The best road cycling routes around Skilgate

Road cycling around Skilgate offers a diverse landscape characterized by rolling hills, quiet country lanes, and varied terrain. You'll find both challenging ascents and scenic rides, with undulating countryside providing vast views, especially as you climb the hillsides. The area borders Exmoor National Park and the Brendon Hills, ensuring a mix of steep valleys, open moorland, and wooded valleys.

Yes, while the region is known for its challenging ascents, there are also routes suitable for beginners or those seeking a more moderate experience. Out of over 100 routes available, approximately 10 are classified as easy, and 69 as moderate. For example, the Bampton Village Café Stop – Spelt 42 Café & Bakery loop from Morebath is a moderate 21.5-mile path that includes a cafe stop, offering a scenic and rewarding ride without extreme difficulty.

For experienced riders seeking a challenge, Skilgate's proximity to Exmoor National Park provides excellent opportunities. Exmoor is known for its 'panoramic views and steep valleys to climb'. You can tackle challenging ascents like Dunkery Beacon, Exmoor's highest point, or the infamous Porlock Hill. A difficult route like the Bampton Village Café Stop – Steep Climb loop from Wimbleball Dam covers 52.8 miles with significant elevation gain.

The Skilgate area is rich in natural beauty. Cyclists can enjoy vast views from the hillsides, especially from high points like Lype Hill (423m) in the Brendon Hills, which offers expansive views over the Somerset and Exmoor countryside. Wimbleball Lake is a prominent natural feature visible from locations like Haddon Hill, providing a focal point for scenic rides. You can also visit Haddon Hill Trig Point or explore Hawkridge Ridge for stunning vistas.

While many routes involve hills, some of the moderate options can be suitable for families with older children or those comfortable with road cycling. The quiet country lanes in the Brendon Hills offer a gentler landscape away from the high moor. Always check the route's difficulty and elevation profile on komoot to ensure it matches your family's ability level.

The best time for road cycling in Skilgate is generally from spring through autumn when the weather is milder and the days are longer. Exmoor National Park, which borders Skilgate, is particularly beautiful during these seasons. While cycling is possible year-round, be prepared for potentially wet and windy conditions, especially on exposed moorland, during the colder months.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Skilgate are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the River Exe Bridge – Bury Castle loop from Brompton Regis is a 32.9-mile trail that leads through varied terrain. The Duck Café – Bury Stone Bridge and Ford loop from Brompton Regis is another moderate circular option.

The road cycling routes in Skilgate are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 20 reviews. More than 1300 road cyclists have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the quiet country lanes, stunning views, and the diverse range of challenges available, from rolling hills to steep ascents.

Yes, several routes incorporate stops at local cafes or villages. For instance, the Bampton Village Café Stop – Spelt 42 Café & Bakery loop from Morebath explicitly includes a cafe stop. Nearby villages and towns like Dulverton, Wheddon Cross, and Luxborough also offer potential refreshment stops. You can find places like Bridge Cottage Tea Room in Dulverton.

While the region is generally dog-friendly for walks, road cycling with dogs can be challenging due to traffic and the nature of the routes. If you plan to bring your dog, it's best to consider routes on very quiet lanes or explore dedicated multi-use trails where dogs are permitted and safe. Always ensure your dog is well-controlled and consider their safety and comfort on any cycling adventure.

Beyond the natural beauty, the area offers several historical points of interest. Skilgate itself is a tranquil village with St John the Baptist Church and historic village stocks. You can also visit Bury Stone Bridge and Ford, a notable landmark. Further afield, Cleeve Abbey, an English Heritage site with well-preserved cloister buildings, is within reach for a cultural detour.