The best cycling routes around Somerset

Somerset offers a selection of touring cycling routes, with over 15 routes available on komoot. These include 11 easy routes and 6 moderate routes, catering to various skill levels and preferences.

Yes, Somerset has several easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. For instance, the Warren – Warren Town Center loop from Bristol is an easy 7.8-mile path. The region's flat, open wetlands, such as the Somerset Levels and Moors, also provide gentle terrain ideal for leisurely rides.

Somerset's landscape is incredibly diverse. You'll find flat, open wetlands in areas like the Somerset Levels and Avalon Marshes, ideal for gentle cycling. Conversely, the Mendip Hills, Quantock Hills, and Exmoor National Park offer challenging ascents and descents with spectacular views, including the dramatic Cheddar Gorge.

For those seeking longer rides, the Portuguese Discovery Monument – Lands End Mansion loop from Rye Island covers 39.9 miles (64.2 km) with moderate elevation. The region is also home to parts of the National Cycle Network Route 3 and the challenging South Somerset Cycleway, offering extensive touring opportunities.

Many routes pass through or near notable landmarks. You might cycle past the historic town of Warren, or through natural areas like Copicut Woods and Colt State Park. The region is also known for its Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty like the Mendip Hills, which feature Cheddar Gorge, and the Quantock Hills with their extensive views.

The touring cycling routes in Somerset are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 20 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, from the tranquil wetlands to the challenging hills, and the variety of routes suitable for different abilities.

Yes, many touring routes in Somerset are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the India Point Park – Warren loop from Our Lady of Fatima High School, a 24.2-mile route, and the Brickyard Pond – Warren loop from Bristol, which is 14.2 miles long.

Somerset offers several traffic-free or low-traffic options. Disused railway lines, such as sections of the Strawberry Line, have been converted into cycle paths. Additionally, routes through nature reserves and specific areas like Cheddar Reservoir and Steart Marshes provide well-signposted, traffic-free environments.

The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant weather for touring cycling in Somerset, with milder temperatures and longer daylight hours. However, the varied landscapes mean that even in cooler months, you can find enjoyable routes, particularly in the flatter wetland areas.

Absolutely. The Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, such as the Mendip Hills and Quantock Hills, provide excellent opportunities for challenging climbs. Cheddar Gorge, in particular, is renowned among cyclists for its demanding ascent. The Portuguese Discovery Monument – Lands End Mansion loop from Rye Island, for example, features over 430 meters of elevation gain.

Yes, many touring routes in Somerset connect charming towns and villages like Castle Cary and Bruton. These locations, along with others, offer numerous farm shops, cafes, and traditional pubs where cyclists can stop for refreshments and a break.