The best cycling routes around Curry Mallet

There are over 180 touring cycling routes around Curry Mallet, offering a wide range of experiences for different skill levels. You'll find routes categorized as easy, moderate, and difficult to suit your preference.

The terrain around Curry Mallet is quite varied. You can expect routes that traverse the beautiful Somerset countryside, offering expansive views. To the west, the Blackdown Hills provide a dramatic backdrop with more challenging climbs, while to the north, the Somerset Levels offer flatter, easier terrain. Many routes feature a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces.

Yes, there are options suitable for families. Approximately 7 miles from Curry Mallet, Taunton offers the Foxglove Cycle Trail, an 11-mile, mostly flat route exploring green spaces and watercourses, which is ideal for families. Within Curry Mallet, you can find easier routes like The Stable Café – Fjord loop from Curry Mallet, which is rated as easy.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 170 reviews. Touring cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, from the rolling Somerset countryside to views of the Blackdown Hills and the flat expanse of the Somerset Levels, as well as the variety of routes available for different abilities.

The Curry Mallet area is rich in history. You might encounter sites like Castle Neroche Iron Age Hill Fort, Donyatt Halt, or St Peter's Church, Staple Fitzpaine. The village itself has historical significance as a 'Town of the Magna Carta Barons', and the late fifteenth-century Church of St. James is notable for its architecture. Nearby, you can also visit Taunton Castle or Dillington House.

Yes, the broader Somerset region offers an extensive network of rights of way, including long-distance routes like the River Parrett Trail. While specific long-distance touring routes starting directly from Curry Mallet are not detailed, the area's network allows for extended rides. For example, the 'Taunton Curry Mallet clockwise' route spans 30.4km, providing a good longer-distance option.

Somerset Council provides 20 walking and cycling maps to aid exploration of the region. You can find these resources on their official website: somerset.gov.uk. These maps can help you discover additional routes and connect existing ones around Curry Mallet.

Curry Mallet's location offers stunning natural backdrops. You'll cycle through the beautiful Somerset countryside with expansive views. To the west, the Blackdown Hills provide a dramatic backdrop, and to the north, you can enjoy panoramic vistas of the Somerset Levels. The Fivehead River (also known as the River Ile) runs through the village, and routes often feature attractive green spaces and watercourses.

Many routes in the area are designed to connect local villages, which often feature cafes and pubs. For instance, routes like The Bridge Café – North Curry Village Square loop from Fivehead or The Stable Café – Fjord loop from Curry Mallet indicate that such establishments are integrated into the cycling experience, providing convenient stops for refreshments.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Curry Mallet are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include Donyatt Halt – Chard Reservoir Nature Reserve loop from Ilton and North Curry Village Square – Cider Monument loop from Curry Mallet, which are both circular routes.

For a moderately challenging ride, you could consider the Donyatt Halt – Chard Reservoir Nature Reserve loop from Ilton. This 23.8-mile (38.3 km) route explores varied countryside, including a nature reserve, and typically takes around 2 hours and 33 minutes to complete.

Yes, some routes will take you through areas rich in natural beauty and potential wildlife spotting opportunities. For example, the Donyatt Halt – Chard Reservoir Nature Reserve loop from Ilton specifically includes a nature reserve, offering a chance to experience local flora and fauna during your ride.