The best road cycling routes around West Buckland

There are over 500 road cycling routes available around West Buckland, catering to various skill levels and preferences. These routes explore the diverse landscapes of the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

West Buckland, situated within the Blackdown Hills AONB, offers a varied terrain characterized by rolling hills, ancient woodlands, open fields, and heathy grasslands. You'll find a mix of challenging ascents and scenic, flatter sections, with the River Tone forming part of the northern boundary, adding to the picturesque scenery.

Yes, West Buckland offers numerous easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. For example, the View of the Cornfield – Braziers Coffee Roasters loop from Wellington is an easy 29.7 km ride with modest elevation gain, providing a pleasant experience through varied countryside.

For more demanding rides, the rolling hills of the Blackdown Hills provide plenty of challenges. Routes like the Café May Day Store – Wellington Monument loop from Tetra Tech, a 44.9 km trail with over 500 meters of elevation gain, offer significant climbs and rewarding views.

Absolutely. Many routes offer stunning views and pass by notable natural features. You can cycle towards prominent viewpoints like the Wellington Monument or the Culmstock Beacon Viewpoint, which provide expansive vistas of the surrounding landscape. The Nynehead Hollow is another interesting natural spot.

Yes, the region is rich in history. Some routes may take you near historical landmarks such as the Castle Neroche Iron Age Hill Fort. You might also encounter historic churches like St Peter's Church in Staple Fitzpaine or St Mary's Church and Hemyock Castle, offering glimpses into the area's past.

Many of the road cycling routes around West Buckland are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For instance, the Nynehead Hollow – Volis Hill loop from Wellington is a moderate 42.7 km circular route that showcases the rolling hills of the Blackdown Hills.

Yes, several routes incorporate stops at local cafes or pass through villages where refreshments are available. The Braziers Coffee Roasters – Bradford Bridge loop from Taunton Deane, for example, hints at a coffee stop, and Braziers Coffee Roasters is a known highlight in the area.

The road cycling routes in West Buckland are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 240 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, scenic beauty, and the network of routes suitable for different abilities.

While West Buckland itself is a village, nearby towns like Wellington and Taunton Deane, which serve as starting points for many routes, typically have better public transport connections. It's advisable to check local bus or train schedules to plan your journey to the starting points of your chosen routes.

The spring, summer, and early autumn months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling in West Buckland, with milder weather and longer daylight hours. The vibrant landscapes of the Blackdown Hills are particularly beautiful during these seasons.

The River Tone forms part of West Buckland's northern boundary, and some routes will take you through or near its surrounding areas. This provides opportunities for scenic rides and potential wildlife spotting, such as Little Egrets and bats, along the riverbanks.