The best cycling routes around Buckland St Mary

There are over 160 touring cycling routes around Buckland St Mary, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. This includes approximately 30 easy routes, 87 moderate routes, and 50 difficult routes.

The Blackdown Hills AONB, where Buckland St Mary is located, features varied and picturesque terrain. You'll find a mix of mostly paved surfaces suitable for all skill levels, alongside some unpaved segments that can be more challenging. The landscape includes steep ridges, dense woodlands, and tranquil country lanes, with elevations ranging up to 311 meters, providing both leisurely rides and more challenging ascents.

Yes, there are several easy routes perfect for beginners or families. One excellent option is the Chard Reservoir – Donyatt Halt loop from Horton. This route is mostly paved and offers a gentle ride, passing by the disused Donyatt Halt, which is now a pleasant spot for a break.

For those seeking a moderate challenge, the Middlewood Climb – Forest Dirt Path loop from Staple Hill Car Park is a popular choice, featuring a significant elevation gain through varied terrain. Another highly-rated moderate route is the Taunton Castle – Goodlands Gardens loop from Horton, which offers a longer ride predominantly on paved surfaces.

Many of the touring cycling routes in the Buckland St Mary area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Bike loop from Bickenhall is a moderate 22.3 km circular trail that takes you through the scenic Blackdown Hills.

You can incorporate visits to several historical sites and landmarks. The Castle Neroche Iron Age Hill Fort is a fascinating site with earthworks of a Norman motte-and-bailey castle built on an earlier Iron Age fort. Another interesting spot is Donyatt Halt, a disused train station now part of a cycle path. Further afield, you might encounter Taunton Castle or Dillington House.

Absolutely. The Blackdown Hills AONB offers stunning natural beauty. You can find serene spots like Otterhead Lakes, or marvel at the impressive Giant Oak Tree. For panoramic vistas, look for viewpoints that offer expansive Views of the Blackdown Hills. The area also includes Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) like Long Lye, Deadman, Ruttersleigh, and Long Lye Meadow, indicating their ecological importance.

The touring cycling routes around Buckland St Mary are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an impressive average rating of 4.7 stars from nearly 200 reviews. Cyclists often praise the tranquil country lanes, the diverse and visually appealing backdrop of the Blackdown Hills, and the variety of routes catering to different abilities.

While the Blackdown Hills offer year-round beauty, winter cycling can present challenges due to potentially wet and muddy unpaved sections, as well as colder temperatures. Many routes are predominantly on paved surfaces, which can be more accessible in winter. Always check local weather conditions and route descriptions for surface types before heading out during the colder months.

Yes, beyond the immediate vicinity of Buckland St Mary, the Blackdown Hills offer longer and more challenging routes. For instance, the Honiton, Stockland and Upottery route provides extensive exploration of the Blackdown Hills with stunning countryside views and hill forts, catering to experienced touring cyclists looking for a significant challenge.

While Buckland St Mary itself is a rural village, the routes often pass through or near other villages and towns within the Blackdown Hills. Larger towns like Taunton (about 9 miles away) and Chard (about 6 miles away) offer a wider range of amenities, including cafes and shops. It's advisable to plan your route and check for refreshment stops in advance, especially on longer rides.

The Blackdown Hills AONB is characterized by varied elevations. Routes can range from gentle ascents to more challenging climbs. For example, a moderate route like the Middlewood Climb – Castle Neroche Woods loop from Bickenhall involves an elevation gain of around 290 meters, while others can reach up to 360 meters, providing a good workout for touring cyclists.