The best traffic-free bike rides around Staple Fitzpaine

There are over 190 dedicated road cycling routes around Staple Fitzpaine and within the Blackdown Hills National Landscape that focus on minimizing traffic. These routes offer a wide range of experiences for cyclists.

The Blackdown Hills offer a diverse range of road cycling routes. You'll find options for various skill levels, including 44 easy routes, 128 moderate routes, and 18 more difficult challenges. The terrain often features rolling hills and steep valleys, providing both rewarding climbs and exhilarating descents.

You can expect a picturesque and varied landscape. Routes often wind through tranquil country lanes, extensive woodlands like Staple Park Wood and Piddle Wood, and open plateau landscapes. The Blackdown Hills are characterized by rolling hills and steep valleys, offering stunning views across Somerset and Devon, and on clear days, even to the Welsh coast.

Absolutely. Many routes in the Blackdown Hills offer fantastic views. For instance, the area around Staple Hill, the highest point, provides panoramic vistas. You might also enjoy the route View South Over Hemyock – Braziers Coffee Roasters loop, which takes you through scenic countryside. Keep an eye out for highlights like View of the Blackdown Hills along your ride.

Yes, the region is rich in history. Cyclists can incorporate visits to several historical attractions. Notable sites include Castle Neroche Iron Age Hill Fort, an ancient earthwork offering great views, and the Wellington Monument, the world's tallest three-sided obelisk. You might also encounter Robin Hood's Butts Barrows, an ancient historical site.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 245 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the quiet country lanes, the diverse and challenging terrain of the Blackdown Hills, and the stunning panoramic views encountered along the routes. The sense of immersion in nature, away from heavy traffic, is a common highlight.

For experienced riders seeking a challenge, routes like The Taunton Flyer Dakota route — Blackdown Hills offer a demanding experience. This route covers nearly 97 kilometers with over 1000 meters of elevation gain, providing a significant test of endurance through the varied Blackdown Hills landscape.

Yes, several routes are designed with refreshment stops in mind. For example, the Old Garage Fuel Station – The Stable Café loop from Staple Hill Car Park is a moderate 66-kilometer route that incorporates potential stops. The village of Staple Fitzpaine also has amenities like The Greyhound Inn, a pub that can serve as a welcome break.

Many of the road cycling routes in the area are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. The View South Over Hemyock – Braziers Coffee Roasters loop is a good example of a moderate circular route, covering over 54 kilometers and offering scenic views.

Beyond the general beauty of the Blackdown Hills, you can discover specific natural highlights. Keep an eye out for Otterhead Lakes, a tranquil spot, or the impressive Giant Oak Tree. The area also features unique man-made natural art installations like The Willow Cathedral.

Many routes, particularly those venturing into the Blackdown Hills, often start from designated car parks. For instance, the View South Over Hemyock – Braziers Coffee Roasters loop and the Old Garage Fuel Station – The Stable Café loop both suggest starting from Staple Hill Car Park, which is a common access point for the area's trails.