The best road cycling routes around Doulting

There are over 300 road cycling routes around Doulting, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. The komoot community has contributed many tours, ensuring a diverse selection.

The region around Doulting, nestled within the Mendip Hills AONB, features diverse terrain. You'll encounter rolling limestone hills, quiet country lanes, and sections of repurposed disused railway lines. This varied topography provides options for both gentle gradients and more demanding ascents, winding through grasslands, woodlands, and open heathland.

Yes, Doulting offers routes suitable for beginners and families. The area benefits from repurposed disused railway lines, which provide traffic-free and gentler paths. The Colliers Way, for example, utilizes these paths and quiet country lanes, offering a relaxing experience through the Somerset countryside. There are over 50 easy routes available in the area.

Absolutely. The Mendip Hills AONB is known for its demanding ascents. For a significant challenge, consider the climb through the dramatic limestone cliffs of Cheddar Gorge Climb – Cheddar Gorge loop from Oakhill. This route features substantial elevation gain and offers a rewarding experience for advanced riders.

Many of the road cycling routes around Doulting are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the Gare Hill – Climb to Stourhead loop from Shepton Mallet offers a circular journey through varied landscapes with significant climbs.

The routes around Doulting offer numerous points of interest. You can cycle past the historic Nunney Castle, or visit the magnificent Wells Cathedral and The Bishop's Palace, Wells. The Mendip Hills themselves provide expansive views across the Somerset countryside, especially after a rewarding climb.

Yes, the region benefits from several traffic-free paths, often utilizing disused railway lines. The Colliers Way (part of National Cycle Network 24) is partly traffic-free and offers a tranquil cycling experience. The Strawberry Line (National Cycle Network 26) is another primarily traffic-free path, guiding cyclists through diverse landscapes towards Cheddar Gorge.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 120 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, from quiet country lanes to challenging climbs, and the stunning natural scenery of the Mendip Hills. The variety of routes, catering to different abilities, is also frequently highlighted.

While specific parking areas in Doulting are not detailed, many villages and towns in the Mendip Hills area, including those near Doulting like Shepton Mallet or Frome, offer public parking facilities. It's advisable to check local council websites or parking apps for specific locations and charges before your visit.

Yes, Doulting's location allows for access to longer routes. For example, the Totney Drove – Burnham-on-Sea Pier loop from Shepton Mallet is a moderate 49.2-mile (79.2 km) path that takes you towards the coast. Another option is The Ford – Burnham-on-Sea Pier loop from Shepton Mallet, a 46.5-mile (74.9 km) trail through varied Somerset landscapes.

The Mendip Hills offer enjoyable cycling for much of the year. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery with changing foliage. Summer is also popular, though routes can be busier. Winter cycling is possible, but be prepared for colder, potentially wetter conditions, and check local weather forecasts, especially for higher elevations.