The best gravel rides around Kingston St Mary

There are nearly 20 gravel bike trails around Kingston St Mary, offering a diverse range of experiences. You'll find options from easy, family-friendly rides to challenging routes with significant elevation gain, exploring the varied terrain of the Quantock Hills National Landscape.

Gravel biking in the Quantock Hills offers a rich variety of terrain. You can expect a mix of packed earth, rocky surfaces, quiet country lanes, and bridleways. The landscape includes heathland, ancient oak woodlands, deep wooded valleys known as 'combes,' and open moorland, providing diverse surfaces and scenic views.

Yes, there are easy routes suitable for families. For a gentler ride, consider the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal loop from Cheddon Fitzpaine, which is 17.1 km long and features minimal elevation gain along the canal towpath. This route offers a relaxed experience away from challenging climbs.

For a more challenging experience, the Quantock Hills offer routes with substantial climbing. The Quantock Hills National Landscape loop from Taunton is a difficult 62 km trail with over 1200 meters of elevation gain, exploring varied terrain. Another demanding option is the Holford Combe – Somerton Combe loop from Taunton, which is 46.8 km and navigates through wooded combes with challenging ascents.

The Quantock Hills are rich in natural beauty and viewpoints. You can visit Wills Neck Summit, the highest point in the Quantocks, offering panoramic views. Holford Combe is another scenic spot. Additionally, Lydeard Hill Viewpoint provides wonderful views of the rolling hills and farmland.

Many of the gravel routes in the area are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Staple Hill Trail – Forest Dirt Path loop from Thurlbear Wood, a moderate 23.4 km trail, and the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal – Maunsel Lock loop from North Petherton, a 45.1 km moderate route.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, from ancient woodlands to open moorland, and the variety of routes suitable for different ability levels. The scenic beauty and the feeling of exploring a National Landscape are frequently highlighted.

While this guide focuses on gravel biking, there are dedicated mountain biking trails in the vicinity. You can find highlights like Cockercombe Bottom Mountain Bike Trails and Adscombe Enduro Trail, which offer more technical riding experiences.

Yes, beyond the natural beauty, you can explore historical sites. The 13th-century Church of St Mary in Kingston St Mary itself is notable. Nearby, Hestercombe Gardens offers nationally important restored gardens, and Taunton Castle is another historical point of interest.

The Quantock Hills offer enjoyable gravel biking throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery with changing foliage. Summer is also popular, though trails can be busier. During winter, some paths might be muddy, so checking local conditions is advisable.

While specific routes may vary, the region has several cyclist-friendly establishments. For example, Braziers Coffee Roasters is a highlight in the area. Many villages and towns in and around the Quantock Hills offer pubs and cafes where you can refuel.

Yes, parking is generally available at various points around the Quantock Hills and in villages like Kingston St Mary. The South Quantock Heritage Trail, for instance, mentions parking availability at the village's churches, providing convenient access to routes.