Long Distance Cycle Routes

Route 1 - West Country Way

Route 3 of the National Cycle Network (Lands End to Bristol) passes through Somerset.

It enters the south west of the county from Tiverton (in Devon) heading east over Exmoor. Continues along canal towpaths and quiet lanes to Taunton and the Somerset Levels to Glastonbury before the climb onto the Mendip Hills. The route then continues to Bristol.

There are two other National Routes passing through Somerset. Route 26 is being developed and will link Wells, Castle Cary and Yeovil. Route 33, the Wessex Cycle Way will connect Weston-Super-Mare to Seaton via Chard.

Guides are available from Tourist Information Centres and Sustrans, 35 King Street, Bristol, BS1 4DZ. Telephone 0117 929 0888 www.sustrans.org.uk

Route 2 - South Somerset Cycle Route

This 100 mile cycle route around the South Somerset countryside takes you on quiet lanes from the busy market town of Yeovil, on the Dorset border, eastwards to the undulating hills and vales around Wincanton, across the low lying Somerset Moors and then west towards Devon and Chard, returning through the warm hamstone villages of South Somerset.

A guide to the route is available from South Somerset Tourist Information Centres.

Route 3 - Coleridge Way

The Coleridge Bridle Way is a 33 mile trail and offers horseriders a two or three day ride through a stunning variety of scenery alternating between open panoramic views and deep wooded combes. Also starting in Nether Stowey it follows the route of the Coleridge Way except where shown by the dotted line and finishes in Exford. There are opportunities to stay in horse friendly accommodation and to extend your stay by linking into other circular routes.

Further information on the route is available from Porlock Visitor Centre or the Coleridge Way Website.

Route 4 - Colliers Way

The Colliers Way (NCN 24) is a 17 mile route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders between Dundas Aqueduct, Radstock and Frome making use of disused railway lines and quiet country lanes.

The long and fascinating history of mining and life in the North Somerset Coalfields can be discovered at the Radstock Museum.

Frome is also steeped in history with more listed buildings than any other town in Somerset.

Further information is available from the Colliers Way Website.

Route 5 - National Cycle Route 33

NCN 33 is still under development, but will eventually run from Bristol to the seaside town of Seaton in Devon.

Large sections of the route are already open in Somerset, including an exciting stretch along the beach from near Weston-Super-Mare to Highbridge and a long stretch from Bridgwater to Chard via Langport and Ilminster. From Bridgwater to Langport, the route follows the attractive River Parrett and passes the Langport & River Parrett Visitor centre, where you can hire bicycles and explore a further network of 4 signposted cycle routes. Between Chard and Ilminster the route is along a purpose built traffic-free railway path.

The route linking these two existing sections (Highbridge to Bridgwater) is due to be opened in Spring 2009.

For more information, see the Sustrans website or download this free leaflet.

Route 6 - The Strawberry Line/NCN 26

National Cycle Route 26 runs from Portishead on the North Somerset Coast to Portland Bill in Dorset. It passes though some of Somerset’s most scenic and historic towns, including Cheddar, Wells, Glastonbury and Castle Cary.

The route follows a mixture of traffic-free paths and quiet country roads, including The Strawberry Line – a traffic-free route along a disused railway line from Clevedon to Cheddar. An ideal to way to avoid going over the steep Mendip Hills!

The section between Glastonbury and Castle Cary is not yet complete, but will be finalised and signposted in Spring 2009.

For more information on the route, see the Sustrans website.