The best cycling routes around Blackdown

There are nearly 350 touring cycling routes available in the Blackdown Hills, offering a wide range of options for different abilities and preferences. Over 3,700 touring cyclists have explored the area using komoot.

The Blackdown Hills are characterized by rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and quiet country lanes. You'll encounter varied terrain, including steep valleys, flat-topped plateaus, and wooded scarps. Elevations range from 38 to 311 meters, providing both challenging climbs and scenic descents.

Yes, the Blackdown Hills offer a good selection of easier routes. For example, the Offchurch Greenway – Radford Bottom Lock loop from Cubbington is an easy 13.4 km path. Another accessible option is the Foggy Road in Leek Wootton – View of Abbey Fields loop from Warwickshire, which is 14.9 km long and also rated easy.

Many cyclists enjoy the moderate routes that showcase the region's diverse landscapes. Popular choices include the Lane to Canley Ford – View of Warwick Castle loop from Kenilworth, a 33 km trail with moderate elevation changes, and the Hatton Locks – Hatton Locks loop from Royal Leamington Spa, which is 25.3 km and features canal-side sections. The Start of the Greenway – Long Itchington loop from Royal Leamington Spa is another favorite, covering 35.4 km through varied countryside.

The Blackdown Hills are rich in natural beauty. You'll encounter extensive ancient woodlands, dry heathlands that are particularly stunning with heather in bloom, and varied geological formations like chert and greensand ridges. The area is also known for its biodiversity, including wildflower meadows and rare wildlife. For breathtaking views, consider routes that pass by the dramatic wooded scarps to the north or the Culmstock Beacon.

Yes, the Blackdown Hills offer several historical and cultural attractions. You can explore ancient Iron Age Hill Forts like Hembury Fort and Castle Neroche, or visit the historic Coldharbour Mill. For castle enthusiasts, there's Hemyock Castle, and the Wellington Monument commemorates the Duke of Wellington's victory at Waterloo. You might also pass by sites of WWII history such as Dunkeswell and Upottery Airfields.

The touring cycling routes in the Blackdown Hills are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 220 reviews. Cyclists often praise the serene experience of riding on quiet country lanes, the beauty of the ancient woodlands, and the rewarding challenge of the rolling hills.

Many of the touring cycling routes in the Blackdown Hills are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Lane to Canley Ford – View of Warwick Castle loop from Kenilworth and the Hatton Locks – Hatton Locks loop from Royal Leamington Spa, both offering convenient circular journeys through the landscape.

The Blackdown Hills offer enjoyable cycling throughout much of the year. Late summer is particularly beautiful when the heathlands are in bloom with heather. Spring brings vibrant wildflowers to the ancient woodlands. The quiet country lanes provide a serene experience in most seasons, though checking local weather forecasts is always advisable.

Yes, the Blackdown Hills region features beautiful natural areas. The Otterhead Lakes, a nature reserve with two lakes, a river, grasslands, and wetlands, supports diverse wildlife and is a notable natural feature. You can also find highlights like Jephson Gardens and Abbey Fields Park which offer pleasant natural surroundings.

Absolutely. The Blackdown Hills are dotted with historical sites. You can explore impressive structures like Kenilworth Castle, or discover the ruins of Bagot's Castle. Other notable highlights include Guy's Tower, Warwick Castle and Leicester's Gatehouse, offering glimpses into the region's rich past.