The best traffic-free bike rides around Crowcombe Park

Crowcombe Park and the surrounding Quantock Hills offer a good selection of routes for gravel biking. Our guide features 8 distinct no-traffic gravel bike trails, providing a variety of experiences for different skill levels.

The terrain around Crowcombe Park is known for being quite challenging. While some routes are moderate, the majority of the no-traffic gravel trails in this guide are rated as difficult. You can expect rough and undulating trails with steep ascents and descents, requiring good fitness and advanced riding skills for many sections. For example, the Somerton Combe – Bicknoller Post loop features over 1000 meters of elevation gain.

Yes, while many trails are challenging, there are a couple of moderate options. The Parsons Lane – Foxy Bean Café loop from Quantock Hills National Landscape is a great choice, offering a 18.2 km ride with around 364 meters of elevation gain, providing a rewarding experience without the extreme demands of the more difficult trails.

The no-traffic gravel trails in Crowcombe Park traverse a diverse and picturesque landscape. You'll ride through a blend of open moorland, ancient wooded slopes, and lush combe valleys. Keep an eye out for ancient beech trees, especially along historic trackways like the Drove Road, and enjoy far-reaching views across the Somerset countryside and the Bristol Channel from higher elevations.

While specific highlights are not detailed for every route, the Quantock Hills are rich in natural viewpoints. Many trails will lead you to elevated positions offering panoramic vistas. The area also has archaeological significance, with cairns and barrows from the Bronze Age scattered across the landscape, adding a historical dimension to your ride.

The Quantock Hills offer a rewarding experience year-round, but each season has its unique character. Spring and autumn often provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery with changing foliage. Summer can be great, but trails might be busier. Winter rides are possible, but be prepared for potentially muddy and challenging conditions, especially on natural paths, and check local weather forecasts.

Given the challenging nature of most trails in this area, with significant elevation changes and rough surfaces, many routes may not be suitable for younger children or families new to gravel biking. The Parsons Lane – Foxy Bean Café loop is a moderate option that might be more accessible for fitter, experienced families, but generally, the area caters to more advanced riders.

Parking options are available at various access points around the Quantock Hills. Specific parking areas can be found near popular trailheads. It's advisable to check local signage upon arrival for designated parking zones and any potential fees.

Yes, you'll find options for refreshments. The Parsons Lane – Foxy Bean Café loop, for instance, explicitly mentions a café in its name, indicating a convenient stop. The villages surrounding Crowcombe Park, such as Crowcombe itself, often have traditional pubs where you can refuel after your ride.

Many of the no-traffic gravel routes in this guide are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the challenging Wills Neck Summit – Crowcombe Hill Climb loop and the moderate Parsons Lane – Foxy Bean Café loop, making logistics easier for your ride.

The trails offer a varied mix of surfaces typical for gravel biking in the Quantock Hills. You'll encounter natural, unpaved paths, dedicated gravel sections, and some singletrack. Be prepared for rough and undulating terrain, which adds to the challenge and adventure of riding in this area.