The best road cycling routes around Membury

There are over 190 road cycling routes available around Membury, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a wide selection, from easy coastal loops to more challenging routes with significant elevation gain.

Road cycling around Membury is unique due to its location within the picturesque Blackdown Hills and East Devon Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The region offers a network of quiet country lanes, varied terrain with rolling hills, dense woodlands, and scenic descents, providing a tranquil and immersive experience in the English countryside.

The road cycling routes in Membury are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from nearly 50 reviews. Cyclists often praise the quiet country lanes, diverse AONB landscapes, and the variety of routes available for different ability levels.

Yes, Membury offers a selection of easy road cycling routes. For instance, The Filling Station Café – Seaton Beach and Cliffs loop from Axminster is an easy 18.9-mile (30.4 km) path that provides coastal scenery and includes a potential café stop, perfect for those new to road cycling or looking for a relaxed ride.

For those seeking a challenge, the Membury area, particularly within the Blackdown Hills, features routes with significant elevation gain and challenging climbs. The Wooded Climb – Marshwood Vale loop from Axminster is a 30.1-mile (48.4 km) trail known for its wooded areas and notable climbs, offering a good test for experienced cyclists.

Yes, you can find longer road cycling routes from Membury. The Seaton Beach and Cliffs – Sidmouth Esplanade loop from Axminster is a moderate 45.7-mile (73.5 km) route that takes you along the coast. Additionally, sections of the 185km East Devon Trail, while primarily for bikepacking, utilize quiet country lanes and can be incorporated into longer road rides.

Most of the road cycling routes around Membury are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. This includes popular options like the Seaton Beach and Cliffs – Seaton Seafront and Beach loop from Axminster, which offers coastal views.

While many routes involve quiet country lanes, some are more suitable for families. Look for routes designated as 'easy' in the guide, which typically have less elevation and traffic. The East Devon AONB also offers a range of experiences from leisurely paths, which can be adapted for family rides.

Absolutely. Membury's proximity to the Jurassic Coast means many routes offer stunning coastal views. The Seaton Beach and Cliffs – Seaton Seafront and Beach loop from Axminster is a prime example, providing beautiful coastal scenery along the seafront. Another option is the Town Mill Bakery – Lyme Regis Seafront loop from Axminster, which takes you to the charming coastal town of Lyme Regis.

The Membury area is rich in natural and historical landmarks. Along your rides, you might encounter sites like Coney's Castle Hillfort and Bluebell Woods, or the serene Otterhead Lakes. Further afield, but accessible by bike, are attractions such as Forde Abbey and Gardens, a stunning Grade I-listed building with spectacular grounds.

Yes, the region's diverse landscape, including the Blackdown Hills and East Devon AONBs, offers numerous scenic viewpoints. Many routes provide panoramic vistas, such as the View of the Blackdown Hills, where you can appreciate the rolling hills and dense woodlands characteristic of the area.

Yes, several routes are designed with potential refreshment stops in mind. For example, The Filling Station Café – Seaton Beach and Cliffs loop from Axminster explicitly mentions a café stop. The villages and towns within the Blackdown Hills and East Devon AONBs often have local cafes and pubs where cyclists can refuel.