Best Cycle Routes in Exmoor
The notoriously hilly cycle routes on Exmoor will test even experienced road cyclists. Some of the highlights include the infamous Porlock Hill, the Exmoor section of the 2007 Tour of Britain and the 'holy grail' loop of the national park. The upside of the challenging terrain is that you’ll be treated to fabulous panoramic views of the moor, its wooded river valleys and the beautiful coastline.
If you’re looking for something a little gentler, don't worry – you can also pedal peacefully through country lanes from Dulverton to the striking Tarr Steps clapper bridge, while families can venture off-road to explore Wimbleball Lake or ride along the beach at Minehead seafront.
Tip: Regular riders will already be familiar with route planning apps like Komoot and Strava, but for the uninitiated, if you’re planning a spot of Exmoor cycling, they’re an essential part of any cyclist’s armoury. When you sign up, they offer numerous routes with detailed GPS files to download that will help you find your way.
Coastal road routes
Porlock Hill and Toll Road
If you’d like to take on this renowned coastal route from the village of Porlock towards Lynton, you have two choices. The Porlock Hill Main Road (A39) is the most famous of Exmoor’s cycle climbs, following the steepest A road in the country on a 1.6-mile route with two 180-degree hairpin bends at the bottom and a back-breaking 1000-foot ascent. Rated in the top ten hill climbs for cyclists in the UK, it’s a serious challenge for experienced riders only.
Unsurprisingly, most people opt for the easier Porlock Scenic Toll Road (small fee for cyclists), which starts from the village of Porlock and forks right from the A39 just after the Ship Inn. Built in the 1840s to bypass Porlock Hill, the four-mile route is still a constant climb with an elevation gain of 370 metres, but after winding through woodland with glimpses of the sea for around 2.5 miles, it opens onto heather-covered moorland where you’ll be rewarded with superb views across the Bristol Channel to the Gower Peninsula. There’s a picnic area and several benches en route where you can stop for a breather if you're finding it tough.
Tip: Don’t confuse this route with that of the Worthy toll road from Porlock Weir, which is less well maintained. The PlotaRoute website has a useful map.
Lynmouth to Minehead
This 19-mile road route follows the A39 from Lynmouth to Minehead for most of the way, and includes the Porlock Scenic Toll Road. The first few miles will test your stamina on a steep climb, before a longer, steady uphill section, and then a glorious five-mile descent back towards the coast. Needless to say, there are some spectacular views of the sea along the way.
If you have non-cyclists with you, they could take the bus – the Exmoor Coaster service follows a similar route. Photos and a film on their website will give you a taster of what you can see.
Country lane routes
Dulverton to Tarr Steps
This five-mile ride on the B3222 and B3223 takes around 45 minutes to an hour. Starting from the charming market town of Dulverton, the route takes you through Higher Combe and Liscombe to the longest ‘clapper bridge’ in the UK, a striking medieval crossing over the River Barle. The surrounding nature reserve there has a pretty two-mile circular walking trail along the river, and there are several spots that are great for a paddle or a swim. Dulverton itself is home to a National Park Centre, where volunteers can offer advice on the route.
Exford circular routes
Komoot suggests some great road routes that start and finish in Exford, taking in some of the most dramatic features of the moor. We’d suggest the Dunkery beacon road summit loop, a 22-mile circular that takes in Dunkery Beacon, the highest point on the moor. It usually takes two or three hours, depending on how often you stop to take in the fabulous views.
Scenic and historic rides
Exmoor Tour of Britain Cycle Route
This testing 60-mile route recreates the 2007 South West stage of the Tour of Britain, which attracted 30,000 spectators on its journey around the moor. If you’re an experienced road cyclist, it’s possible to complete this in a (tough) day ride of around six hours, but of course you could also take your time, enjoy the views, and plan an overnight stop (or two) along the way.
Launched back in 2008, the route (starting from Minehead Visitor Centre in this case) takes in the Porlock Toll Road, then continues via Lynmouth, Simonsbath, Exford, Wheddon Cross and Washford, before returning to the start point. A useful route leaflet outlines the different sections of the ride.
Simonsbath to Wheddon Cross
This 10-mile route, regularly used as a section of longer sportive rides, follows the B3223 and B3324 right through the heart of the moor. You’ll cross the Exe River Valley at Exford and pass Dunkery Beacon on the way, before climbing to the village of Wheddon Cross, the highest on the moor.
Family-friendly routes
If you want to take your family cycling on Exmoor, here are our picks for a couple of more gentle rides.
Minehead Seafront Loop
Not every cycle route on Exmoor involves a punishing hill climb. This easy eight-mile loop (with thanks to the Caravan Club) runs mostly on traffic-free paths and country lanes, with just one short stretch on the A39, and is suitable for all ages and abilities, with views of the coast and Exmoor all the way. There are plenty of places to stop for a breather (or an ice-cream) on Minehead’s seafront, and you can also explore the house and gardens at beautiful Dunster Castle en route.
Wimbleball Lake
Managed by the South West Lakes Trust, Wimbleball Lake is a 374-acre reservoir with a number of off-road cycle trails to explore in its surroundings. The best for families is the bridleway from the Visitor Centre that passes through woodland with views of the water to the impressive dam on the River Haddeo, 1.3 miles away. There’s a viewpoint here where you can watch the water plunging over a 160-foot drop and into the valley below.
The Exmoor National Park website has a useful video that traces the route. If the kids still have energy to burn, you could combine your trip with some fun on the water – kayaks, canoes and rowing boats are available to hire from the lake’s Activity Centre.
Cycle climbs and events
Exmoor Forest Climb
This tough seven-mile climb runs south from Lynton to Hoar Tor at the top of the Exmoor hills, with great views back over the Bristol Channel and forward over the moor on the way. At the outset, the first couple of miles along the East Lyn River have a moderate 4% gradient, followed by a steeper (10-14%) middle section, and a gradual 2% at the end, gaining around 425 metres overall. Weather conditions can change quickly on the moor, so we’d recommend checking the forecast before you set out.
Great Exmoor Ride
Held at the end of August/beginning of September every year, this ‘challenging but relaxed’ annual ride covers 66 miles, running from the Silk Mills Park & Ride in Taunton (outside the moor) to the sea at Blue Anchor near Minehead via Exmoor. This sociable event has been universally praised for its excellent organisation and a supportive and friendly atmosphere. It’s billed as a ‘recreational’ ride – there are no timings involved – but typically for Exmoor, there are plenty of climbs, so fitness and determination are prerequisites if you’re not an experienced road cyclist.
The route, on predominantly quiet country roads and lanes, is signposted all the way, with medical and mechanical support, and includes a couple of official refreshment stops. Along with the climbs, riders get to enjoy countryside, moorland and coastal views en route. Take a look at the 2023 route (includes GPS files) for an idea of what to expect. For full details of how to enter, (effusive) rider comments and lots of useful information, visit the Great Exmoor Ride website.
Start planning your Exmoor cycling trip
Exmoor’s reputation for dramatic road rides and steep climbs is well deserved, and if your idea of a good ride involves a proper challenge, you’ve come to the right place. But if you pick your spot, you’ll also be able to explore riverside villages, nature reserves and beaches that typify the beauty of this wild and rewarding national park. For more Exmoor cycling inspiration, have a look at these websites.
Exmoor National Park - Cycling
Komoot - Top 20 Most Beautiful Road Cycling Routes on Exmoor
If you’re looking for somewhere to camp after your ride, check out Pitchup's collection of campsites on Exmoor.