The best gravel rides around Cheddar Wood

Cheddar Wood and the surrounding Mendip Hills offer a diverse network of around 15 gravel bike trails. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy rides to more challenging ascents, ensuring there's something for every gravel biking enthusiast.

You can expect a varied terrain, characteristic of the Mendip Hills National Landscape. This includes dramatic limestone cliffs, ancient woodlands, and bridleways with gravelly surfaces. Routes can range from iconic climbs within Cheddar Gorge to flatter sections that traverse the Somerset Levels, offering a mix of challenging ascents and scenic paths.

Yes, there are easy gravel bike routes perfect for beginners or families. For instance, the Shute Shelve Tunnel – Axbridge Market Square loop from Winscombe is an easy 9.1-mile (14.7 km) route that offers a gentle introduction to gravel biking in the area.

Absolutely. Experienced riders looking for a challenge will find several difficult routes. The Cheddar Gorge Climb – Cheddar Gorge loop from Aveline's Hole is a demanding 49.9-mile (80.5 km) trail that includes significant climbs through the iconic gorge. Another challenging option is The Swan Inn – Burrington Combe Road Climb loop from Churchill, which features substantial elevation gain.

Yes, many of the gravel bike routes in Cheddar Wood are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the popular Shute Shelve Tunnel – Strawberry Line Tunnel loop from Cheddar and the Mendip Hills Scenic Descents – Middle Down Drove Bridleway loop from Cheddar.

The trails offer stunning views and pass by significant natural features. You'll experience the dramatic cliffs of Cheddar Gorge, ancient woodlands, and can enjoy panoramic vistas from Black Down, the highest point in the Mendips. Some routes also incorporate sections of the historic Strawberry Line, a largely traffic-free path.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 20 reviews. Riders frequently praise the diverse landscape, the thrill of riding through Cheddar Gorge, and the rewarding views from the Mendip Hills. The mix of challenging climbs and scenic paths through a geologically significant environment is a major draw.

Yes, the village of Cheddar, located at the foot of the gorge, offers various cafes, pubs, and shops where you can refuel before or after your ride. Many routes start or pass through areas with convenient access to refreshments.

Cheddar Wood and the Mendip Hills are enjoyable for gravel biking year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer is also popular, though trails can be busier. Winter rides are possible, but be prepared for potentially wet and muddy conditions on some bridleways.

Parking is generally available in and around Cheddar village, which serves as a common starting point for many routes. While public transport options may be limited directly to all trailheads, Cheddar is accessible by bus, and many routes are designed to be reached from the village or nearby towns.

Yes, the Strawberry Line, a largely traffic-free cycle path, is a highlight of several routes. The Shute Shelve Tunnel – Strawberry Line Tunnel loop from Cheddar is a prime example, offering a scenic ride that utilizes sections of this popular path.

Yes, you can ride through Cheddar Gorge. Some routes, like the challenging Cheddar Gorge Climb – Cheddar Gorge loop from Aveline's Hole, lead directly through the gorge, allowing you to experience its towering cliffs and dramatic landscape up close. For more information on activities in the gorge, you can visit Visit Bristol's Cheddar Gorge & Caves page.

Many of the bridleways and public rights of way in the Mendip Hills are suitable for dogs, provided they are kept under control, especially around livestock or wildlife. Always check local signage and be mindful of other trail users. It's advisable to keep dogs on a lead in sensitive areas or where wildlife like feral goats and Soay sheep are present.