Cycling & Cycling Routes in Somerset

Its rolling hills and flat plains make Somerset a popular destination for cyclists whether they are mountain bikers or more relaxed riders.

As a sizeable county with a distinctly rural character, it offers the chance to get off the well-ridden track and discover some of Somerset’s secrets.

You can pedal along disused railway lines, through nature reserves, on sandy beaches and to the top of spell-binding viewpoints.

There are family routes, circular routes, off road routes and mountain bike routes.

There are gentle meanders on the wide open wetlands of the Somerset Levels and there are challenging climbs in the Blackdown, Mendip and Quantock Hills – all Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

There are tracks through woodlands, across the heaths of Exmoor National Park and through picturesque villages. Why not cycle the Route 3 of West Country Way? It's part of an Arts Trail too featuring, benches, sculptures and shelters running from South Bristol to Taunton and all through Exmoor.

Some of the better known routes are the South Somerset Cycle Route; the Stop Line Way, which follows the line of the World War Two Stop Line; Colliers Way and the Strawberry Line.

Some form part of the National Cycle Network and so are safe, traffic-free paths or quiet on-road cycling and walking routes connecting towns and cities.

Visit Somerset has teamed up with Cycling World Magazine to support cycling in this County of opportunities.

For the latest feature by Scot Whitlock click here.