The best gravel rides around Crowcombe Park

There are nearly a dozen gravel bike trails around Crowcombe Park, offering a range of experiences within the Quantock Hills National Landscape. These routes vary in length and difficulty, providing options for different skill levels.

The terrain around Crowcombe Park is quite varied, ideal for gravel biking. You'll encounter a mix of natural, unpaved, and gravel paths, alongside some asphalt and paved sections. Historic tracks like the Drove Road feature packed earth and rocky sections, which can be uneven. Be prepared for challenging inclines, particularly around Crowcombe Hill, and enjoy the diverse surfaces through wooded areas and open meadows.

While many routes in the area are considered difficult due to elevation gain and varied terrain, there are some moderate options. For example, the Foxy Bean Café – Parsons Lane loop from Spaxton is a moderate 11.6-mile (18.7 km) route that offers a good introduction to the region's gravel biking without the most extreme challenges.

Experienced gravel bikers will find plenty of challenging routes. The Somerton Combe – Bicknoller Post loop from Over Stowey is a difficult 26.0-mile (41.9 km) trail with over 1000 meters of elevation gain. Another demanding option is the Wills Neck Summit – Foxy Bean Café loop from Nether Stowey, which is over 31 miles (51 km) long and includes significant climbs.

Yes, many of the gravel bike routes in the area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Bicknoller Post – Somerton Combe loop from West Bagborough and the Bagborough Plantation – Adscombe Enduro Trail loop from West Bagborough, both offering diverse scenery on a circular path.

The Quantock Hills offer stunning natural beauty. You'll ride through charming blends of wooded paths and open meadows, with modest peaks like Hurley Beacon and Great Hill providing excellent vantage points. Wills Neck, the highest point, offers extensive views stretching to Exmoor, Dartmoor, and even the Brecon Beacons on a clear day. The landscape is also characterized by steep-sided, wooded 'combes' like Rams Combe and Quantock Combe, with streams like the Doniford Stream meandering through them.

Beyond the natural beauty, the area boasts several historical and cultural attractions. You can explore the ancient medieval track of The Drove Road, marked by ancient beech trees and archaeological features. Crowcombe Court, with its 18th-century landscape garden, is also nearby. Quaint villages like Holford, with their thatched cottages, are dotted throughout the Quantock Hills and make for picturesque stops.

While many routes feature significant elevation and challenging terrain, some sections and bridleways might be suitable for families with older, more experienced children. It's recommended to check the specific route details for distance, elevation, and surface type to ensure it matches your family's ability. The area's mix of forests and meadows can be very enjoyable for a family outing.

The Quantock Hills National Landscape is generally dog-friendly, with many public rights of way accessible to dogs. However, it's crucial to keep dogs under close control, especially near livestock or ground-nesting birds. Always follow the Countryside Code, which advises keeping dogs on a lead around farm animals and during nesting seasons. Specific trails may have additional signage regarding dog access.

Parking is available at various points around Crowcombe Park and within the Quantock Hills. Common starting points for routes, such as the Crowcombe Park Gate car park, offer convenient access. Other villages and trailheads in the vicinity may also have designated parking areas. It's advisable to check specific route descriptions for recommended parking locations.

The Quantock Hills are beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn often offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking. In spring, the woodlands are vibrant with new growth, and in autumn, the foliage provides stunning colors. Summer can be warm, and winter rides are possible but may involve muddy or wet conditions on unpaved tracks. Always check the weather forecast before heading out.

Yes, you'll find charming villages like Holford dotted throughout the Quantock Hills, which often host traditional pubs and cafes where you can stop for refreshments. Some routes, such as those mentioning the 'Foxy Bean Café', specifically highlight places to refuel. It's a good idea to plan your route to include these stops for a break.