The best road cycling routes around Brendon And Countisbury

Much better under the new owners.

The beach here is closed to dogs from 1 May to 30 Sept

In season, open between Tuesday and Saturday, 11 til last orders at 3.30. Great for cream teas.

Lynmouth Hill from Lynmouth is a brutally steep Exmoor ascent, averaging 13% with savage ramps up to 25%. The narrow, twisting road climbs sharply through thick woodland, with smooth tarmac but little let-up in gradient. Start in your easiest gear and stay seated to maintain traction—there’s no warm-up, and the climb hits hard from the first pedal stroke. Watch for sharp bends and limited visibility if traffic is around. It’s a short, intense effort that will leave your legs burning and your heart pounding. Launching straight out of Lynmouth harbour eastwards on the A39, prepare for an immediate and ferocious battle with gravity up Lynmouth Hill. There's no gentle introduction; the road kicks skywards instantly and relentlessly, averaging a punishing 12-13% for the entire ascent. Experience the sustained, intense effort required right from the first pedal stroke, engaging your lowest gears as you fight your way up through the wooded lower slopes. You'll wrestle the bike around tight hairpin bends where the gradient peaks at a formidable 25%, especially on the inside lines. Feel the village shrink rapidly below as, you glimpse the stunning coastal views opening up over the bay. Be mindful of other traffic likely sharing your struggle on this notoriously steep Exmoor A-road. The intense effort only truly relents as you finally reach the slightly gentler ground near Countisbury at the top.

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.

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! 😅)

Porlock Wier is a small, charming, and ancient port within Exmoor National Park. It is very picturesque and surrounded by typical West Somerset coastal hills, which makes it a great place to use as a base for some hiking and biking. As well as activities, it is a thriving little harbour with beautiful scenery, a place to relax and spend some time at.

Good food and amazing service. Happy to fill water bottles.