The best traffic-free bike rides around Cheddar Reservoir

There are over 60 dedicated touring cycling routes around Cheddar Reservoir, with 28 classified as easy and 34 as moderate, ensuring options for various skill levels. These routes focus on providing a car-free cycling experience.

Yes, the area is excellent for families and beginners. The immediate perimeter of Cheddar Reservoir offers a flat, traffic-free path of approximately 3.6 kilometers (2.25 miles). A great option is the Cheddar Reservoir loop from Axbridge, which is classified as easy and covers about 4.9 kilometers.

Spring, summer, and early autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for traffic-free cycling around Cheddar Reservoir. The paths are less likely to be muddy, and the weather is ideal for enjoying the scenic views. While cycling is possible in winter, some paths might be affected by ice or mud, so checking local conditions is advisable.

Absolutely. Cheddar Reservoir is a gateway to longer traffic-free adventures, notably connecting to the Strawberry Line. This former railway line has been converted into a popular cycling path, offering extended car-free exploration. An example is the Strawberry Line Tunnel – The Strawberry Line loop from Axbridge, a moderate route spanning over 30 kilometers.

Parking is available in the vicinity of Cheddar Reservoir and the nearby towns of Cheddar and Axbridge. Specific parking areas are often signposted for visitors accessing the reservoir and its surrounding paths, making it convenient to start your traffic-free cycling tour.

The routes offer picturesque landscapes, with scenic views across the local countryside, towards the Mendip Hills, and Crook Peak. The reservoir itself is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), known for its birdlife. You'll also see the large earth banks surrounding the reservoir, often grazed by sheep, adding to the rural charm.

While the main reservoir path can be popular, exploring the connected sections of the Strawberry Line or routes slightly further afield can offer a quieter experience. For instance, the Axbridge Market Square – Shute Shelve Tunnel loop from Axbridge provides a pleasant, easy ride away from the immediate reservoir crowds.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.41 stars from over 130 ratings. Reviewers often praise the excellent traffic-free paths, the beautiful reservoir views, and the accessibility for all skill levels, especially the family-friendly nature of the routes.

Yes, the most prominent circular traffic-free route is the path directly around Cheddar Reservoir, which is approximately 3.6 kilometers (2.25 miles) long. This flat loop is ideal for a relaxed ride and is entirely free of vehicle traffic.

Beyond the cycling routes, the area boasts several attractions. The dramatic Cheddar Gorge, often called "England's Grand Canyon," is nearby. The historic town of Axbridge, with its old buildings and market square, offers a charming stop for a coffee break or a stroll. While not directly on traffic-free routes, these are easily accessible from the area.

Yes, the area around Cheddar Reservoir offers cycle hire facilities, making it convenient for visitors who do not have their own bikes to enjoy the traffic-free paths and explore the region.

For a longer, moderate challenge, consider the Birnbeck Pier – Axbridge Market Square loop from Cheddar. This route extends over 53 kilometers and offers a varied touring experience, incorporating traffic-free sections where possible while connecting notable points of interest.