The best cycling routes around North Somerset

North Somerset offers a comprehensive network of over 380 touring cycling routes. These routes cater to various skill levels, with approximately 140 easy, 190 moderate, and 50 difficult options.

The terrain in North Somerset is incredibly diverse. You'll find everything from flat, paved sections along the River Avon and coastal paths with views across the Bristol Channel, to the rolling hills and challenging ascents of the Mendip Hills National Landscape. Disused railway lines like The Strawberry Line offer mostly flat, traffic-free experiences, while areas like Cheddar Gorge provide dramatic landscapes and exhilarating climbs.

Yes, North Somerset has several routes suitable for families. The Strawberry Line is particularly recommended as a cherished traffic-free route following a disused railway line, ideal for leisure users and families. It offers a mostly flat experience with refreshment stops. Another option is the Pier to Pier Way, linking Weston-super-Mare and Clevedon, which includes quiet roads and traffic-free sections.

Many of the cycling routes in North Somerset, especially those on bridleways and disused railway lines like The Strawberry Line, are generally dog-friendly. However, it's always best to keep dogs on a lead, especially in areas with livestock or where routes pass through shared spaces with pedestrians. Always check local signage for specific restrictions.

North Somerset's routes pass by many interesting sights. Along coastal routes, you can enjoy the historic piers of Weston-super-Mare and Clevedon, and the modern Portishead Marina. Inland, the Mendip Hills offer dramatic landscapes like Cheddar Gorge and Burrington Combe. You might also cycle past picturesque spots like Ham Green Lake or the scenic Bridge Over Blagdon Lake. The Thatchers Cider Mill – The Strawberry Line loop from Yatton even takes you past a well-known local producer.

Yes, many routes in North Somerset are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the popular Avon Gorge & Ashton Court loop from Clevedon, or the extensive Festival Way – Chew Valley Lake loop from Yatton for a longer challenge.

Spring and summer generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in North Somerset, with milder weather and longer daylight hours. Late spring is particularly beautiful, with bluebells and wild garlic in areas like Leigh Woods. However, many routes are accessible year-round, with coastal paths offering bracing rides even in cooler months.

Absolutely. The Mendip Hills National Landscape provides a significant network of routes with elevations ranging up to 320 meters, offering varied challenges and breathtaking vistas. Routes through areas like Burrington Combe are known for exhilarating climbs and descents. For a truly demanding experience, consider the Festival Way – Chew Valley Lake loop from Yatton, which features significant elevation gain.

Many towns and villages in North Somerset, such as Yatton, Clevedon, and Portishead, serve as good starting points and are accessible by public transport. Some routes, like the Pier to Pier Way, are designed to connect urban areas. For specific routes, it's advisable to check local bus or train services to plan your access. The National Cycle Network Route 33 also passes through the region, offering well-signed connections.

Parking is generally available in the towns and villages that serve as trailheads for many routes. For example, you can find parking in Yatton for routes like The Strawberry Line – Shute Shelve Tunnel loop. Coastal towns like Clevedon and Weston-super-Mare also offer parking facilities for accessing the Pier to Pier Way and other coastal routes. Always check local parking regulations and fees.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 500 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, from the serene coastal paths and river valleys to the challenging Mendip Hills. The variety of routes catering to all abilities, the well-maintained traffic-free sections, and the charming villages and attractions along the way are frequently highlighted as major draws.

Yes, the Pier to Pier Way is a notable route that provides a 13-mile link between Weston-super-Mare and Clevedon. It features quiet roads and traffic-free sections, offering scenic views across the Bristol Channel. More information about this route can be found on the North Somerset Council website: n-somerset.gov.uk/my-services/parking-travel-roads/transport-travel/cycling/pier-pier-way.