The best traffic-free bike rides around South Somerset

South Somerset offers hundreds of no traffic road cycling routes, with over 400 tours available on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy rides to more challenging excursions.

The komoot community highly rates road cycling in South Somerset, with an average score of 4.6 stars from 247 ratings. Reviewers often praise the region's quiet country lanes, diverse landscapes, and the opportunity to explore charming villages away from heavy traffic.

Yes, the region is home to the South Somerset Cycleway, a dedicated 80-mile (120 km) waymarked circular route. It guides riders through serene country lanes and picturesque market towns, and can be tackled in sections for flexibility. Additionally, the South Somerset 80-mile Cycleway offers a comprehensive experience of the area.

South Somerset offers varied terrain. You'll find predominantly quiet country lanes, especially within the Blackdown Hills AONB. The Mendip Hills AONB provides a more challenging experience with open plateaus, dry valleys, and gorges, including some steep ascents and descents. Routes often feature a mix of tarmac, gravel, and occasionally mud surfaces, traversing ancient woodlands and calcareous grasslands.

While many road cycling routes use quiet country lanes, for completely traffic-free options, consider paths like the Strawberry Line. This disused railway line offers a beautiful and varied cycling experience between Yatton and Cheddar and is part of Sustrans Cycle Route (no. 26), ideal for families and beginners.

Many routes pass by or near interesting landmarks. You could cycle past Alfred's Tower Climb, the Ham Hill War Memorial and Stone Circle, or the historic Castle Neroche Iron Age Hill Fort. The Glastonbury Tor & Alfred's Tower loop from Castle Cary is one route that takes you past a significant landmark.

Absolutely. The Blackdown Hills AONB offers breathtaking views, especially around areas like Hemyock and Cullompton. You can also find routes that pass by beautiful bodies of water, such as Sutton Bingham Reservoir or Chard Reservoir Nature Reserve. The Wellington Monument – View South Over Hemyock loop from Buckland St Mary provides excellent vistas.

The Blackdown Hills AONB is particularly known for its quiet country lanes, offering excellent on-road cycling opportunities away from busy traffic. Areas around Hemyock, Cullompton, and Dunkeswell are popular for their serene cycling environment.

Spring and summer are generally ideal for cycling in South Somerset, offering pleasant weather and longer daylight hours. The landscapes are vibrant, and conditions are typically favorable for exploring the region's quiet roads.

Yes, experienced riders seeking a challenge will find options, particularly within the Mendip Hills AONB. Routes here can feature significant climbs, such as the iconic Cheddar Gorge with its average gradient of 4-5% and maximum of 16%. The Taunton Flyer Dakota route — Blackdown Hills is another difficult option with over 1000m of elevation gain.

Many routes in South Somerset are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. The South Somerset Cycleway is a prime example, being an 80-mile circular route designed for this purpose. Other routes like the Glastonbury Tor & Alfred's Tower loop from Castle Cary also offer circular options.

Yes, the Blackdown Hills AONB is a popular area for road cycling due to its quiet country lanes and scenic beauty. Routes like the Taunton Flyer Spitfire route — Blackdown Hills offer a great way to explore the wooded hillsides and charming farmland of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.