Road Cycling Cheddar, the gorge & beyond
Road Cycling in Cheddar and Cheddar Valley is a top three UK must do... Whether you want to conquer the climb up Cheddar Gorge or enjoy a leisurely cruise across the levels towards Wells and Glastonbury there are plenty of quiet roads to let you enjoy the beautiful scenery.
There is easy access to the National Cycle Network with route 26 passing through the village. Route 3 can be joined at the top of the gorge or ride west towards Weston Super Mare and pick up route 33.
Here are some routes for road cycling around cheddar to make the most of your visit to the area. Routes and Maps can be found - Click here.
or... Visit sustrans.org.uk for more information.
We are convinced that Cheddar is one of the best cycling bases in the UK
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.
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 Cycling Routes Cheddar
The Strawberry Line.
10 Miles
Minimal Elevation.
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.
Cheddar to National Cycle Route
3.8 Miles.
766ft Elevation.
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.
Nyland Hill.
8 Miles.
285 ft Elevation.
A short mainly flat ride skirting Nyland Hill. Most of the route is on quiet lanes.
Strawberry Line Loop.
13 Miles.
600 ft Elevation
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.
Blackford, Mudgely, Wedmore.
18 Miles.
784 ft Elevation
A pleasant route leading along the spine of the Isle of Wedmore with panoramic views.
The Levels passing Sweets Tearoom.
26 Miles.
1000 ft Elevation.
The flat route from Cheddar leads up and over the Isle of Wedmore and then descends to the levels. It's a flat 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.
Strawberry Line to Shipham & Charterhouse.
18 Miles.
1250ft Elevation.
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.
Mendip Loop.
20 miles.
1300ft elevation.
A short loop on the Mendip Plateau, beginning and ending with Cheddar Gorge. Quiet lanes, and wonderful views.
Blagdon Lake & Burrington Combe. 30 Miles.
2469ft Elevation.
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.
Mendip Loop.
31 Miles.
1900ft Elevation.
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.
Burnham on Sea.
40 Miles.
990ft Elevation.
A flat ride across the Somerset Levels to the sea front at Burnham on Sea
Avon Gorge Loop.
50 Miles.
2682 ft Elevation.
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.
Glastonbury Orbital.
51 Miles.
2523 ft Elevation.
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.
Mells Loop.
50 Miles.
2599 ft Elevation.
Highly recommended fabulous ride through constantly varied landscapes. The far point is the beautiful village of Mells which offers two refreshment options.
Bristol & Bath.
77 Miles.
4300ft Elevation.
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.
North Somerset Grand Tour.
100 Miles.
5000 ft Elevation.
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.