4.9
(17)
1,033
riders
18
rides
Road cycling routes around Porlock offer diverse and challenging landscapes within Exmoor National Park. The region is characterized by wooded hills, heather-clad moors, and dramatic coastlines, featuring demanding climbs and picturesque, winding roads. Notable features include the steep gradients of Porlock Hill and the quieter, scenic Porlock Toll Road, providing panoramic views of the Exmoor countryside and the Bristol Channel. The area's varied terrain includes coastal roads and inland ascents, catering to different road cycling preferences.
Last updated: May 14, 2026
5.0
(1)
59
riders
47.6km
02:34
910m
910m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
49
riders
14.6km
00:53
380m
380m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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48
riders
12.3km
00:49
380m
380m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.0
(1)
30
riders
48.4km
02:29
800m
800m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
16
riders
29.0km
01:48
600m
600m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Popular around Porlock
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Almost nothing reliable is known about the life of Saint George, to whom this church was dedicated, but veneration of him stretches back to early Christianity. A martyr identified with George is said to have lived in the third century. The legend of Saint George as the dragon slayer, however, is quite well known and widespread; he is often depicted—in paintings or statues—as the conqueror of the monster, often as a knight on horseback. The feast day of the very popular Saint George in the calendar of saints is celebrated on April 23rd in both the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches. Among other things, he is the patron saint of the English kingdom, and some of the orders and decorations awarded there bear his name.
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Tackling Porlock Hill westwards from the village on the A39, prepare for an immediate, brutal ascent. The climb bites hard almost instantly, throwing its infamous 25% ramps at you very early, particularly around the tight hairpins. Experience the intense effort required in your lowest gears, feeling the steepness challenge every pedal stroke. As you winch yourself upwards through the woods, glance back (when safe!) at the rapidly unfolding, stunning views over Porlock Bay. Be aware you'll be sharing this famously steep A-road with other vehicles. After battling the steepest sections, the gradient lessens slightly, but the climb persists relentlessly until you emerge onto the exposed Exmoor moorland at the summit and breathtaking views over the Bristol Channel.
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Absolutely stunning village, beautiful buildings, a lovely woodland trail to west Porlock & the harbour. Oh, and some awesome (and very old) pubs! I went in October & it was still very busy, so I do imagine that it would be quite overwhelming during the summer, too many people (personally, I tend to avoid doing anything during the summer unless it is at a time / location that won't be busy! 😅)
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Almost nothing reliable is known about the life of Saint GEORGE, to whom the church of Dunster was dedicated, but the veneration of him goes back a long way to early Christianity. A martyr who is equated with George is said to have lived in the third century. The legend of Saint George as a dragon slayer is well known and widespread, however, and he is usually depicted - in paintings or as a statue - as the conqueror of the monster, often as a knight on horseback. The memorial day of the very popular George in the calendar of saints is celebrated on April 23rd in both the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches. Among other things, he is the patron saint of the English kingdom, and some of the orders and decorations awarded there also bear his name.
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Using the power of moving water to drive a mill wheel is an ancient invention of the human spirit of discovery, the origins of which can be traced back to times long past. Thanks to such a construction, human or animal muscle power could be easily replaced by the power of the natural elements through a watercourse - natural or artificially created - in order to grind grain into corn or press oil from fruit, for example. There are essentially two different ways of driving watermills: * Either the flowing water simply hits the blades of the water wheel from below to set it in motion; or * the water is guided above the wheel - usually through a so-called "mill channel" - and falls onto the blades; this type of construction is more efficient due to natural gravity.
5
0
A lovely spot for a cream tea, especially on a warm sunny day.
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There are over 18 road cycling routes around Porlock, offering a range of experiences from moderate to difficult. The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars.
Porlock is known for its challenging terrain, particularly the infamous Porlock Hill with gradients up to 25-30%. Many routes feature significant elevation gain, such as the Lynmouth – Glen Lyn Gorge loop from Hawkcombe Head, which includes over 900 meters of ascent over 47.6 km.
While many routes are challenging, there are moderate options available. The View of Porlock Village – Porlock Toll Road loop from Porlock is a moderate 14.6 km path that offers a more hospitable gradient on the Porlock Toll Road, providing scenic views without the extreme steepness of Porlock Hill.
Road cycling routes around Porlock offer panoramic views of the sublime Exmoor countryside, the Bristol Channel, and Porlock Vale. You can also enjoy dramatic coastlines, wooded hills, and heather-clad moors within Exmoor National Park.
Yes, several routes offer views of notable landmarks. You might pass by Selworthy Beacon, which provides superb panoramic views, or cycle near the picturesque Porlock Bay and Marsh. The Porlock Village Centre – Porlock Toll Road loop from Porlock Weir takes you through the charming hamlet of Porlock Weir.
Many of the road cycling routes around Porlock are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the Stowey Plantation – West Wood loop from Porlock and the Porlock Toll Road – All Saints' Church, Selworthy loop from Porlock Weir.
The Exmoor National Park area, including Porlock, is beautiful year-round. However, for road cycling, spring and autumn often offer pleasant temperatures and stunning landscapes, with fewer crowds than peak summer. Always check local weather forecasts as conditions can change rapidly.
While many routes in Porlock feature challenging climbs, some sections of the Porlock Toll Road offer a more manageable gradient. For less experienced families, consider shorter, flatter sections or routes specifically designed for leisure cycling, though dedicated family-friendly road routes are less common due to the area's hilly nature.
Porlock village itself offers a variety of amenities, including cafes, pubs, and accommodation. The picturesque Porlock Weir also has options for refreshments. Many routes start or pass through these areas, providing convenient stops. For more information on local amenities, you can visit Visit Somerset or Visit Exmoor.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 3 reviews. Cyclists often praise the challenging climbs, the rewarding panoramic views, and the diverse landscapes of Exmoor National Park.
Yes, parking is generally available in Porlock village, which serves as a convenient starting point for many road cycling routes. Specific parking details can often be found on local council or Exmoor National Park websites.
The Porlock Toll Road offers a significantly different experience than the main Porlock Hill. While still challenging, it has a more hospitable average gradient of 5.5% over 6.8 km, compared to Porlock Hill's sections reaching 25-30%. The Toll Road is also quieter, narrower, and provides stunning views of the Exmoor countryside and Bristol Channel, making it a preferred option for many cyclists despite a small toll.
Exmoor National Park is rich in wildlife. While cycling, you might spot iconic Exmoor ponies, red deer, and Highland cattle roaming the moors. The diverse habitats also support a variety of birdlife and other smaller mammals.


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