothing for evenings
Lightweight shoes or trainers
Underwear and socks
Base layers
Lightweight fleece or jumper
Personal Items
Toiletries
Sunscreen (lol)
Personal medication
Small towel
Reusable water bottle
Useful Extras (some will be provided but additional items are recommended if happy to carry)
Compact tyre repair kit
Mini compressor or pump
Multi-tool
Head torch
Tyre levers
Small socket / bit set
First aid kit
Packing Guidance
Space on the bike is limited and the riding days can be demanding.
Pack light. Bring what you need, NOT what you might need.
What to expect
Big days
Four big days, rough trails, a certain amount of hardship and a bucket load of achievement.
Commitment
From us to you. We’re fully committed to you and your ride.
Connection
People, places, nature. Bikes bring us together and we’re here to celebrate that.
Purpose
The purpose of a shared experience, a moment in time. We’re only here once.
TOUR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need off-road riding experience to join a Pathfinder Moto trip?
Some off-road experience is great. Some Pathfinder trips, like The Channel March, are accessible to riders with limited off-road experience. Others, like The Welsh Dragonal, are designed for riders who want a greater physical and technical challenge. Every trip listing states its difficulty level clearly.
How many riders are on each trip?
Pathfinder Moto runs small-group trips only, 6 riders and up to 2 guides, 8 max. We keep groups small so the guide can stay genuinely invested in every rider's experience.
What kind of motorcycle & Tyres do I need?
Any adventure or dual-sport motorcycle capable of off-road use is suitable. Contact us if you're unsure whether your bike fits a specific route. We recommended at least 50/50 tyres to be fitted.
What's included in the price?
Route planning, expert guiding, shared accommodation, breakfast on specified days, secure parking for your car /van during the trip.
Not included - daytime meals and snack, fuel.
Where do Pathfinder Moto trips take place?
Pathfinder Moto runs guided adventure motorcycle trips across the UK, including routes through the Forest of Dean, Wales, and along the southern English coastline.
We primarily begin trips from our UK base in the Forest of Dean, it’s an excellent centra hub for the UK’s best off-road riding.
Can I book a bespoke or private trip?
Yes. Pathfinder Moto offers fully bespoke trips through our Go Bespoke service, tailored to your group's route, difficulty level and dates. Just email us on info@pathfindermoto.com to find out more or let us know about an idea you have.
Is Pathfinder Moto suitable for solo riders or only groups?
Book as a solo rider or come as a group of friends on any trip. Our small group trips are suitable for all, you’ll almost certainly leave having made more new friends along the way!
What happens if the weather is bad?
Pathfinder Moto trips run in most weather conditions — adventure riding means accepting a degree of rain, mud and changeable conditions as part of the experience. Routes are only postponed or altered in cases of genuine safety risk, such as flooding, ice, or severe storms, at the guide's discretion. If a trip is cancelled by Pathfinder Moto for safety reasons, you'll be offered a rebooking on an alternative date or a full refund. We recommend riders bring appropriate wet-weather kit for every trip. If for any reason a trip is abandoned we will work with you on a suitable resolution at that time depending on the specific circumstances.