The best traffic-free bike rides around North Curry

There are 10 dedicated no traffic road cycling routes around North Curry, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. You'll find 5 easy routes and 5 moderate routes, ensuring there's something for everyone seeking a peaceful ride.

The terrain around North Curry is quite varied, making for interesting rides. While the village sits on a sandstone ridge, many routes extend into the relatively flat Somerset Levels and Moors, perfect for smooth, low-traffic cycling. You'll encounter gentle climbs and descents on the ridge, balanced by long, flat stretches across the Levels, offering a diverse and engaging experience.

Yes, the area offers several routes suitable for families looking for quiet and safe cycling. The flat sections across the Somerset Levels are particularly good for less experienced riders. Routes like The Royal Oak Shop & Café loop from North Curry, at just over 20 km with minimal elevation, are excellent choices for a relaxed family outing.

Cycling around North Curry offers beautiful views of the Somerset Levels and Moors. You can enjoy the unique wetland landscapes and spot wildlife. The Burrow Mump offers panoramic views, and the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal provides a scenic, often traffic-free path with points of interest and wildlife. You might also encounter the View of the Blackdown Hills on some routes.

Absolutely! North Curry and its surroundings are rich in history. You can incorporate stops at sites like the impressive Church of St Peter and St Paul, known as 'The Cathedral of the Moors.' Further afield, but accessible on longer rides, are Castle Neroche Iron Age Hill Fort and Dillington House. The village itself, a conservation area, boasts many listed buildings, adding to the charm of your ride.

The best time to cycle in North Curry is generally from spring through early autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is typically milder and drier, making for more pleasant riding conditions on the quiet roads and paths. The Somerset Levels are particularly beautiful in spring with new growth and in late summer with golden fields.

While specific parking details for each route vary, North Curry village itself offers parking options. Many routes, such as The Stable Café – North Curry Community Café loop, start and end in the village, making it convenient to park there. Look for public car parks or designated parking areas within the village or at popular starting points like community centers.

Yes, many of the no traffic road cycling routes around North Curry are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location without retracing your steps. For example, the North Curry Village Square – Maunsel Lock loop is a moderate circular route that offers a great exploration of the area.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.44 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the peacefulness of the routes, the beautiful views across the Somerset Levels, and the charm of the village. The low traffic nature of these routes is consistently highlighted as a major benefit for a relaxed and enjoyable ride.

Yes, several routes are designed to pass by or near welcoming establishments where you can refuel. For instance, The Stable Café – North Curry Community Café loop explicitly mentions cafes in its name, providing convenient stops for refreshments. The village of North Curry itself also has local amenities where you can find food and drink.

For those looking for a longer ride, the Muchelney Abbey Ruins – Dinnington Hollow Way loop from Thornfalcon is a moderate route covering approximately 64 km. This route offers a substantial distance for exploring the wider region on quiet roads.

While North Curry is a rural village, public transport options exist, though they may require some planning. Local bus services connect North Curry to larger towns like Taunton, which has a train station. It's advisable to check bus schedules and policies regarding bicycles in advance if you plan to use public transport to access the cycling routes.