The best road cycling routes around Exford

Exford offers a wide selection of road cycling routes, with over 65 options available. These routes cater to various skill levels, including 3 easy routes, 35 moderate routes, and 27 difficult routes for more experienced cyclists.

The Exmoor National Park area, including Exford, is beautiful year-round. However, for road cycling, spring and autumn often provide the most pleasant conditions with milder temperatures and stunning scenery, especially when the moorland is in bloom or changing colours. Summer is also popular, but routes can be busier. Winter cycling is possible, but be prepared for colder, potentially wetter weather and shorter daylight hours.

Many routes around Exford boast stunning vistas. For panoramic views, consider routes that pass near Dunkery Beacon Summit, Exmoor's highest point, or Winsford Hill Summit Monument. The region is characterized by open moorland, wooded valleys, and dramatic coastlines, ensuring scenic beauty on most rides.

Yes, Exford and the surrounding Exmoor National Park are well-known for their challenging ascents. Routes like the Porlock Toll Road – Nutscale Reservoir loop from Exford, which covers over 51 km with significant elevation gain, are ideal for experienced riders seeking a demanding ride. The region features climbs such as Porlock Hill and routes through the Brendon Hills, testing endurance and climbing skills.

While Exmoor is known for its hills, there are easier options available. The region features quiet country lanes and well-paved surfaces suitable for less experienced riders. You can find 3 routes specifically rated as easy, offering a gentler introduction to road cycling in the area.

Road cycling around Exford offers a diverse mix of terrain. You'll encounter rolling hills, deep wooded valleys, and expansive open moorland. The routes often feature a combination of quiet country lanes, challenging climbs, and enjoyable descents, with many sections benefiting from well-paved surfaces.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from more than 8 reviews. Reviewers often praise the varied terrain, the stunning natural beauty of Exmoor National Park, and the sense of adventure offered by both the challenging climbs and the peaceful, scenic descents.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Exford are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the Dulverton – Winsford Hill Summit Monument loop from Withypool is a popular circular route showcasing varied terrain and picturesque streams.

Exford itself has welcoming pubs and cafes. Many routes pass through or near charming villages within Exmoor National Park, offering opportunities for refreshment stops. For instance, the Withypool Stone Bridge – Withypool Tea Room loop from Exford includes a tea room, and the Withypool River – The Bridge Tea Rooms, Winsford loop from Withypool also offers a tea room stop.

Absolutely. Beyond the natural beauty, you can incorporate visits to landmarks. The ancient Tarr Steps clapper bridge over the River Barle is a famous Westcountry beauty spot. Routes may also offer views of Selworthy Beacon or pass by historical sites like Great Rowbarrow Cairn.

The routes vary significantly in length and duration. You can find shorter rides, such as the Withypool River – The Bridge Tea Rooms, Winsford loop from Withypool, which is about 22 km and takes around 1 hour 13 minutes. Longer, more challenging routes, like the Porlock Toll Road – Nutscale Reservoir loop from Exford, can be over 50 km and take several hours to complete.

Yes, Exford is an excellent base. Its central location within Exmoor National Park provides easy access to a vast network of quiet country lanes and varied terrain. The village itself offers a charming atmosphere and amenities, making it convenient for cyclists to start and finish their rides.