The best traffic-free bike rides around Selworthy

There are 7 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Selworthy. These routes offer a mix of moderate and difficult challenges, allowing you to explore the diverse landscapes of Exmoor National Park away from busy roads.

Selworthy offers a varied cycling experience, even on its no-traffic routes. You'll find everything from rolling uplands and ancient woods to challenging climbs. While many routes feature well-paved surfaces, some segments, particularly on more difficult tours, may be unpaved and require more advanced riding skills or even short sections of pushing your bike.

Yes, all the no-traffic touring cycling routes in Selworthy are designed as circular loops. This makes planning your ride straightforward, as you'll always return to your starting point. For example, the Periwinkle Cottage Tea Room – Selworthy Beacon loop from Selworthy is a moderate circular option.

The no-traffic touring routes in Selworthy range from moderate to difficult. There are 2 moderate routes, such as the Holnicote Forest Path – View of Exmoor National Park loop from Selworthy, and 5 difficult routes, like the challenging Dunkery Beacon Summit – Dunkery Beacon Summit loop from Luccombe, which features over 1,100 meters of ascent.

The routes offer stunning natural beauty and panoramic viewpoints. You can cycle past the prominent Selworthy Beacon, offering extravagant views over the Bristol Channel, or reach the highest point in Exmoor at Dunkery Beacon Summit. Other highlights include ancient woodlands like Horner Wood and the scenic Periton Hill Summit.

Yes, you can discover several historical sites and charming villages. The routes pass near the ancient Bat's Castle Iron Age Hillfort and the Great Rowbarrow Cairn. You'll also encounter picturesque villages like Porlock and Bossington, known for their thatched cottages and traditional charm.

The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience in Selworthy, with an average score of 4.7 stars from 18 ratings. Reviewers often praise the stunning coastal views, the immersive experience within Exmoor National Park's diverse landscapes, and the challenge of the varied terrain, especially on the quieter routes.

Selworthy and the surrounding Exmoor National Park area offer various parking options, often in or near the villages that serve as starting points for these routes. Specific parking details can usually be found on individual route pages or local visitor information sites.

The summer months (June to August) are popular, as the landscape transforms with yellow gorse and purple heather, and the weather is generally milder. However, spring and autumn also offer beautiful scenery with fewer crowds. Be prepared for varied weather conditions typical of Exmoor, regardless of the season.

While the routes are designed to be traffic-free, they often pass through or near charming villages like Porlock and Selworthy, which offer opportunities for refreshments. For example, the Periwinkle Cottage Tea Room – Selworthy Beacon loop from Selworthy starts and ends near local amenities, providing convenient stops for cyclists.

Yes, Selworthy serves as an excellent base for connecting to other trails. While the South West Coast Path is primarily for walking, many cycling routes in the area offer views of it or connect to areas that integrate with the wider network of paths and bridleways within Exmoor National Park, allowing for diverse multi-day excursions.