The best traffic-free bike rides around Taunton Deane

Komoot offers over 20 no-traffic gravel bike trails in the Taunton Deane area. These routes range from easy, family-friendly rides to more challenging adventures through diverse landscapes.

Taunton Deane offers a varied terrain for gravel biking. You'll find everything from the rolling hills and forests of the Quantock Hills National Landscape, which can include technical sections with roots and rocks, to the more paved surfaces around the Staple Hill Trail. For a gentler ride, sections of the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal towpath provide a relatively flat, traffic-free experience, though some parts can be uneven.

Yes, there are several easier options. While the guide focuses on no-traffic routes, the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal towpath offers a relatively flat and accessible ride, suitable for those looking for a less strenuous experience. It's important to note that some sections of the towpath can be narrow or uneven. For more structured routes, check out the Forest Dirt Path – Staple Hill Trail loop from Staple Hill Car Park, which is rated moderate but offers a good introduction to the area's gravel paths.

Many routes offer stunning natural beauty. The Quantock Hills National Landscape loop from Taunton provides breathtaking views, especially from Wills Neck Summit, where you can see as far as Dartmoor and Exmoor on a clear day. The Bridgwater and Taunton Canal also passes through Sites of Special Scientific Interest, offering opportunities to observe diverse plant and animal life.

Yes, many of the gravel routes in Taunton Deane are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the challenging Quantock Hills National Landscape loop from Taunton and the moderate Staple Hill Trail – Forest Dirt Path loop from Thurlbear Wood.

For families, the flatter sections of the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal towpath can be a good option, offering a traffic-free environment. While some sections might be uneven, it provides a gentle introduction to cycling in nature. For routes with more defined paths, look for those rated as 'easy' or 'moderate' on komoot, keeping in mind that 'moderate' can still involve some climbing.

Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking in Taunton Deane, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can also be great, but be prepared for potentially warmer weather. Winter rides are possible, but some trails, especially those with varied surfaces like ancient lanes in the Quantocks, can become muddy and challenging, requiring appropriate gear and caution.

Yes, the Taunton Deane area offers several points of interest. While on a ride, you might pass near attractions like the Wellington Monument or the historic Castle Neroche Iron Age Hill Fort. For refreshments, Taunton itself has various cafes and pubs. Some routes might also pass through villages with local establishments, though it's always wise to check opening times beforehand.

The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience in Taunton Deane, with an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the traffic-free routes, the diverse and challenging terrain of the Quantock Hills, and the stunning panoramic views from elevated points like Wills Neck. The sense of immersion in nature and the variety of landscapes are frequently highlighted.

Absolutely. Experienced gravel bikers will find plenty of challenging routes. The Quantock Hills National Landscape loop from Taunton is a demanding 62 km ride with over 1200 meters of elevation gain. Another tough option is the Holford Combe – Somerton Combe loop from Taunton, which also features significant climbing and requires very good fitness.