The best cycling routes around Taunton

There are 13 touring cycling routes around Taunton listed in this guide, catering to various skill levels. You'll find 9 easy routes, 3 moderate routes, and 1 challenging route, ensuring options for every touring cyclist.

Yes, Taunton offers several easy routes ideal for beginners or families. For example, the Massasoit State Park Adams Trail & 5 Pond Loop Trail is an easy 9.9 km (6.1 miles) path that takes about 52 minutes to complete. Another gentle option is the Middle Pond loop from Massasoit State Park, which is 8.3 km (5.2 miles) long.

Taunton's location in a natural valley means you'll experience diverse landscapes. Routes can take you through the rolling hills of the Quantock and Blackdown Hills, offering stunning vistas. You can also enjoy flatter, scenic paths along the River Tone and the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal, or explore the wooded trails within areas like Massasoit State Park.

Absolutely. For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, the Between the Lakes – Massasoit Sate Park loop from Lakeville is a difficult 94.2 km (58.5 miles) trail with significant elevation gain, typically taking around 6 hours and 40 minutes to complete. The Quantock Hills also offer challenging loops with varied terrain.

Many routes offer access to beautiful natural features. You can cycle past serene bodies of water like Middle Pond, Between the Lakes, and Lake Rico. The routes often traverse Massasoit State Park, known for its wooded trails and ponds. Further afield, the Quantock Hills and Blackdown Hills offer spectacular viewpoints.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Taunton are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For instance, the Lakeville loop from Lakeville is an easy 21.2 km (13.2 miles) circular route. The broader Taunton Cycle Trail also includes a 62 km (39 miles) circular route through Somerset villages.

The spring and autumn months are generally ideal for touring cycling in Taunton. Spring brings blooming landscapes and milder temperatures, while autumn offers beautiful foliage, especially in wooded areas like Massasoit State Park. Summer can be pleasant, but be prepared for warmer weather, and winter cycling might involve colder, wetter conditions, particularly in the hills.

Yes, the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal towpath offers a flat and scenic route for leisurely cycling, connecting the two towns. The River Tone also flows through Taunton, with paths along its banks providing tranquil journeys through green spaces and waterways.

The komoot community appreciates the diverse terrain around Taunton, which caters to all fitness levels. Cyclists often praise the scenic beauty of the Quantock and Blackdown Hills, the peaceful canal towpaths, and the well-maintained trails within areas like Massasoit State Park, offering a mix of challenging climbs and gentle, relaxing rides.

Many routes, particularly those starting or passing through parks like Massasoit State Park, offer designated parking facilities. For routes exploring the wider region, look for parking in nearby villages or trailheads. It's advisable to check specific route details for parking information before you set out.

Yes, the diverse natural environments around Taunton provide excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting. Along the River Tone and its tributaries, you might encounter rare reptiles, amphibians, and various bird species. The wooded areas and ponds within Massasoit State Park are also rich in ecological communities, especially enchanting in autumn with scarlet cranberry bogs.