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Exmoor Cycle Route - Route Description

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Exmoor Cycle Route

Starting in Minehead at the visitor centre you will have the chance to warm up on the flat ground.

Then make your way towards the quaint village of Porlock with its plethora of antique shops, tea rooms and pubs. Touring riders can enjoy looking around or perhaps an excursion to the pebble beach at Porlock Weir before approaching the first big test.

There are only two ways out of Porlock heading West and both involve going up, the Tour of Britain riders took the tool road to avoid a pile of cyclists instead of a peloton. A single track road climbs at a steady pace, a King of the Mountains challenge sheltered by the wood on either side. Part way up a window has been cut through the trees offering sweeping views of Porlock bay and a well positioned park bench to make use of. On the way up there is also a Toll booth, so have your £1 ready if you intend to cycle non-stop.

As you reach the top you will then wind your way along the A39 past the Culbone Inn and across the Devon/Somerset border, as you go over the border to your left is the infamous Doone Valley, the setting of the RD Blackmore's Lorna Doone, a classic novel.

The road will now start to drop as you head towards Lynmouth and past the Blue Ball, the warning sign of 1 in 4 gradient marks the start of the descent down Countisbury Hill to Lynmouth. The top section isn't too steep and there is nothing to stop you going flat out, however make sure your breaks are in good order for the final third as the escape roads aren't recommended on a bike.

On approach to Lynmouth you turn left and begin to climb back up from sea level, your next King of the Mountain challenge, alongside the East Lyn River. This is where the infamous Lynmouth Flood too place in August 1952.
Past the Watersmeet National Trust Tea Room you take a left at Hillsford Bridge and begin a steeper climb up onto the common. Here you can dodge the wild Exmoor ponies, cattle and sheep, on a clear day you will experience fantastic 360˚ views.

A drop down into the village of Simonsbath where there is the Exmoor National Park Saw Mills, a short climb out of the village you will find a well deserved straight along Gallon House and past an excellent B&B at Higher Riscombe.
The route will then take you into the village of Exford where you can lunch in one of the village pubs or refuel in the village shop.

Keep pedalling as you are soon to reach Wheddon Cross and your third and final King of the Mountains challenge out of the village. Along the top heading towards Elworthy you can catch a glimpse of the Bristol Channel and the hills of Wales. There is the temptation to stop at the pub at Raleigh's Cross.

When approaching the cross way at Elworthy Burrows take a left and head towards Washford, you are veering slightly off the route now to make it circular, do keep on heading towards Taunton if you think you can make it. This road will lead you back onto the A39 and then keep heading back towards Minehead.

Keep an ear to the ground for whistles and puffing (other than your own) as the road you are following is crossed several times by West Somerset Steam Railway.
Touring riders with more time on their hands can detour into the medieval village of Dunster and visit the National Trust Castle.

Once back in Minehead you can return your hired cycle to Pompy's or take a ride home on the steam railway!