The best gravel rides in Quantock Hills Aonb

The Quantock Hills offer a diverse mix of terrain, perfect for gravel biking. You'll encounter heathland, ancient oak woodlands, deep wooded valleys known as "combes," open moorland, and agricultural land. Routes often feature packed earth and rocky sections, such as those found on Somerton Combe – Bicknoller Post loop from Over Stowey, providing a varied and engaging ride.

Yes, while many routes are challenging, there are options for various skill levels. Out of 26 gravel bike routes, 3 are classified as easy and 10 as moderate. For example, the Foxy Bean Café – Parsons Lane loop from Spaxton is a moderate route that offers a good experience without being overly demanding.

The Quantock Hills are rich with scenic points. You can ride past Bicknoller Post, explore the unique landscape of Holford Combe, or experience the historic The Drove Trail. For panoramic views, routes like the Wills Neck Summit – Foxy Bean Café loop from Nether Stowey will take you past Wills Neck, the highest point, offering spectacular vistas across Somerset and beyond.

Many of the gravel bike routes in the Quantock Hills are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Bicknoller Post – Somerton Combe loop from West Bagborough and the Bagborough Plantation – Adscombe Enduro Trail loop from West Bagborough, providing convenient circular journeys.

The Quantock Hills AONB is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 70 gravel bikers. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, from heath-covered ridges to deep wooded valleys, and the rewarding views from high points like Wills Neck.

The Quantock Hills offer great gravel biking year-round, but each season has its charm. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, with less foliage obscuring views. Summer is ideal for longer days, while winter can offer crisp, clear rides, though some trails might be muddier. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

Absolutely. The Quantock Hills are known for their challenging terrain, with 13 of the 26 gravel routes classified as difficult. Routes like the Somerton Combe – Bicknoller Post loop from Over Stowey, with over 1000 meters of elevation gain, offer significant climbs and technical sections that will test experienced gravel bikers.

Yes, the Quantock Hills AONB features picturesque villages such as Holford, Crowcombe, and Nether Stowey, which often have pubs and cafes. The Wills Neck Summit – Foxy Bean Café loop from Nether Stowey, for instance, is named after a local café, indicating that refreshment stops are available along or near many routes.

There are 26 dedicated gravel bike routes available in the Quantock Hills AONB, offering a wide range of distances and difficulties to explore the diverse landscapes of the region.

From the higher points, particularly Wills Neck (the highest point at 384 meters), you can expect spectacular panoramic views. These vistas often stretch across the lower Somerset landscape, the Mendip Hills, South Wales, and on clear days, even as far as Dartmoor and Exmoor.

Many trails showcase the unique natural beauty of the Quantocks. The The Drove Trail, a majestic medieval track, offers phenomenal views and distinctive packed earth and rocky sections. Exploring the deep wooded combes, such as Holford Combe, provides a different, more intimate natural experience.