The best traffic-free bike rides around Frome

There are over 60 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes around Frome, offering a wide range of distances and difficulties. You'll find everything from easy, flat rides to more challenging loops with significant elevation.

Frome is nestled in the scenic Somerset countryside, offering a fantastic network of quiet country lanes and disused railway lines. The area benefits from being part of the National Cycle Network Route 24, which includes the popular Colliers Way, known for its mostly traffic-free experience and gentle gradients. The diverse landscape, from rolling hills to ancient woodlands, provides a picturesque backdrop for peaceful rides.

Yes, the Frome area offers several easy routes perfect for beginners or families looking for a relaxed ride. Many routes utilize the Colliers Way, which follows disused railway lines, ensuring a mostly flat and traffic-free experience. For example, the Frome Community Bike Project offers guided rides, including a flat 8-mile loop through Trudoxhill.

For those seeking a greater challenge, routes like the Wellow Brook Lane – Two Tunnels Greenway loop from Frome offer a moderate 52.3 km ride with over 500m of ascent. Another option is the Shearwater Lake – Longleat House loop from Frome, which covers 42.4 km with significant elevation changes, providing a rewarding experience through varied terrain.

Absolutely. Many of the no-traffic road cycling routes around Frome are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Longleat House Drive – Longleat House loop from Frome and the Gare Hill Summit – Gare Hill loop from Frome, both offering scenic circular journeys through the countryside.

The routes often pass by or offer views of notable attractions. You might cycle through the famous Longleat House estate, or catch a glimpse of the historic Westbury White Horse. The ancient Stoney Littleton Long Barrow is also accessible via a 22-mile round trip from Frome. For natural beauty, routes can take you past Asham Wood, the largest ancient woodland in the Mendips, or along the tranquil River Frome.

Yes, several routes pass through charming villages or near welcoming cafes. Mells Village, known for its picturesque scenery, offers inviting cafes. The Riders Rest Tea Rooms is a popular stop for cyclists. Many of the Frome Community Bike Project's guided rides also include planned cafe stops, ensuring you have opportunities to refuel.

Parking is generally available in and around Frome town centre, with various car parks offering convenient access to the start points of many routes. For routes that begin further afield, look for designated parking areas in villages or near trailheads, especially those connected to the National Cycle Network.

The rolling Somerset countryside around Frome is beautiful year-round. Spring and summer offer vibrant landscapes and warmer weather, making them ideal for longer rides. Autumn brings stunning foliage, while winter, though cooler, can provide crisp, clear days for cycling, especially on the well-maintained, traffic-free paths.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 100 ratings. Reviewers often praise the quiet country lanes, the sense of tranquility away from traffic, and the diverse scenery that ranges from the Mendip Hills to the Longleat Estate. The well-connected National Cycle Network routes are also frequently highlighted for their accessibility and enjoyable riding experience.

Yes, if you don't have your own bike, the Frome Community Bike Project offers bike hire services. They also run a "Cycle Together" scheme where you can borrow e-bikes for four weeks, encouraging more people to explore the area on two wheels.