The best traffic-free bike rides around South Somerset

South Somerset offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes designed to minimize traffic. You'll find over 300 routes, with 62 considered easy, 207 moderate, and 52 difficult, ensuring options for all skill levels.

Yes, South Somerset has several easy routes perfect for families and beginners. A great option is the Chard Reservoir Nature Reserve – Donyatt Halt loop from Chard, which is mostly paved and offers a relaxed ride. Another accessible choice is the Donyatt Halt – Stone Railway Bridge loop from Ilminster.

The no-traffic touring routes in South Somerset offer diverse terrain. You'll find tranquil country lanes, especially in the Somerset Levels, ideal for relaxed cycling. Other routes, particularly those venturing into the Blackdown Hills AONB, feature rolling hills and more challenging climbs, providing extensive views. Many routes also incorporate unique sunken lanes, offering a distinctive, tree-lined cycling experience.

Yes, the region is well-known for its circular routes. The most prominent is the South Somerset Cycleway, an 80-mile circular route that showcases the finest countryside and rural villages. It's fully waymarked and can be ridden in sections, making it suitable for day trips or longer tours. Other loops like the Over the Blackdown Hills loop from Chard also provide excellent circular options.

South Somerset's routes often pass by rich historical sites. You can explore the Iron Age hill fort at Ham Hill Country Park, offering panoramic views. The South Somerset Cycleway passes near towns like Sherborne with its abbey and castles, and Barrington Court. You might also encounter sites like Castle Neroche Iron Age Hill Fort or Barrington Court.

Absolutely. Many routes offer opportunities for wildlife spotting and enjoying natural beauty. The Chard Reservoir Nature Reserve – Donyatt Halt loop, for example, passes by Chard Reservoir, a significant birdwatching site. You'll also encounter lush green fields, meandering rivers, and the tranquil landscapes of the Somerset Levels, which are rich in local flora and fauna.

South Somerset is enjoyable for touring cycling throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with fewer crowds than peak summer. Summer provides longer daylight hours, while winter can be challenging due to weather, though some routes remain accessible. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

For breathtaking views, consider routes that traverse the higher ground. The Over the Blackdown Hills loop from Chard offers extensive vistas across the Blackdown Hills AONB. Similarly, the climb to Ham Hill Country Park is well worth the effort for its commanding panoramic views across the South Somerset Moors, Exmoor, and the Mendip Hills.

The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience in South Somerset, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's diverse terrain, the tranquility of the country lanes, and the abundance of historical sites and natural beauty along the routes. The well-maintained and waymarked paths, especially the South Somerset Cycleway, are frequently highlighted for their enjoyable, low-traffic experience.

The more difficult routes, such as those in the Blackdown Hills AONB, feature significant elevation gains and descents. For example, the Over the Blackdown Hills loop from Chard includes over 1000 meters of climbing. These routes require a good level of fitness and appropriate gearing. While efforts are made to keep traffic low, some sections may involve quiet country roads shared with local vehicles.

The South Somerset Cycleway is a key feature of the region's cycling network. For additional details about this specific 80-mile circular route, including its sections and points of interest, you can consult the official Somerset Council website: somerset.gov.uk.