The best cycling routes around West Hatch

There are over 330 touring cycling routes around West Hatch, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. You'll find everything from easy, flat rides to more challenging climbs through the region's diverse landscapes.

The routes around West Hatch offer diverse terrain. You can expect flat, open wetlands in areas like the Somerset Levels, hilly and challenging climbs in the Mendip Hills, Quantock Hills, and Blackdown Hills, and pleasant canal-side paths along the River Tone and Bridgwater and Taunton Canal. Many routes feature mostly paved surfaces, but country lanes are also common.

Yes, West Hatch offers a good selection of easy routes. For example, the The Stable Café – Fjord loop from Curry Mallet is an easy 22.9 km (14.3 miles) trail that leads through gentle countryside. The Bridgwater and Taunton Canal towpath is also a largely traffic-free, flat option suitable for families.

For those seeking a challenge, the hilly terrains of the Mendip Hills, Quantock Hills, and Blackdown Hills offer more demanding climbs. While specific routes are not listed as 'difficult' in the immediate vicinity, the region has 66 routes rated as difficult, providing ample opportunity for advanced cyclists to test their endurance.

Yes, many routes around West Hatch are designed as loops. For instance, the Middlewood Climb – Castle Neroche Woods loop from Bickenhall is a popular 16.3 km (10.1 miles) circular route. Another option is the Taunton Castle – Nynehead Hollow loop from Ruishton, a moderate 40.9 km (25.4 miles) path.

You can discover several interesting sights. The Middlewood Climb – Castle Neroche Woods loop from Bickenhall passes by the historic Castle Neroche Iron Age Hill Fort. Other notable attractions in the wider area include Donyatt Halt, a disused train station on a cycle path, and the scenic Burrow Mump.

While West Hatch itself is a small hamlet, the wider Somerset region offers some public transport options. Taunton, a nearby town, is a hub for bus and train services, which can provide access to various starting points for cycling routes, including those along the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal.

Many of the public paths and trails around West Hatch are dog-friendly, especially those that follow canal towpaths or disused railway lines. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock or on busier sections, and to check specific route details for any restrictions.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 300 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, from the quiet countryside lanes to the more challenging hills, and the opportunity to explore historical sites and natural beauty spots like Castle Neroche Woods.

Yes, many routes in the Somerset countryside pass through villages or near towns where you can find pubs and cafes. For example, the North Curry Village Square – Cider Monument loop from Curry Mallet will take you through areas with potential refreshment stops. It's a good idea to check local listings or route descriptions for specific recommendations.

Spring and summer generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in West Hatch, with milder weather and longer daylight hours. Autumn can also be beautiful with changing foliage. While winter cycling is possible, be prepared for colder temperatures, shorter days, and potentially wet or muddy conditions on unpaved sections.