The best cycling routes around Somerset

Somerset offers a diverse range of touring cycling routes. You'll find challenging climbs and rewarding descents in areas like the Mendip Hills and Blackdown Hills, as well as gentle, flat paths through the expansive wetlands of the Somerset Levels. Rivers and canals also provide excellent opportunities for leisurely, traffic-free rides.

Yes, Somerset has several excellent options for easy, traffic-free cycling. The Strawberry Line is a popular choice, following a disused railway line between Yatton and Cheddar. The Bridgwater and Taunton Canal Towpath also offers a flat, child-friendly route connecting Bridgwater Docks to Taunton.

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, the Mendip Hills offer significant elevation gains, with routes like the Cheddar Gorge, Burrington Combe & Ebbor Gorge loop. The Blackdown Hills also feature demanding rides, such as the Taunton Flyer Dakota and Spitfire routes, providing substantial climbs and rewarding views.

Yes, many routes in Somerset are designed as circular tours. A notable example is the 80-mile South Somerset Cycleway, which showcases the region's countryside and villages on largely country lanes. Ham Hill Country Park also offers circular routes with varying difficulty levels.

Somerset's routes pass through stunning landscapes. You can cycle through the dramatic limestone gorge of Cheddar Gorge in the Mendip Hills, enjoy extensive views over the Welsh coast from the Quantock Hills, or explore the ancient woodlands and heather moorland of Exmoor National Park. The Strawberry Line passes through cider orchards and wetlands, while the Avalon Marshes offer opportunities for wildlife spotting, including bitterns, on the Bittern Trail.

Absolutely. The Bridgwater and Taunton Canal Towpath provides a flat, pleasant ride parallel to the canal. Additionally, sections of National Cycle Route 33 follow the River Parrett near Bridgwater, and National Cycle Route 4 follows the Kennet and Avon Canal and River Avon, offering attractive waterside cycling experiences.

The touring cycling routes in Somerset are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 750 reviews. Cyclists often praise the region's diverse landscapes, from challenging hills to tranquil wetlands, and the variety of routes suitable for all abilities. The scenic beauty and well-maintained paths are frequently highlighted.

Many routes in Somerset offer glimpses into its rich history. The South Somerset Cycleway passes by historic sites such as Ham Hill Country Park, Barrington Court, and the ancient towns of Somerton and Castle Cary. The Chard to Ilminster Cycle Path (The Stop Line Way) also features historical reminders of World War II.

Somerset offers enjoyable cycling throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with fewer crowds. Summer is ideal for longer days and warmer weather, though some popular areas might be busier. Even in winter, many of the flatter, traffic-free routes, particularly along canals and disused railway lines, can be cycled, offering a peaceful experience.

There are over 120 touring cycling routes available in Somerset on komoot. This includes a wide range of options, with approximately 60 easy routes, 55 moderate routes, and 10 difficult routes, ensuring there's something for every skill level.

Yes, the Somerset Levels and the Avalon Marshes are particularly rich in wildlife. The Bittern Trail, a flat four-mile route through the Avalon Marshes, offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching, including spotting bitterns, amidst reed beds and tranquil waterways.