The best gravel rides around Old Cleeve

The region around Old Cleeve offers a diverse landscape for gravel biking, characterized by rolling hills, scenic coastal stretches, and tranquil wooded valleys. You'll encounter a mix of surfaces, often following existing tracks and bridleways, making it ideal for gravel bikes.

While the guide primarily features moderate to difficult routes, the overall terrain includes varied surfaces suitable for gravel bikes. For a moderate introduction, consider the Wimbleball Dam – Bury Stone Bridge and Ford loop from Bessom Cross, which is 10.1 miles (16.3 km) long and explores the area around Wimbleball Dam.

The gravel bike trails in the area vary in length. For instance, the Minehead Seafront – Selworthy Beacon loop from Minehead is 10.9 miles (17.6 km), while the more challenging Somerton Combe – Bicknoller Post loop from Watchet extends to 26.4 miles (42.4 km).

Yes, many of the gravel bike routes around Old Cleeve are designed as loops. Examples include the Wimbleball Dam – Bury Stone Bridge and Ford loop from Bessom Cross and the Minehead Seafront – Selworthy Beacon loop from Minehead, both offering convenient circular journeys.

The region boasts several notable attractions. You might encounter natural monuments like Bicknoller Post or viewpoints such as Beacon Hill Trig Point. For a unique natural sight, consider visiting St Audries Bay Waterfall or the Kilve Beach Fossil Beds.

The gravel biking routes in Old Cleeve are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Riders often praise the varied terrain, which includes coastal paths, rolling hills, and wooded valleys, providing a diverse and engaging experience.

Yes, Old Cleeve offers several challenging routes. For instance, the Wills Neck Summit – Crowcombe Hill Climb loop from Lydeard St. Lawrence is a difficult 16.4 miles (26.4 km) trail with significant elevation gain. Another demanding option is the Periwinkle Tearoom – Periwinkle Cottage Tea Room loop from Dunster, covering 20 miles (32.2 km).

The varied landscape of Old Cleeve, with its coastal and inland sections, makes it enjoyable across different seasons. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. While winter riding is possible, be prepared for potentially muddier conditions on some bridleways and tracks.

While specific pub or cafe stops are not detailed for every route, the region is dotted with villages and towns where you can find refreshments. For example, the Periwinkle Tearoom – Periwinkle Cottage Tea Room loop from Dunster starts and ends near a tearoom, suggesting opportunities for a break.

The suitability for families depends on the specific route and the family's experience level. While some routes are moderate, they can still involve varied terrain and elevation changes. It's best to review the distance and difficulty of individual routes, such as the Wimbleball Dam – Bury Stone Bridge and Ford loop from Bessom Cross, to determine if it aligns with your family's capabilities.

Old Cleeve offers a good balance of popular and quieter routes. While well-known trails might see more activity, the region's extensive network of tracks and bridleways means you can often find less crowded options, especially on weekdays or by exploring some of the longer, more challenging loops.