Top 4 Bike Parks around Mells

While Mells doesn't have traditional bike parks with lift-assisted trails, the surrounding area offers a diverse range of mountain biking and cycling routes. You'll find everything from leisurely, traffic-free paths to challenging mountain bike trails with significant elevation changes, catering to various skill levels.

Yes, there are several family-friendly options. The Nunney Pump Track is suitable for both children and adults. Additionally, the Colliers Way, a scenic former railway line, offers a 10-mile traffic-free and relatively flat section from Mells Village shop to Radstock, ideal for less confident cyclists or family rides.

One of the most popular spots is Wind Hill Bike Park, a forest area offering well-maintained trails for all skill levels, from beginner to pro. Another challenging option is the Inglesbatch to Wilmington Track, known for its tough climbs and ruts, often requiring hike-a-bike sections.

The trails vary significantly in difficulty. You can find easier mountain bike rides like the Seymour Arms Pub – Hose Gate Road Summit loop from Nunney, which is great for any fitness level. Moderate options include the Honeypot Lane Trailhead – Heaven's Gate Viewpoint loop and the Asham Woods and Quarry Trail. For more challenging rides, consider the Inglesbatch to Wilmington Track or the Stony Littleton Scramble Track.

You can visit the Nunney Pump Track, located just outside Nunney village. It's a cool little pump track that's perfect for both children and adults looking to practice their skills.

Yes, a B1ke Membership is required before visiting Wind Hill Bike Park. A helmet is mandatory, and full-face helmets are common for bigger features. Knee and elbow protection are also highly recommended due to the rocky and rooted terrain.

Beyond cycling, the Mells area offers excellent opportunities for other outdoor activities. You can explore various running trails, including the Mells River Path, or try gravel biking on routes like the Colliers Way Cycle Path.

For Wind Hill Bike Park, the car park is not at the exact location marked on some maps; it's a short ride from the park itself. It can get full quickly on weekends and school holidays, so arriving early is advisable. The entrance is narrow and hidden in the trees, located as the second turning on the right after passing a timber yard when coming from the A362 roundabout towards Longleat.

The area is rich in scenic landscapes. Routes like the Honeypot Lane Trailhead lead to viewpoints such as Heaven's Gate. The Asham Woods and Quarry Trail offers a waterfall loop, and the general terrain provides opportunities to experience the varied natural beauty of Somerset.

The best time to visit for cycling largely depends on the specific trails you plan to tackle. While many routes are enjoyable year-round, some challenging mountain bike trails, like the Stony Littleton Scramble Track, can become very muddy and difficult uphill in wet conditions. The river section at the bottom of the Inglesbatch to Wilmington Track can also get very boggy in winter. Drier months generally offer better trail conditions.

Yes, you can cycle past or near historical sites. The Farleigh Hungerford Castle – Dundas Aqueduct loop from Buckland Dinham is a moderate mountain bike ride that takes you past Farleigh Hungerford Castle. The Colliers Way also follows a historic railway line, offering a glimpse into the region's industrial past.

Visitors appreciate the variety of trails available, catering to all skill levels from beginners to pros. The well-maintained trails at places like Wind Hill Bike Park are highly praised for providing adrenaline-filled mountain biking. The scenic beauty and the option for both challenging rides and leisurely, traffic-free routes like the Colliers Way are also frequently highlighted.