The best cycling routes around Burnham On Sea & Highbridge

There are nearly 40 touring cycling routes available around Burnham On Sea & Highbridge. These routes cater to various skill levels, with over 20 classified as easy, 13 as moderate, and 5 as difficult.

The region is ideal for touring cyclists due to its largely flat terrain, especially across the Somerset Levels, and its extensive coastal paths. You'll find a diverse landscape featuring expansive sandy beaches, nature reserves like Apex Leisure and Wildlife Park, and accessible routes with minimal elevation changes, perfect for longer distances.

The routes in Burnham On Sea & Highbridge are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 20 reviews. Nearly 300 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore the area, often praising the accessible terrain and the variety of coastal and rural scenery.

Yes, the area offers many easy touring cycling routes, with over 20 classified as such. The flat landscape of the Somerset Levels and coastal paths provide excellent conditions for beginners and families. An example is the Brean Beach NCN Section – Brean Sands Beach loop from Burnham-on-Sea, which is 15.3 miles (24.7 km) and largely flat.

For those seeking more challenging or longer rides, Burnham On Sea & Highbridge offers several options. The Cheddar Gorge Cliff Road – Axbridge Market Square loop from Highbridge and Burnham is a difficult 84.8 km route with significant elevation. Another long-distance option is the Maunsel Lock – Bridgwater and Taunton Canal loop from Highbridge and Burnham, covering 87.9 km.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in the area are circular. Popular options include the Cheddar & Glastonbury loop from Burnham-on-Sea, which is 75.9 km, and the Glastonbury High Street – Somerset Levels Wetlands loop from Burnham-on-Sea, a moderate 58.7 km ride.

The region boasts several scenic viewpoints and natural attractions. You can cycle past the expansive sandy beaches of Burnham-on-Sea, explore the picturesque lakes of Apex Leisure and Wildlife Park, or enjoy views from Brent Knoll. Notable viewpoints include Brent Knoll Summit and Jubilee Monument and Brean Down, offering panoramic vistas of the Bristol Channel and surrounding countryside.

Yes, the National Cycle Route 3 passes through the area, offering sections that are traffic-free or on quiet roads. The proposed Berrow Greenway is also developing to connect Berrow and Burnham-on-Sea with dedicated cycling infrastructure. The flat Somerset Levels also provide many quiet lanes and paths suitable for cycling away from heavy traffic.

Absolutely! Beyond cycling, you can enjoy walking along the Esplanade or the River Brue footpath. Apex Leisure and Wildlife Park offers woodland walks, fishing, and a children's play area. The strong onshore winds also make Burnham-on-Sea popular for wind-related sea sports like kite surfing and windsurfing.

Parking is generally available in Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge town centers, as well as at popular starting points like Apex Leisure and Wildlife Park. Many coastal routes also have designated parking areas near beach access points.

The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant weather for touring cycling, with milder temperatures and longer daylight hours. However, the coastal location means conditions can change, so it's always advisable to check the local forecast before heading out.

Yes, many routes pass through or near Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge, where you'll find various cafes, pubs, and shops. Along some of the longer routes, particularly those connecting to other towns like Glastonbury or Cheddar, there are also opportunities for refreshment stops.