The best traffic-free bike rides around Holford

There are 7 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Holford featured in this guide, offering a variety of experiences within the Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The routes offer a mix of terrain. You'll find quiet tarmac lanes, particularly within and around the village, with some gentle slopes. As you venture into the wider Quantock Hills, some routes may include unsurfaced tracks with uneven and steeper sections, providing a varied and engaging cycling experience suitable for touring bikes.

While all routes in this guide are rated moderate or difficult due to elevation changes, the quieter lanes around Holford and the lower sections of the Quantock Hills can be adapted for families with older children or those comfortable with some climbing. For a route with varied scenery, consider the Holford Combe – Fast Long Descent loop from Holford, which offers a good introduction to the area's woodlands.

Yes, many of the trails and quiet lanes in the Quantock Hills are dog-friendly, provided your dog is well-behaved and kept under control, especially around livestock. Always check local signage for specific restrictions. The area's pubs and accommodation are also often welcoming to dogs, making it a great destination for cycling with your canine companion.

The Quantock Hills offer stunning vistas. You can cycle towards points like Wills Neck Summit, the highest point in the Quantocks, for panoramic views. Other notable natural features include the ancient oak woodlands of Holford Combe and Hodders Combe, and the coastal proximity means you can reach places like Kilve Beach Fossil Beds for a unique stop.

Yes, many of the routes in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and end in Holford without retracing your path. An example is the Bicknoller Post – Crowcombe Hill Road loop from Holford, which provides a comprehensive tour of the local landscape.

Spring and autumn are particularly beautiful for cycling in Holford. In spring, the woodlands are vibrant with new growth, and in autumn, the changing leaf colours create a spectacular backdrop. Summer offers longer daylight hours, while winter can be challenging due to potentially wet and muddy conditions on unpaved sections, though quiet tarmac lanes remain accessible.

Holford village and surrounding areas within the Quantock Hills AONB offer various parking options, including designated car parks for visitors. It's advisable to check local signage upon arrival for specific parking regulations and availability, especially during peak seasons.

Holford itself has historical charm, including a 16th-century tannery and a 19th-century parish church. The area is also historically significant for its connection to poets William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who resided nearby. Cycling through these areas offers a glimpse into the region's rich past.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4 stars from 26 reviews. Reviewers often praise the exceptional beauty of the Quantock Hills, the tranquility of the no-traffic routes, and the diverse landscapes ranging from ancient woodlands to open heathland and coastal views.

For a more extended ride, consider the Parsonage Side Bed & Breakfast – Quiet Back Route to Stogursey loop from Holford. This route covers over 40 kilometers, taking you through varied scenery and offering a deeper exploration of the quiet back roads around Holford and towards Stogursey.

The Quantock Hills are known for their varied topography, so you can expect some significant climbs and descents. For example, the Bicknoller Post – Crowcombe Hill Road loop from Holford involves over 440 meters of elevation gain, providing a good workout and rewarding views. All routes in this guide are rated moderate or difficult due to these elevation changes.