The best cycling routes around West Anstey

Touring cycling around West Anstey offers a diverse landscape characterized by rolling hills, extensive open moorland like West Anstey Common, and ancient woodlands. You'll also encounter steep-sided river valleys, particularly those carved by the River Barle, which contribute to varied scenery and elevation changes. Routes often combine quiet country roads and green lanes.

There are over 70 touring cycling routes available around West Anstey. These routes cater to various skill levels, with a significant number offering challenging experiences across the Exmoor landscape.

While many routes in the West Anstey area are rated moderate to difficult due to the hilly terrain, there are a few easier options. The region's character of rolling hills and moorland means even 'easy' routes may include some elevation. For a moderate option, consider the Barle Bridge – Bampton Village Café Stop loop from Dulverton, which is 28 km long.

The West Anstey area is rich in natural beauty and historical landmarks. You can cycle past the ancient Tarr Steps clapper bridge, visit the Haddon Hill Trig Point for panoramic views, or see the Winsford Hill Summit Monument. The All Saints Church, Dulverton is also a point of interest on some routes.

Yes, West Anstey is integrated into several significant cycling networks. The wider region is part of routes like The Westcountry Way, which traverses Exmoor, and the Dartmoor Way. While these are long-distance routes, sections of them can be accessed from West Anstey, offering challenging experiences over heathland and through wooded trails.

The touring cycling routes around West Anstey are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 18 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, stunning natural beauty of Exmoor National Park, and the sense of wildness offered by the open moorland.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around West Anstey are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the challenging Simonsbath & Selworthy loop — Exmoor National Park and the Bury Stone Bridge and Ford – Haddon Hill Trig Point loop from Dulverton.

Absolutely. The River Barle carves a beautiful wooded valley in the region, and several routes follow its course. For instance, the All Saints Church, Dulverton – Barle Bridge loop from Tarr Steps leads through the River Barle valley, offering scenic views and a mix of terrain.

The majority of touring cycling routes in West Anstey are rated as difficult, with a good number also falling into the moderate category. This is due to the region's characteristic rolling hills and significant elevation gains across the Exmoor landscape. There are a few easier options, but cyclists should be prepared for challenging climbs.

Yes, the area is rich in history. You can explore routes that pass by the ancient Tarr Steps clapper bridge, a unique stone bridge over the River Barle. Another route, the Bury Stone Bridge and Ford – Haddon Hill Trig Point loop from Dulverton, includes the historic Bury Stone Bridge.

The routes offer spectacular and far-reaching views. From open moorland areas like West Anstey Common, you can often see across Devon towards Dartmoor. High points such as the Haddon Hill Trig Point and Winsford Hill Summit Monument provide epic vistas over the Exmoor National Park landscape, including wooded river valleys and rolling hills.