The best gravel rides around Shere

There are over 80 gravel bike routes available around Shere, offering a wide variety of distances and difficulty levels. You'll find options ranging from easy canal paths to challenging climbs through the Surrey Hills.

Gravel biking around Shere offers diverse terrain, characteristic of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). You can expect rolling hills, dense woodlands, and sections of the Greensand Ridge. Routes often feature a mix of ascents, descents, and flatter sections, with surfaces varying from compacted gravel to muddy lanes, especially through forests.

Yes, Shere offers several easier gravel routes. For a more relaxed ride, consider the Wey & Arun Canal at Downs Link – Bramley and Wonersh Station loop from Cranleigh. This 13.2-mile (21.3 km) trail leads through canal paths and rural landscapes, providing a gentler experience suitable for those new to gravel biking or looking for a less strenuous outing.

Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a challenge, Shere provides several difficult routes with significant elevation changes. Two popular options include the Diana Fountain, Bushy Park – Coxes Mill Pond loop from Horsley, a 37.8-mile (60.9 km) trail, and the Peaslake Village – Featherlake Village Stores loop from Gomshall, which covers 39.3 miles (63.2 km) with extensive climbs and descents.

Yes, the majority of gravel bike routes around Shere are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. This includes popular options like the Gravel Path Through Westcott – Westcott Village Green loop from Gomshall, which is a moderate 19.6-mile (31.5 km) ride.

Many gravel routes in the Shere area pass by stunning viewpoints and natural landmarks. You can incorporate stops at places like the Holmbury Hill Viewpoint or the iconic Leith Hill Tower and Viewpoint, which offers expansive views as the highest point in southeast England. The View from Newlands Corner is another popular scenic spot.

The entire Surrey Hills AONB is renowned for its natural beauty. For particularly scenic rides, consider routes that traverse the Greensand Ridge or those that offer views from prominent hills like Leith Hill and Holmbury Hill. The wooded valleys and riverside paths along the River Tillingbourne also provide picturesque and shaded sections.

The gravel biking experience in Shere is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 70 reviews. Riders frequently praise the varied terrain, the stunning scenery of the Surrey Hills, and the extensive network of trails that cater to different abilities. Many appreciate the mix of challenging climbs and enjoyable descents through beautiful woodlands and open countryside.

Yes, several routes pass through or near charming villages where you can find refreshments. For instance, the Peaslake Village – Featherlake Village Stores loop from Gomshall passes through Peaslake Village, which is known for its cycling-friendly atmosphere and has a popular cafe (Peaslake Village) where you can refuel.

Shere offers gravel biking opportunities throughout the year, but conditions vary seasonally. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer is generally good, though trails can be dusty. In winter, some trails, particularly those through wooded valleys, can become muddy and slippery, requiring appropriate tires and caution. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

While Shere itself is more about natural gravel trails, the wider area around Shere in the Surrey Hills is known for its mountain biking scene, which often overlaps with gravel-friendly paths. You can find dedicated trails like Barry Knows Best Trail, Telegraph Road Singletrack, and Yoghurt Pots Trail, which are popular with mountain bikers and can sometimes be incorporated into more adventurous gravel rides.