The best gravel rides around Somerset

Somerset offers a highly diverse landscape for gravel biking. You'll find everything from the limestone ridges of the Mendip Hills National Landscape with their mix of tarmac, gravel, and mud, to the heathland and ancient woodlands of the Quantock Hills National Landscape. The flat Somerset Levels provide fast, flat sections, often on hard-packed mud, while parts of Exmoor National Park offer wilder, untamed environments with heather-clad hills and dramatic coastlines. Routes intentionally avoid main roads, utilizing restricted byways, bridleways, and cycle paths.

Yes, Somerset has several options for those new to gravel biking or looking for a more relaxed ride. The region includes 3 easy-rated routes. For example, the Gravel loop from Pine Haven is an easy 18 km route, and the Gravel loop from Freetown-Fall River State Forest is another easy option at just over 12 km. Additionally, traffic-free paths like sections of the Strawberry Line in the Mendip Hills provide a gentler experience.

For those seeking a challenge, the Mendip Hills and Quantock Hills National Landscapes offer routes with significant climbs and varied terrain. While our guide features 4 moderate routes, such as the 39.6 km Copicut Woods – Freetown Ledge loop from Steep Brook, the region's hills are known for winding gravel, forest roads, and sometimes steep ascents and descents. Exmoor National Park, extending into Somerset, also provides challenging climbs and wilder environments.

Yes, many of the gravel biking opportunities in Somerset are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Our guide includes several circular routes, such as the Freetown Ledge loop from Freetown-Fall River State Forest and the Copicut Woods loop from Touisset Highlands, both offering moderate challenges and diverse scenery.

Somerset's gravel trails often pass by stunning natural features and points of interest. In the Mendip Hills, you can experience the dramatic Cheddar Gorge. The Quantock Hills offer panoramic views from elevated points like Wills Neck. You might also encounter ancient woodlands, open moorland, and the unique droves of the Somerset Levels. Some routes may lead you past specific highlights like Freetown Ledge or through areas like Copicut Woods.

The komoot community highly rates gravel biking in Somerset, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 2 reviews. Riders often praise the region's diverse terrain, which offers a mix of challenging climbs and flat, fast sections. The ability to explore varied landscapes, from dramatic gorges to ancient woodlands and coastal stretches, without relying on main roads, is a key highlight for many.

For families, the flatter sections of the Somerset Levels and dedicated traffic-free paths like the Strawberry Line are excellent choices. These routes provide a safer and more accessible environment away from vehicle traffic. Look for routes rated as 'easy' in our guide, which typically have less elevation gain and smoother surfaces, making them suitable for a family outing.

Somerset offers enjoyable gravel biking throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with changing foliage in the woodlands. Summer is ideal for longer rides, though some trails might be busier. Winter can be challenging due to mud, especially in the Somerset Levels and some woodland tracks, but offers a unique, rugged experience for those prepared for it. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

While specific pub stops aren't detailed for every route, Somerset is dotted with charming villages and towns that often feature traditional pubs and cafes. Planning your route to pass through or near these settlements, especially in areas like the Mendip Hills or Quantock Hills, will allow for refreshing breaks. Many routes are designed to connect with local amenities, offering a chance to refuel and experience local hospitality.

This guide features 7 highly-rated gravel bike trails in Somerset. These routes showcase the best of the region's diverse landscape, offering a mix of terrain and scenery suitable for various skill levels, from easy rides to more moderate challenges.

Yes, Somerset offers the unique opportunity to ride on one of the longest beach sections in the UK at Brean Beach. The hard-packed sands provide an unusual and memorable gravel biking experience, offering expansive views of the Bristol Channel. While not all routes in this guide are coastal, the region's diverse geography means you can combine inland rides with coastal exploration.