DARTMOOR will officially be the 'high point' of this year's Tour of Britain.

The summit of the Skoda King of the Mountains climb at Merrivale is 454 metres – the highest of any climb on this year's eight-day race.

Together with another category one climb at Coffin Stone near Dartmeet just moments later, Dartmoor National Park is set to provide another severe challenge for the professional cyclists during the Devon Stage of The Tour on Saturday, September 15.

Devon County Council is hosting stage seven of this year's Tour. It will be a third successive year that will feature Dartmoor National Park and is expected to attract some of the biggest crowds of this year's race.

The riders, including Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins and Road Race World Champion Mark Cavendish, will spend almost two hours of the race in Dartmoor National Park as the route takes in communities on the edge of the moor as well as some of those in the heart of the National Park, including Okehampton, Lydford, Tavistock, Princetown, Poundsgate and Ashburton.

Hugh Roberts, Tour chief executive, said: 'Dartmoor offers everything — stunning scenery and tough racing. It has provided some of the most exciting Skoda King of the Mountains climbs. With Merrivale being this year's highest category one climb, we're expecting big things again.'

Cllr Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: 'Following such a successful Olympic Games and Tour de France, I'm sure thousands of people will want to turn out to see Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish and cheer them on.'

Bill Hitchins, chairman, Dartmoor National Park Authority, said: 'It is certain that the King of the Mountains climbs at Merrivale and Coffin Stone on Dartmoor will attract many spectators.

'This year the race passes through the centre of Princetown and the Authority has organised a whole day of cycling orientated events and activities in partnership with local businesses and organisations.'

The day starts with Dartmoor National Park Authority's popular Freewheeler bike bus service from Ashburton (08:30), Yelverton (10am) and Tavistock (11am) taking bikes and their owners up to Princetown.

Those arriving early to get the best vantage points will be able to enjoy watching the Active Dartmoor King of the Mountains team ride that takes place on the Merrivale to Princetown section of the Tour from 9.30am.

Princetown will have plenty to entertain all the family with a climbing wall provided by Dart Rock, crazy bikes and tight-rope walking. 

Admission to Dartmoor National Park Authority's High Moorland Visitor Centre will be free and a special film starring Tour competitor and 2011 King of the Mountains Jon Tiernan-Locke as well as Great Britain mountain bike team member Andrei Burton, will be screened.

Centre staff will be on hand to provide advice on how to enjoy Dartmoor with your bike.

Children can visit the Ranger Ralph stand, make something crafty and pick up free 'Spokey Dokeys' for their bike.

There will be special discounts on food and drink from Foxtor and Lords cafés, the opportunity to take a guided mountain bike tour (with bike hire available at Foxtor café) and a free bus service from Princetown to the Merrivale King of the Mountains section.