The best traffic-free bike rides in Barrington Hill National Nature Reserve

There are over 70 no-traffic touring cycling routes available in and around Barrington Hill National Nature Reserve. These routes offer a variety of distances and difficulty levels, ensuring there's something for every touring cyclist.

The no-traffic touring cycling routes in this area vary significantly. You can find routes as short as 16 km, like the Middlewood Climb – Castle Neroche Woods loop from Bickenhall, which takes around 1.5 hours. Longer routes, such as the Taunton Castle – Goodlands Gardens loop from Horton, can extend to over 36 km and take more than 2 hours.

The routes cater to various skill levels. You'll find 15 easy routes, 36 moderate routes, and 22 difficult routes. For example, the Candlelight Inn loop from Bickenhall is considered difficult due to its elevation gain, while many others, like the The Lowest Ridge Ride – The Stable Café loop from Bickenhall, are moderate.

The spring and summer months are particularly rewarding. In spring, the meadows of Barrington Hill National Nature Reserve are vibrant with green-winged orchids and other wildflowers, offering a picturesque backdrop. The quiet country roads are pleasant for cycling throughout the warmer seasons, allowing you to enjoy the serene landscapes and views across the South Somerset countryside.

Yes, many of the routes are suitable for families, especially those classified as 'easy' or 'moderate' with less elevation. The general character of the area, with its quiet country roads and scenic rural landscape, makes it ideal for a relaxed family cycling experience away from heavy traffic.

While the routes themselves are on public roads and paths where dogs are generally permitted, Barrington Hill National Nature Reserve is a sensitive wildlife area. If you plan to visit the reserve itself, it's crucial to keep dogs under close control, ideally on a lead, to protect the rare grassland habitats and ground-nesting birds. Always check local signage for specific restrictions.

You can expect to cycle through tranquil and picturesque settings. The routes often traverse rolling hills, open countryside, and past well-established hedgerows. You'll encounter views across the South Somerset countryside, including glimpses of distant church towers and field patterns. The area is known for its rural and unspoiled nature, connecting to the broader Somerset region with its distinctive Mendip Hills and Somerset Levels.

While specific parking facilities directly at the reserve for cyclists are not detailed, the area around Barrington Hill National Nature Reserve, including nearby villages like Horton, Bickenhall, and Hatch Beauchamp, offers various parking options. Look for public car parks or designated roadside parking in these villages, which serve as good starting points for many routes.

Yes, the villages surrounding Barrington Hill National Nature Reserve, such as Horton, Bickenhall, and Hatch Beauchamp, offer amenities including cafes, pubs, and accommodation options. These can serve as convenient stops for refreshments or overnight stays during your touring cycling adventure.

Public transport options directly to Barrington Hill National Nature Reserve are limited. However, the reserve is situated near established cycling networks like National Route 3 and Regional Route 30 (South Somerset Cycle Road) of the Sustrans National Cycle Network. Cyclists can use public transport to reach larger towns in Somerset, such as Taunton, and then cycle to the reserve via these connected routes.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet country roads, the serene rural landscapes, and the opportunity to explore the unspoiled South Somerset countryside away from traffic. The connection to the Sustrans National Cycle Network is also frequently appreciated for enabling longer, integrated tours.