The best road cycling routes around Wells

Road cycling around Wells offers a diverse range of terrain. You'll find everything from the limestone ridges and dramatic gorges of the Mendip Hills, providing challenging climbs and stunning views, to the flat marshlands of the Somerset Levels and Avalon Marshes, which are ideal for more leisurely rides on quiet lanes and droves. The region also features scenic country lanes throughout.

Yes, the Mendip Hills, located on the southern edge of Wells, offer routes with significant elevation gain. Notable challenging ascents include the climb through Cheddar Gorge, a signature experience with impressive limestone cliffs, and Burrington Combe. These areas provide rewarding rides for cyclists seeking a challenge.

For less strenuous cycling, the Somerset Levels and Avalon Marshes offer flat landscapes with quiet lanes and cycle paths, ideal for beginners or those seeking a relaxed ride. While the provided routes include a moderate option like Lake Pleasant & Piseco Lake loop, the region generally caters to various skill levels, with flatter sections available for easier rides.

The Wells area is rich with scenic points and landmarks. You can cycle past the iconic Glastonbury Tor, explore the dramatic Cheddar Gorge, or enjoy views of Chew Valley Lake and Blagdon Lake. The routes also traverse the beautiful Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and pass through charming rural landscapes.

Yes, the region offers circular routes. A notable example is the Mendip Hills Cycle Route, a 36-mile circular path that utilizes signed Sustrans cycle routes (National Cycle Route 1, 26, and 3) to explore the Mendip Hills AONB. This route includes country lanes and traffic-free sections around the lakes.

The diverse terrain around Wells makes it suitable for cycling through many seasons. However, the spring and summer months generally offer the most favorable weather conditions for exploring both the hilly Mendips and the flatter Somerset Levels. Always check local weather forecasts, especially when planning rides in the Mendip Hills.

Yes, the area offers family-friendly options, particularly on the flatter sections. The Strawberry Line, part of the National Cycle Network, follows a disused railway line and provides a traffic-free experience through rural landscapes, with completed sections around Wells to Haybridge, Dulcote, and South Horrington. The Somerset Levels also offer quiet lanes suitable for families.

Absolutely. Cyclists can enjoy loops to iconic locations such as Glastonbury Tor and the dramatic Cheddar Gorge. These routes allow you to experience the region's rich history and natural beauty, often incorporating both challenging climbs and scenic stretches.

There are at least 2 road cycling routes available around Wells on komoot, ranging from moderate to difficult. These routes offer varied landscapes and durations, catering to different preferences.

The longest road cycling route currently available on komoot around Wells is the Indian Lake and Hudson River loop. This difficult route spans approximately 77.7 miles (125.0 km) and typically takes around 5 hours 46 minutes to complete, featuring significant elevation gain.

Wells itself is a central point, and public transport options like buses can connect you to various starting points for routes in the surrounding areas, including the Somerset Levels and parts of the Mendip Hills. It's advisable to check local bus schedules and policies regarding bicycles before planning your trip.

Road cyclists frequently praise the varied terrain, which offers everything from challenging climbs in the Mendip Hills to leisurely rides through the Somerset Levels. The scenic beauty, including landmarks like Cheddar Gorge and Glastonbury Tor, and the extensive network of country lanes and traffic-free paths are also highly valued by the komoot community.