The best traffic-free bike rides in Quantock Hills Aonb

There are 16 dedicated no traffic gravel bike trails in the Quantock Hills AONB featured in this guide. These routes offer a range of difficulties, from moderate to challenging, ensuring a suitable option for various skill levels.

The Quantock Hills offer a diverse gravel biking experience. You'll encounter a mix of rolling heathland, ancient woodlands, and deep wooded valleys known as 'combes'. Surfaces vary from packed earth to rocky sections, with some tracks being narrow and rugged. This varied terrain provides both challenging conditions and epic scenery.

While many trails in the Quantock Hills are rated moderate to difficult, there are options suitable for families looking for a less strenuous ride. The Bridgwater and Taunton Canal – Maunsel Lock loop from North Petherton is a moderate route that offers a flatter experience, ideal for a family outing. It covers 45.1 km with minimal elevation gain.

The Quantock Hills are rich in scenic viewpoints and natural landmarks. You can ride past or near significant spots like Wills Neck Summit, the highest point in the Quantocks, offering extensive views. Other highlights include Beacon Hill Trig Point and Bicknoller Post, both providing panoramic vistas over the Bristol Channel and surrounding countryside.

Yes, many of the gravel bike trails in the Quantock Hills AONB are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the challenging Somerton Combe – Bicknoller Post loop and the Bicknoller Post – Somerton Combe loop, both offering extensive tours through the varied landscape.

The Quantock Hills offer great gravel biking year-round, but spring and autumn are particularly popular. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and milder temperatures, while autumn showcases stunning foliage. Summer is also excellent, though trails can be busier. Winter riding is possible, but be prepared for potentially muddy or wet conditions on some tracks.

The Quantock Hills AONB is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, the challenging yet rewarding terrain, and the stunning panoramic views, especially from points like Wills Neck and Beacon Hill. The sense of escaping traffic and immersing oneself in nature is a recurring highlight.

Absolutely. For experienced gravel bikers seeking a significant challenge, routes like The Quantock Hills National Landscape loop from Taunton stand out. This route covers over 60 km with substantial elevation gain, traversing varied and often rugged terrain that demands good fitness and advanced riding skills. The Bagborough Plantation – Adscombe Enduro Trail loop also offers a difficult experience with technical sections.

While the primary focus of the gravel trails is inland, the Quantock Hills AONB does extend to the coast. You can find coastal views from higher points like Beacon Hill. For a specific natural attraction, St Audries Bay Waterfall is a notable natural monument nearby, though it may require a slight detour from the main gravel routes.

The no traffic gravel bike trails in the Quantock Hills AONB vary significantly. Distances range from approximately 23 km to over 60 km. Elevation gains can be substantial, with some routes featuring over 1000 meters of ascent, such as the Somerton Combe – Bicknoller Post loop, making for a demanding ride.

Yes, the Quantock Hills have a rich history. You can find ancient sites such as Dowsborough Camp, an Iron Age hillfort, which offers insights into prehistoric settlement and excellent landscape views. While not directly on every gravel route, many trails pass close to or offer views of such historical landmarks, adding a cultural dimension to your ride.