Cheddar Gorge, Burrington Coombe & Weston Super Mare loop from Highbridge and Burnham

This road cycling loop is approximately 76.9 km (47.8 miles) long and typically takes around 3 hours and 28 minutes to complete, depending on your pace and stops.

The route features varied terrain, transitioning from the flatter Somerset Levels to the undulating Mendip Hills. Expect significant climbs through the iconic Cheddar Gorge Climb and Burrington Combe Road Climb, which include steep gradients. There are also flatter sections, particularly along the coast near Weston-super-Mare. The entire route is on well-paved surfaces, making it suitable for road bikes.

This loop is classified as a "Moderate road ride" and requires good fitness due to the challenging climbs in Cheddar Gorge and Burrington Combe. While there are flatter sections, the ascents can be demanding, with gradients reaching up to 16% in parts of Cheddar Gorge. It's best suited for cyclists with some experience and a good level of fitness.

The route offers breathtaking scenery and several notable points of interest. You'll cycle through the dramatic limestone gorges of Cheddar and Burrington Combe, enjoy panoramic views across the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and experience coastal stretches near Weston-super-Mare with views of the Bristol Channel. Key highlights include the Burnham-on-Sea Pier, Kewstoke Road Along Weston Woods, Burrington Combe Road Climb, and Cheddar Gorge Climb.

While the route starts from Highbridge and Burnham, parking options are available in both Highbridge and Burnham-on-Sea. For specific parking information in Weston-super-Mare, which is also part of the loop, you might find details on local tourism websites like visit-westonsupermare.com.

The best time to cycle this loop is generally during spring, summer, and early autumn when the weather is more stable and daylight hours are longer. These seasons offer the most pleasant conditions for tackling the climbs and enjoying the coastal and Mendip Hills scenery. Always check the local weather forecast before you go.

No, there are generally no specific permits or entrance fees required for cycling on public roads and designated cycle paths within the Mendip Hills National Landscape, including the sections through Cheddar Gorge and Burrington Combe. However, always respect local regulations and private land.

This route is designed for road cycling on paved surfaces and public roads. While dogs are generally welcome in many outdoor areas, bringing a dog along on a road bike can be challenging and is not typically recommended for this type of strenuous cycling route. If you plan to bring a dog, ensure they are safely secured and consider shorter, more suitable trails.

Yes, the route briefly intersects with several other paths. Notably, it covers small sections of the Pier to Pier Way, the King Charles III England Coast Path (Aust to Brean Down and Brean Down to Minehead), and the Samaritans Way South West. It also touches upon the National Cycle Network Route 33 (Alt) and the Strawberry Line.

Yes, as the route passes through towns like Burnham-on-Sea, Weston-super-Mare, and near Cheddar, you'll find various cafes, pubs, and shops where you can refuel and take a break. These towns offer ample opportunities for refreshments.

Given the moderate difficulty and length of the route, it's advisable to bring plenty of water, energy snacks, a repair kit (including spare inner tubes and a pump), appropriate cycling clothing for varying weather conditions, a helmet, and a fully charged phone. Sunscreen and sunglasses are also recommended.