The best gravel rides around East Brent

Komoot features around 13 gravel bike routes in the East Brent area, offering a variety of experiences from easy, flat rides to more challenging ascents through the Mendip Hills.

Yes, East Brent offers several easy gravel bike trails perfect for beginners. A great option is The Strawberry Line – View of the River Brue loop from Sandford, an 8.1-mile (13.1 km) path that provides gentle terrain and scenic views. Another easy route is the Shute Shelve Tunnel – Axbridge Market Square loop from Winscombe, covering 9.1 miles (14.7 km).

Gravel bike routes around East Brent vary in length and duration. You'll find shorter, easier loops like The Strawberry Line – View of the River Brue loop from Sandford at 8.1 miles (13.1 km) taking about 1 hour 12 minutes. Longer, moderate routes, such as Shute Shelve Tunnel – Strawberry Line Tunnel loop from Cheddar, can be up to 22.2 miles (35.7 km) and take around 1 hour 54 minutes.

Many of the gravel bike routes in East Brent are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Shute Shelve Tunnel – Strawberry Line Tunnel loop from Cheddar and the Mendip Hills Scenic Descents – Middle Down Drove Bridleway loop from Cheddar.

The gravel trails around East Brent offer diverse scenery, from the flat plains of the Somerset Levels to the rolling Mendip Hills. You'll often ride through open farmland, charming villages, and along river valleys. Many routes also incorporate sections of former railway lines, like the historic Strawberry Line, providing a unique blend of natural beauty and local heritage.

Many routes offer scenic views, especially those venturing into the Mendip Hills. You might encounter highlights such as Wavering Down Trig Point or Crook Peak. The Strawberry Line itself is a notable feature, and the Axbridge Market Square offers a historical point of interest.

The gravel biking routes in East Brent are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 20 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, the peaceful country lanes, and the well-maintained sections of former railway lines like the Strawberry Line.

Yes, some routes incorporate tunnels, adding an interesting element to your ride. For instance, the Shute Shelve Tunnel – Strawberry Line Tunnel loop from Cheddar features sections of the historic Strawberry Line, which includes tunnels.

East Brent's landscape, particularly the Somerset Levels, can be prone to muddy conditions during prolonged wet weather or in winter. While former railway lines like the Strawberry Line tend to be well-drained, some bridleways and unpaved sections may become soft. It's advisable to check local weather conditions and recent trail reports before heading out, and consider wider tires for better grip.

Absolutely. Many routes offer opportunities to explore local attractions. For example, the Shute Shelve Tunnel – Axbridge Market Square loop from Winscombe takes you past the historic Axbridge Market Square. Other routes might offer views of prominent peaks like Brent Knoll Summit.

Yes, you can find routes that offer views of the River Brue. The The Strawberry Line – View of the River Brue loop from Sandford is an easy path that follows parts of the Strawberry Line and provides scenic views of the river.