4.6
(7)
32
riders
13
rides
Mountain biking around Abbas And Templecombe offers diverse landscapes with an undulating terrain of hills and valleys, providing varied gradients suitable for cycling. The region features a network of public paths and bridleways, legally accessible to cyclists, which traverse field paths and tracks. Notable natural features include summits like Stowell Hill and Bowden Hill, alongside the River Cale and Bow Brook, adding varied scenery to the routes. Expansive views across the Somerset Levels and Dorset Hills, such as from Corton…
Last updated: May 14, 2026
5.0
(2)
9
riders
27.2km
01:48
280m
280m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
51.0km
03:53
700m
700m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

Sign up for free
4.0
(2)
3
riders
30.7km
02:01
260m
260m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
22.1km
01:39
290m
290m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
2
riders
24.3km
01:43
290m
280m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Paddock Garden is Sherborne’s way of saying, "We’re modern now, but with layers of drama." Opened in 2005 by Alan Titchmarsh (the patron saint of sensible trousers), it’s built on the ruins of 18th-century cottages that were demolished just so the neighbors could have a better view. Rude. During WWII, German bombers mistook the girls' school tennis courts for something more threatening, leaving the garden with some unintentional "landscaping." Today, it’s a sustainable flex: the paths are made from half a million recycled plastic straws, proving that Sherborne is both posh and eco-conscious.
0
0
If you think your homeowner’s association is strict, try the Almshouse of St. John the Baptist. Established in 1437, it was basically a 15th-century "assisted living" facility for the "brave and the broke." The rules? Absolutely medieval. You had to be "of good character," which in 1437 mostly meant "doesn’t throw mud at the Abbot." The jewel inside is the Sherborne Missal, a book so fancy it makes your iPad look like a rock. Today, it stands as a gorgeous Hamstone time capsule where history is thick, the chapel is tiny, and the vibes are strictly "pious chic."
1
0
Founded in 1550 by King Edward VI, Sherborne School is an elite boys' independent school that practically owns the town’s aesthetic. Built atop the site of a former Benedictine priory, its honey-colored Hamstone buildings blend seamlessly with the adjacent Abbey. It is a "Harry Potter" fever dream of cloisters and tradition, but its real prestige lies in its alumni. This is where Alan Turing solved puzzles before Enigma and where actors like Jeremy Irons and Hugh Bonneville learned their craft. It remains one of the UK’s architectural and academic heavyweights, turning out "Old Shirburnians" for nearly five centuries.
1
0
Originally a Saxon cathedral, Sherborne Abbey is a golden-stoned masterpiece of Perpendicular Gothic architecture. Its claim to fame is the fan vaulting—arguably the earliest and most spectacular in England—which spreads across the ceiling like delicate stone lace. The Abbey has survived fires (started by a bickering abbot and townspeople in 1437), the Dissolution of the Monasteries, and the test of time. Inside, you’ll find the tombs of West Saxon kings and the stunning Great West Window. It remains a living "lantern" of Dorset, glowing with honey-colored Hamstone and a quiet, ancient majesty that defines the town.
1
0
Lovely ride - mostly quiet roads and tracks... Bath Arms good place to stop for a coffee. Good lunch in the White Hart after the ride.
0
0
I always make time to pop in on my walks in this area as it is wonderfully calming and peaceful. I like to just sit and marvel at the talent of the architecture.
0
0
This route is no longer strictly accessible. It goes through a private farm with locked gates and the Stour estate which requires a permit (£10 per person)
1
0
The cross crowning this small sacred monument is comparatively small and modest in relation to the entire monument. However, the cross's base, rising in Gothic form, deserves special attention. The very delicate structure, stretching skyward, looks to me a bit like someone had removed a small church steeple from the church and transplanted it onto the lawn here.
3
0
There are over 10 mountain bike trails around Abbas And Templecombe, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. The region features an undulating terrain of hills and valleys, with a network of public paths and bridleways suitable for cycling.
Yes, the area offers several easy mountain bike trails. For example, the Stourhead House and Gardens – Stone Arch at Stourton loop from Gillingham is an easy 17.2-mile route that explores the scenic Stourhead estate. Another easy option is the View of Cadbury Camp – Sherborne Abbey loop from Sherborne, which is 22.1 miles long.
The mountain bike trails around Abbas And Templecombe are predominantly rated as easy or moderate. You'll find 7 easy routes and 6 moderate routes, providing options for both casual riders and those seeking a bit more challenge. There are no difficult trails listed in this guide.
Many of the easy-rated trails are suitable for families, especially those with some cycling experience. The extensive network of public paths and bridleways, often traversing field paths and tracks, provides a safe and enjoyable environment for family rides. Consider routes like the Stourhead House and Gardens – Stone Arch at Stourton loop from Gillingham for a scenic and manageable outing.
Yes, the public footpaths and bridleways in the Abbas And Templecombe area are generally accessible for dogs, provided they are kept under control, especially around livestock. Always ensure your dog is well-behaved and consider local signage regarding dog access on specific sections of trails or private land.
The undulating terrain and varied landscapes of Abbas And Templecombe make it enjoyable for mountain biking throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. During winter, some marshland areas or unpaved tracks might be muddy, so checking local conditions is advisable. Summer provides longer daylight hours for extended rides.
The region offers expansive and rewarding views. You can expect panoramic vistas across the Somerset Levels and the Dorset Hills from points like Corton Ridge and Cucklington. Summits such as Stowell Hill and Bowden Hill also provide scenic breaks and photo opportunities. The Honeypot Lane Trailhead – Heaven's Gate Viewpoint loop from Silton specifically features rewarding panoramic views from Heaven's Gate.
Yes, the area is rich in historical and natural points of interest. You can pass by the tranquil Cutt Mill Ruins beside the River Stour, or explore routes that offer views of Cadbury Castle, an ancient hillfort steeped in legend. The View of Cadbury Camp – Sherborne Abbey loop from Sherborne is a great option to combine cycling with historical sights.
While specific parking areas for each trail vary, many routes start from or pass through villages like Gillingham or Sherborne, where public parking is generally available. For routes like those around Stourhead, dedicated parking facilities are often provided. Always check the specific route details on komoot for recommended starting points and parking information.
Yes, many of the mountain bike trails around Abbas And Templecombe are designed as circular loops, making them convenient for starting and ending at the same point. Examples include the Stourhead House and Gardens – Stone Arch at Stourton loop from Gillingham and the Honeypot Lane Trailhead – Heaven's Gate Viewpoint loop from Silton.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 7 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, the undulating hills and valleys that provide varied gradients, and the extensive network of bridleways. The scenic views across the Somerset Levels and Dorset Hills are also frequently highlighted as a major draw.
The routes often pass through or near villages like Abbas and Templecombe, Gillingham, Sherborne, and Milborne Port, which offer various pubs, cafes, and accommodation options. Planning your route to include a stop in one of these villages can provide a welcome break and refreshment.


Browse the best MTB trails in other regions.