Road Cycle Routes Cheddar

Road Cycling Routes Cheddar

Find road cycling routes Cheddar. We are convinced that Cheddar is one of the best cycling bases in the UK. 

 

Road Cycling Routes Cheddar

 
The area is well known for its beauty and varied landscapes but in addition to this it offers road cycling routes with vast and complex network of quiet lanes.  The perfect base from which to explore these routes is the historic village of Cheddar.  The village is at the bottom of the famous gorge and on the edge of the Somerset Levels.  This ideal position offers a great variety of road cycling routes.  
 
National Cycle Network (NCN) route 26 leads to and terminates in Cheddar, while routes 3 & 33 pass closeby.  From Yatton to Cheddar route 26 follows the Strawberry Line, a fairly flat 10 mile historic rail route.   Yatton railway station is on the route and provides a car free option for travellers.
Topography opf Mendip Hills
The Mendip Plateau is generally about 800 feet above sea level.  It's an Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty with a long and fascinating history.  It's crossed by the B3134 and B3135 which are best avoided when possible by using the many quiet lanes.
The Mendip Escarpments surround the plateau on three sides providing steep ascents and descents.  There are 10 principal routes up and down which are described on this dedicated page.
The Somerset Levels were originally tidal salt marshes before being drained.  There are several wetland nature reserves popular with bird watchers.
The Isle of Wedmore is an elongated hill rising from up to 200 feet from the Levels providing some easy climbs and panoramic views.
The Polden Hills are a long ridge bisecting the Levels rising up to 300 feet.
To the east of the Levels, and to the north of the Mendip plateau the landscape is classical English countryside - hills and valleys, lanes and villages.
The vast labyrinth of lanes extending across this landscape provides almost infinite possibilities.  
 
Here is a selection of some suggested Road Cycling Routes around Cheddar....
road bike, cyclists

Road Cycling Routes Cheddar

A car-free link from the national rail network.  Easy access from Yatton station to Winscombe, Axbridge and Cheddar.  A popular family-safe cycle path.
STrawberry line route
The missing link in our local cycle network, this route connects the Strawberry Line to NCN 3 at Deer Leap.
It follows quiet lanes that avoid the busy A371 except for a half mile between Westbury and Easton, where care is required.
Cheddar-to-Wookey-Hole

A short mainly flat ride skirting Nyland Hill.  Most of the route is on quiet lanes.

Nyland
Follow the Strawberry Line towards Winscombe and then turn left to follow quiet lanes around the base Crook Peak.  Take care crossing the A38 before rejoining the Strawberry Line at Axbridge.
Strawberry-Line-Loop
A pleasant route leading along the spine of the Isle of Wedmore with panoramic views.
Mudgely
The flat route from Cheddar leads up and over the Isle of Wedmore and then decends to the levels.  It's a flat route route passing through Mark which leads to Sweet's Tea Rooms conveniently situated at the half way point.  The route ascends to the A371 at Easton and a short section of this busy road - you can avoid this by turning left on the B3139 and returning via Wedmore.
Levels and sweets tea
Follow the Strawberry Line towards Sandford before turning off to follow gradually ascending lanes to Shipham.  A short steep climb is followed by a descent and left turn into Long Bottom. This gradual climb finished with a steep section before leveling off on the Mendip plateau.  An undulating route passes through Charterhouse before the final descent of Cheddar Gorge.
SL-Shipham-Charterhouse
A short loop on the Mendip Plateau, beginning and ending with Cheddar Gorge.  Quiet lanes, and wonderful views.  
Mendip-Loop-20m
After the steep ascent of the Mendip escarpment, the route weaves through the village of Priddy.  After the descent of Harptree Hill the route follows narrow lanes that switch back around Blagdon Lake.  Burrington Combe follows, a long but gradual climb followed by quiet lanes through Charterhouse before a final descent of Cheddar Gorge.
SL-Shipham-Charterhouse
Follow Cheddar Gorge up onto the Mendip plateau and then follow a network of quiet lanes along the northern escarpment enjoying views across Chew Valley Lake. There are more wonderful views towards Glastonbury as the route loops back through the village of Priddy towards the long free-wheel back to Cheddar.
Mendip-Loop-31
A flat ride across the Somerset Levels to the sea front at Burnham on Sea
Burnham-on-Sea
An easy start along the Strawberry Line followed by gentle gradients leads to the River Avon and passes under the famous suspension bridge.  The route back passes over gentle hills before the big climb up the Mendip escarpment.  From there it's a flat ride to the final descent of Cheddar Gorge.
Avon-Gorge
A superb varied ride around the iconic Glastonbury Tor.  Follow the undulating road to Wedmore and ascend to the viewpoint at Mudgely.  Carry on past Sweets Tea Rooms and acoss the Levels to Ashcott.   Follow the ascending ridge-way with great views on either side.  Then descend and wriggle your way along the lanes through the Glastonbury Festival site.  The route continues, winding along quiet roads, until it briefly joins the A371 at Easton.  Back lanes are then followed back to Cheddar.
Glastonbury-Orbital
Highly recommended fabulous ride through constantly varied landscapes. The far point is the beautiful village of Mells which offers two refreshment options.
Mells
A very full day!  Scenic riding leads to urban cycle routes skirting the centre of Bristol.  The busy Bristol to Bath cycle path follows and brings you to the outskirts of the Georgian city of Bath.  From here the Two Tunnels route provides a subterranean bypass to the surrounding hills and leads on the top of the old coal mining town of Radstock.  Another long section of the cycle path leads to the eastern Mendips and a return along quiet lanes.
Bristol---Bath
Probably the best Road Cycling Route from Cheddar. Along the foot of Mendip and then the coastal route from Weston-super-Mare to Burnham on Sea.  Then across the Levels to the Polden ridge to skirt around Glastonbury. From here roller-coaster hills take you east until you join the cycle path to the old coal mining town of Radstock.  From here its a gradual climb to the Mendip plateau and the final free-wheel down Cheddar Gorge.
100-miles

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MTB Top 5

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Rowberrow Warren is privately owned woodland managed by Forestry England under lease. Ride Mendips have secured permission to develop and maintain official mountain bike trails within its boundaries. There are two official […]

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Extraordinary Experiences

Nestling at the foot of the stunning Mendip Hills, Cheddar has been a welcoming place for visitors since the earliest times. Renown for the amazing gorge, the village features some fine buildings and many great independent cafés, restaurants, shops and pubs, and the small medieval market town of Axbridge is only a 30 minute walk away.

Today Cheddar is a haven for anyone who enjoys both natural beauty and outdoor adventure while also being conscious of the need to look after the natural environment.

Our Core Values

  • Responsible enjoyment of the natural environment.

  • The conservation of the earth’s resources and the protection of wildlife habitats.

  • Access for all – facilities and support for people of all abilities.