The best road cycling routes around Taunton

Taunton offers a diverse range of terrain for road cyclists. You'll find challenging climbs and descents in the Quantock Hills and Blackdown Hills, which are Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. In contrast, the Somerset Levels provide predominantly flat routes, ideal for more relaxed rides through wetlands and along canals. This variety ensures options for all fitness levels and preferences.

Yes, Taunton has excellent options for beginners and families. The Somerset Levels offer mostly flat, easy routes through scenic wetlands. Within Taunton, the 11-mile Foxglove Cycle Trail is mainly flat and explores green spaces and watercourses, including sections along the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal, making it suitable for all ages. The broader Taunton Cycle Trail also includes radial routes for shorter, easier loops.

For challenging road cycling, head to the Quantock Hills and Blackdown Hills. These Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty feature extensive networks of routes with significant elevation changes. The Quantocks offer over 100 km of challenging hill routes with elevations up to 378 meters, while the Blackdown Hills provide over 1,200 km of quiet country lanes with varied terrain and climbs up to 311 meters, perfect for experienced cyclists.

Many routes offer scenic views and access to interesting landmarks. In the Quantock Hills, you can cycle near Fyne Court, a National Trust property. The Blackdown Hills feature the striking Wellington Monument and routes that pass by Iron-Age hill forts and 16th-century villages. For routes around Taunton, you might encounter natural attractions like Massasoit Sate Park, Middle Pond, and Lake Rico.

Yes, many road cycling routes around Taunton are designed as circular loops. For instance, the Taunton Cycle Trail is a 39-mile circular route through Somerset villages, with radial routes allowing for smaller loops. The Somerset Levels also feature circular routes, such as those around the Somerset Levels National Nature Reserve. Several komoot routes are also loops, like the Massasoit State Park & Lakeville loop via Assawompset Pond.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 14 reviews. Road cyclists frequently praise the diverse landscapes, from the challenging hills of the Quantocks and Blackdowns to the peaceful, flat expanses of the Somerset Levels. The variety of routes catering to different ability levels and the scenic beauty are often highlighted as key attractions.

Yes, Taunton offers options for longer rides. The Assawompset Pond from Taunton loop via Great Quittacas Pond & Barker Cove is a substantial 75.7-mile (121.9 km) trail that takes approximately 5 hours to complete. Another excellent option is the Peters Hill from Norton via Borderland State Park loop, which covers 59.3 miles (95.4 km) and features varied terrain.

Taunton is a well-connected town, and many routes can be accessed from the town center, which is served by public transport. While specific trailhead public transport links vary, the town's central location and the existence of routes like the Taunton Cycle Trail, which has radial routes from the center, make it feasible to start rides without a car. The proposed Grand Western Greenway will also offer a traffic-free link between Wellington and Taunton.

Yes, for more relaxed and traffic-free cycling, the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal offers a 14-mile (22.5 km) route suitable for cycling. Within Taunton, the Foxglove Cycle Trail is mainly flat and explores green spaces, often away from heavy traffic. There is also a proposed Grand Western Greenway, aiming to create a predominantly traffic-free corridor between Wellington and Taunton, largely following the disused Grand Western Canal.

The best time for road cycling in Taunton is generally during the spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October). During these periods, the weather is typically milder and drier, making for more pleasant riding conditions. The landscapes, especially the AONBs and Somerset Levels, are particularly beautiful during these seasons, offering lush greenery and vibrant scenery.

Yes, several routes incorporate or pass near protected natural areas. The Massasoit State Park & Lakeville loop via Assawompset Pond is an easy route that takes you through Massasoit Sate Park. Additionally, the Somerset Levels National Nature Reserve features circular routes with mostly paved surfaces, allowing cyclists to explore this unique wetland environment.

There are over 50 road cycling routes available around Taunton on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, with 22 easy routes, 27 moderate routes, and 1 difficult route, ensuring there's something for every road cyclist.