Musicians Judy and Robin of Barnbuskers Ceilidh Barn Dance Band love tradition, the countryside and cycling. We had some band matters to see to in Moretonhampstead which is within the Dartmoor National Park, Devon. So took the opportunity afterwards to cycle the Wray Valley Trail down to Bovey Tracey which is just on the edge of the National Park. It was wonderful!
Mainly off road, the trail mixed compacted natural surface and asphalt. It was a lovely ride through some of the best countryside the Dartmoor area has to offer. The photo below features Barnbuskers band leader Judy at the beginning of our cycle ride down the Wray Valley Trail.
We parked in one of Moretonhampstead’s car parks to offload our bikes.
After a lovely cycle ride through beautiful woodland paths and some quiet roads we stopped at the riverside cafe called Rodney’s inside the historic Riverside Mill in Bovey Tracey. Situated inside the MAKE Southwest building, this charming craft-and-art-focused venue had a lovely welcoming atmosphere and was full of local artistic works.
We had our scrumptious green tea and carrot cake on the outside terrace that looks over the town.
Then it was back up the Wray Valley Trail to Moretonhampstead a distance of about 7 miles making it a delightful 14 mile round trip.
Usually, when we visit any area inside Devon or Somerset we like to check out local village halls to see if they would be a great place for a local ceilidh or barn dance but, on this occasion, fatigued (but happy) we headed back home after a very enjoyable day out.
Barnbuskers Ceilidh Barn Dance Band provides traditional country dance folk music and a caller for lots of birthday parties in Somerset and Devon throughout the year as well as other special events and celebrations such as weddings or anniversaries. Our musician line up for a fun ceilidh or barn dance can vary from four musicians with caller for very large events, a Barnbuskers trio of three musicians with caller or a low cost duo with caller for smaller budget events. We can even supply a caller with Barnbuskers recorded music, great for small gatherings of friends. It all depends on your needs.
For more information and our availability from Judy, our band leader (photo below on left), simply follow the link to our Barnbuskers ceilidh and barn dance band contact page.
We’re also on social media. As well as Barnbuskers blog, we can be found on Facebook, Threads, Instagram, X or Bluesky. There is also a mailing list. Our band leader and organiser, Judy, is also available for information via this WhatsApp button.
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