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Routes
Road cycling routes
United Kingdom
England
South West England
Somerset
West Somerset District

Porlock

The best road cycling routes around Porlock

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.

Best road cycling routes around Porlock

  • The most popular road cycling route is Lynmouth – Glen Lyn Gorge loop from Hawkcombe Head, a 29.6 miles (47.6 km) trail that takes 2 hours 33 minutes to complete. This route features challenging climbs and panoramic views across Exmoor.
  • Another top favourite among local road cyclists is View of Porlock Village – Porlock Toll Road loop from Porlock, a moderate 9.1 miles (14.6 km) path. This route offers a more hospitable gradient on the Porlock Toll Road with views of Porlock Vale.
  • Local road cyclists also love the Porlock Village Centre – Porlock Toll Road loop from Porlock Weir, a 7.6 miles (12.3 km) trail leading through Porlock Weir and along the scenic Porlock Toll Road, often completed in about 49 minutes.
  • Road cycling around Porlock is defined by challenging climbs, coastal roads, and wooded hills. The network offers options for different ability levels, from moderate rides to difficult ascents.
  • The routes in Porlock are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 3 reviews. More than 300 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Porlock's varied terrain.

Last updated: May 14, 2026

5.0

(1)

59

riders

#1.

Lynmouth – Glen Lyn Gorge loop from Hawkcombe Head

47.6km

02:34

910m

910m

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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Hard

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
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Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
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Tips from the Community

Luker99hy
September 1, 2025, The Big Cheese Café & Delicatessen

Best coffee in 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.

Translated by Google

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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.

2

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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.

Translated by Google

4

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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.

Translated by Google

5

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FARID L
June 4, 2024, Lynmouth

Moderate trail for a good day out exploring this magnificent place

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Stuart
April 12, 2024, Horner Tea Gardens

A lovely spot for a cream tea, especially on a warm sunny day.

1

1

Frequently Asked Questions

How many road cycling routes are available around Porlock?

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.

What are the main challenges for road cyclists in Porlock?

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.

Are there any less strenuous road cycling options in the area?

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.

What kind of scenic views can I expect on road cycling routes near Porlock?

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.

Are there specific natural features or landmarks to look out for while cycling?

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.

Can I find circular road cycling routes around Porlock?

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.

What is the best time of year for road cycling in Porlock?

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.

Are there family-friendly road cycling routes in Porlock?

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.

Where can cyclists find amenities like cafes or pubs along the routes?

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.

What do other cyclists say about road cycling in Porlock?

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.

Is there parking available for cyclists in Porlock?

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.

How does the Porlock Toll Road compare to Porlock Hill for cyclists?

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.

What wildlife might I encounter while cycling in Exmoor National Park?

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.

Most popular routes around Porlock

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