Cycling in Somerset…
Cycling over the last decade has become an ever increasingly popular pastime, whether it be the MAMILS on road bikes, or mountain and gravel bikes and now e-bikes. The roads and countryside around Bridge House in West Chinnock are ideally suited to all ages, abilities and types of bike. West Chinnock is on the edge of the Somerset Levels, and as the name would suggest, makes even the novice cyclist feel like Chris Froome, with hardly a “pimple” to slow you down. Venture to the South and some proper climbs can be found in the hills leading down to the Dorset Coast. Even The Quantocks and Exmoor are in reach to the more adventurous.
Ham Hill Country Park
Wonderful road and mountain bike routes directly from the doorstep of Bridge House in Somerset
For those that want a true road cycling challenge, the three day “Tour of Wessex” takes place in the countryside of Somerset and Dorset, with the starting point for each of the three days being within easy reach of Bridge House. The dates have just been announced for 2023 with the event taking over 3 days between 27th and 29th of May.
Tour of Wessex
Bike navigation has revolutionised cycling. Road routes have long been able to be downloaded onto Garmins and the like, but now with the Apps like “Komoot”, more adventurous routes around the beautiful Somerset and Dorset countryside can be found, meaning that you can truly ‘get off the beaten track’ and discover some of the stunning hidden valleys that lie nestled away seemingly untouched by the hustle and bustle of 21st century life!
Cycling has often been described as an excuse for a coffee and cake, and luckily there are a number of local award winning cafes and pubs within easy reach of West Chinnock, whether it be The Feed Station in Merriott or Pip’s Railway Carriage at Lopen.
Bring your own bikes to Bridge House in Somerset so that you can truly get out and about and enjoy this stunning part of the country.
Choose from a number of National Cycle routes in the local area. Despite the name Somerset Levels, there are still a number of challenging climbs. Click here for more details.
11 road bike rides in and around the Crewkerne area near Bridge House. Routes for all abilities with a range of distances. You can download a GPX file directly to your GPS device from the site. For more information click here.
Here are a few examples of some of the top cycling routes in the area.
South Somerset Cycleway - This 80-mile circular cycle route showcases some of Somerset’s finest countryside and rural villages, and the route actually goes right past the front ddoor
Sherborne Abbey & Montacute House loop from Yeovil - taking in sights such as Sherborne Castle and Montacute House, this is a 77km ride that also spends a some time on the Somerset Levels
Glastonbury Tor & Alfred's Tower loop from Castle Cary - A beautiful ride with the highlights being the iconic Glastonbury Tor and the testing short, sharp climb up to Alfreds Tower.