The best gravel rides in Mendip Hills AONB

The Mendip Hills AONB offers a wide selection of gravel biking routes, with over 30 trails available on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, from moderate to difficult, ensuring a diverse experience for all riders.

Yes, there are several accessible options. While many routes are moderate, trails like the Shute Shelve Tunnel – Strawberry Line Tunnel loop from Cheddar incorporate sections of the traffic-free Strawberry Line, making them more approachable. This route is 21.4 miles (34.4 km) long and takes about 3 hours to complete.

For experienced riders, the Mendip Hills AONB offers 14 difficult gravel biking routes. A notable challenging option is the Cheddar Gorge Climb – Cheddar Gorge loop from Aveline's Hole. This 50.3-mile (80.9 km) path navigates the dramatic landscape around Cheddar Gorge, known for its significant elevation changes and limestone cliffs.

Yes, the Mendip Hills AONB has routes suitable for families. The Strawberry Line, a cherished traffic-free cycling route that follows a disused railway line, is an excellent choice for a more relaxed pace. You can find sections of this line incorporated into various tours, such as the Strawberry Line Tunnel – Thatchers Cider Mill loop from Banwell, which is 16.3 miles (26.2 km) long.

The Mendip Hills AONB offers diverse terrain, characterized by a distinctive limestone ridge. Riders can expect a mix of tarmac, gravel, and mud surfaces, traversing open, windswept plateaus, dry valleys, gorges, ancient woodlands, and calcareous grasslands. This variety ensures an engaging and varied riding experience.

The region is rich in natural beauty. You can encounter spectacular dry valleys, gorges, and impressive rocky outcrops. Highlights include the highest point, Beacon Batch summit trig point, offering panoramic views, and the dramatic limestone cliffs of Cheddar Gorge. Other natural spots include Black Down Summit and Wild Ponies and Wavering Down Trig Point.

Yes, the Mendip Hills AONB is home to significant lakes. Chew Valley Lake and Blagdon Lake are not only beautiful but also vital habitats for various bird species. You can find viewpoints and bird-watching spots around Chew Valley Lake, making for a scenic stop during your ride.

Many of the gravel bike routes in the Mendip Hills AONB are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Mendip Hills Scenic Descents – Middle Down Drove Bridleway loop from Cheddar is a 12.1-mile (19.5 km) circular trail that takes about 1 hour 55 minutes to complete, offering varied terrain.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 60 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, from open plateaus to ancient woodlands, and the variety of routes that cater to different skill levels. The dramatic karst landscapes and scenic viewpoints are frequently highlighted as major attractions.

The Mendip Hills AONB offers enjoyable gravel biking throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. While the open plateaus can be windswept, the diverse terrain means there are always sheltered options. During winter, some routes may become muddy, so checking local conditions is advisable.

Beyond the natural beauty, the Mendip Hills AONB offers several attractions. Cheddar Gorge & Caves are a major draw, with awe-inspiring cliffs and show caves. You can also visit Rickford Chapel and Pond, or explore the historic Wookey Hole Caves. The city of Wells, on the edge of the AONB, also offers cultural attractions like the Wells & Mendip Museum.