The best cycling routes around Burrington

There are over 250 touring cycling routes in and around Burrington, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. These routes are set within the distinctive landscapes of the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Yes, Burrington offers 70 easy touring cycling routes. While specific family-friendly routes aren't detailed, many easy routes are generally suitable for less experienced cyclists. For a moderate option with scenic views, consider the Chew Valley Lake – Chew Valley Lake loop from Blagdon, which is 29.3 km long with accessible elevation.

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, Burrington offers 57 difficult routes. Notable challenging options include the Cheddar Market Cross loop from Churchill, a 29.7 km trail with significant elevation gain, and the longer Axbridge Market Square – Cheddar Gorge Cliff Road loop from Aveline's Hole, which is 79.2 km and leads through Cheddar Gorge.

Burrington is renowned for its dramatic natural features. You'll cycle through the Carboniferous Limestone gorge of Burrington Combe, with its exposed rock formations and diverse calcareous grasslands. The routes also offer expansive views of the Mendip Hills and may pass by notable crags like the 'Rock of Ages'.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Burrington are designed as loops. Examples include the Chew Valley Lake – Chew Valley Lake loop from Blagdon and the Cheddar Market Cross loop from Churchill, allowing you to start and finish at the same point.

The terrain around Burrington is varied, reflecting its geological diversity. You can expect a mix of well-paved surfaces, especially in villages and along main roads, as well as unpaved sections for those seeking a more rugged experience. Routes often feature significant climbs and descents due to the hilly landscape of the Mendips.

Beyond natural beauty, the area holds historical interest. Above Burrington Combe, you can find Burrington Camp, an Iron Age univallate hill fort. Additionally, some routes might pass by sites like Rickford Chapel and Pond, offering glimpses into the region's past.

The touring cycling routes in Burrington are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 370 reviews. Cyclists often praise the dramatic limestone gorges, the expansive Mendip Hills, and the varied flora, highlighting the diverse options for different ability levels.

Yes, the region features beautiful water bodies. The Chew Valley Lake – Chew Valley Lake loop from Blagdon offers scenic views around Chew Valley Lake, which is also known for bird watching. You might also encounter smaller ponds like Rickford Chapel and Pond.

For panoramic views, consider routes that take you towards the peaks of the Mendip Hills. The Rowberrow Warren – Beacon Batch summit trig point loop from Shipham will lead you to Beacon Batch summit trig point. Other notable viewpoints in the wider area include Black Down Summit and Wavering Down Trig Point.

Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in Burrington, with milder temperatures and beautiful seasonal foliage. Summer can also be excellent, though routes may be busier. Always check local weather forecasts, as conditions in the Mendip Hills can change.

While many routes are day trips, some options extend significantly. The Axbridge Market Square – Cheddar Gorge Cliff Road loop from Aveline's Hole is a substantial 79.2 km route, often taking over 5 hours, and can be integrated into longer multi-day tours exploring the wider Mendip Hills and Somerset region.