Cycling has become the nations favourite pastime, overtaking golf for the first time. One reason for its rise in popularity may be the success of British cyclists like Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome leading to increased awareness.
Cycling better suits the pace of modern life and has a cooler, less stuffy image than golf, as a result, it has also become a popular out of office jolly where business is done and contacts made. It is also a great activity for all the family which gets you out in the open air and keeps you fit.
With the increase in popularity has come an increase in well managed cycle paths, routes and trails across the country, with Somerset being no exception. Whether you are looking for family friendly cycle paths, challenging mountain bike routes or longer, road bike routes, there is no shortage of opportunities to get out on your bike.
We are a bike friendly campsite with our own Mick a keen cyclist himself, having undertaken the Prudential London 100 for the last two years. He is always on hand with advice about cycling in the area. For affordable local bike hire and repairs, try Parrett Trail Bikes in nearby Langport. They offer a wide range of bikes and accessories for hire as well as a repair and maintenance service – with skilled staff on the premises who can check and repair bikes of all makes and models.
Our site is close to a number of great trails, Discover South Somerset have put together a great, 80 mile route, split into 8 shorter sections around South Somerset which takes in the beautiful scenery in the area. Great for families the online guide has great information about the routes, what to look out for, where to take special care along with practical information about local repair shops, bike hire and stop off and detour points.
For a longer single ride, have a look at the Bridgwater to Chard Cycle Route. Following the River Parrett for most of the trail with some climbs, it is a great way to experience the unique landscape of this area of Somerset. You also get to cycle through the pretty villages of Mulchelny and Burrowbridge, offering opportunities for refreshments. Many more routes in the area, long and short can be found on the cycle-routes website
The beautiful Avalon Marshes, in the heart of the Somerset levels is a unique wetland landscape and one of the finest remaining lowland wetlands left in Britain. Its flat landscape is ideal for cyclists and they have developed four heritage cycling routes, all suitable for road bikes from as easy 11 mile route to a more challenging 18 miler, they all offer many opportunities for refreshments along the way so are idea for families. Download the guides at the Avalon Marshes website.
If you are more interested in mountain biking, the Quantock hills in Somerset offers some of the best natural mountain biking trails in the South West of England. Slightly further afield from Southfork but well worth the trip. With routes designated from easy through to very difficult, the MTB trails websites has some really comprehensive information, including photos and videos.
Whatever kind of cycling you are in to, you will find our friendly campsite is well placed to take advantage of the many cycling opportunities on offer in this beautiful part of Somerset. We have a range of level grass and hard-standing pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes available, as well as our luxury glamping pod and well equipped holiday homes.