Here are a few of our recent rides. There are links to route maps or (if you have Tracklogs software) Tracklogs files for some of the routes at the end. Let me know if you have any questions about the rides, or have a ride that you want me to put up: s.lester at devmts.co.uk Current rides: Shorter and gentler routes (all circular)
Taunton to West Buckland Start Somerset College (SCAT). Circular, 13 miles (fairly gentle). Coffee stop at Willowbrook Nursery on the A38. Two routes to Hestercombe 16 miles. Start at the Brewhouse, Taunton. The route goes out via the canal and Creech St Michael, crossing over the A361 to West Newton and A38 to Adsborough. Two alternatives from Adsborough provide either a long but steady ascent or a more up-and-down route with less overall climb (total +/- 240m or 270m). Tracklogs file attached below: Hestercombe (2). Taunton to Wellington circular Start at Castle School/SCAT. Circular, 17 miles. Gently undulating. Choice of coffee stops in Wellington. Click to see the route on Cycle-Route.com. Curry Run (North Curry and Curry Mallet) Start Vivary Park. Circular, 19 miles. +/- 285 metres (undulating
with two short steep hills). Coffee
stops at North Curry or Curry Mallet. Ilminster Meeting House Start Taunton or Stoke St Mary. Circular, 31 miles. +/- 500 metres (shortish steep section near the start then gently undulating). Coffee stop at the Meeting House in Ilminster. Click to see the route on MapMyRide. A long way to Langport Start at Vivary Park and head out via Stoke St Mary, West Hatch, Hatch Beauchamp, Curry Mallet, Isle Brewers and Hambridge. Return by the shorter route via Stathe, North Curry and Creech St Michael. Coffee stops at Curry Mallet post office, Langport (we used the Wharf), or North Curry. Circular, 34 miles and +/- 450 metres. See 'Attachments' below for the Tracklogs file for this route. Langport and Broadway Start Blackbrook leisure centre. Circular, 37 miles. +/- 500 metres
(undulating). This is a more direct route to Langport via North Curry that returns via Shepton Beauchamp, Broadway and Staple Fitzpaine. Coffee
stop at North Curry or Langport, or choice of pubs. Taunton Trail This is a circular route around Taunton that avoids going into the town centre. The route will shortly be signposted courtesy of Cycle Somerset and Taunton Deane Borough Council. It can be joined at any point, and there are plenty of refreshment stops along the way. The circle is 38 miles, +/- 600 metres (undulating). South Somerset Villages Start Stoke St Mary village hall. Circular, 45 miles. +/- 900 metres (fairly hilly with a couple of steep climbs). There's a choice of lunch and coffee stops: we used the Meeting House in Ilminster for coffee (alternatives are Bilby's and the cider farm at Dowlish Wake), and the Prince of Wales on Ham Hill for lunch. See 'Attachments' below for the Tracklogs file for this route, or click to see the route on MapMyRide. Northeastern Blackdowns Start Stoke St Mary village hall. Circular, 30 miles. +/- 800 metres (hilly with a few steep climbs). Choice of pubs (no cafés): Candlelit Inn in Bishopswood, York in Churchinford, or the Harriers (just off the route) or Holman Clavel on the Blackdowns ridge. Tracklogs file attached below, or click to see the route on MapMyRide.Blackdowns Triangle Suggested start Churchinford, but can be joined anywhere e.g. Culmstock for Wellington-based cyclists. Circular, 30 miles or just over. +/- 825 metres (hilly, the main climbs are out of Honiton back on to the Blackdowns and a gradual ascent up the Culm Valley to return to Churchinford). Suggested coffee/lunch stops Boston Tea Party (Honiton), Strand Stores (Culmstock), or Jacqui Rees' deli (off route near Churchinford). Or pubs in all three locations. Airfields of the Blackdowns and Levels Start Vivary Park. Circular, 65 miles. +/- 1100 metres (some steep hills on the outward section, second half relatively flat). Coffee stop at Dunkeswell, choice of pubs. This themed ride visits five WWII airfields: Dunkeswell, Smeatharpe, Culmhead, Ilton and Westonzoyland. Also stop off in Dunkeswell church for some wartime history. Nether Stowey and Combwich Start Vivary Park. Circular, 36 miles. +/- 850 metres (hilly - crosses the Quantocks). Coffee
stops at Nether Stowey (farm shop on A39) or Cannington (in the gardens), choice of pubs. The Brendons Beast Very hilly ride from Dunster back to Bishops Lydeard. Linear, 25 miles (plus 15 or so if starting from Taunton). +950 metres, very hilly. Makes use of the West Somerset Railway: the 10.25 train (2010 timetable) arrives in Dunster at 11.33, allowing enough time to arrive at Ralegh's Cross for (late) lunch. NOTE From Roadwater follow the old mineral line (no through road), then when the tarmac runs out take the track on the right past the house (old mill), bear left, turn left on to another track, then go under a bridge. There is now a very steep section up to the road: turn left at the top, then right on to the main road which will take you up to Raleghs Cross. Coast to Coast ride: Watchet to Seaton Hilly, 45 miles and 1100m of climb. Train to Watchet (10.25 arrives 11.11) and arranged transport at Seaton, or cycle back (+ 30 miles to Taunton). Click to see the route on MapMyRide. Another Coast to Coast ride: Cycle for Sight (15th May 2010) Start Seaton Esplanade - Finish The Apex Park, Burnham. Linear, 51 miles. +/- 300 metres (Undulating, most climbing is done in the first 15 miles, then its a general descent to the levels). Coffee
stops TBA. Lunch provisionally at the Willows and wetlands visitor centre Meare Green. This route requires arranged transport. |
Routes |