Help me build a route round Cheddar
Discussion
I really want to ride up Cheddar Gorge for some reason.
I live in Southampton and will chuck the bike in the car, drive a bit closer then do a 4hrs(ish)/60-70mile ride around the area. Was thinking about starting in Frome. Any suggestions?
(happy to be told Cheddar is actually rubbish and you should go here instead)
I live in Southampton and will chuck the bike in the car, drive a bit closer then do a 4hrs(ish)/60-70mile ride around the area. Was thinking about starting in Frome. Any suggestions?
(happy to be told Cheddar is actually rubbish and you should go here instead)
Shame you hadn't posted this earlier as my father-in-law was here and he's a Bristol South CC member so this in his local area. I think the gorge features in that 100 climbs book but is one of the easiest climbs in there. Always busy with cyclists and cars, tourists etc. I want to ride it also!
The gorge is a lovely climb, the first part is steeper and there is a really nasty left hand turn near the bottom but it then evens out and I really enjoyed it last summer.
There are however lots of steeper bits in and around the area of that floats your boat.
I approach from North bristol so my routes wouldn't really help but I reckon Pablo could help you out, he seems to know the area very well cycling wise.
There are however lots of steeper bits in and around the area of that floats your boat.
I approach from North bristol so my routes wouldn't really help but I reckon Pablo could help you out, he seems to know the area very well cycling wise.
In 2 weeks time, there's the www.somersetgranfondo.co.uk sportive, if you'd prefer to ride with others around you.
I'd drive to Wincanton, right on the 303, and then ride from there to Frome, via Alfred's Tower, then to Wells - either North or South of Mendip offers a lovely route, but stay off the 361, then climb up One of the hills from Wells towards Cheddar and loop round and through the Gorge. Stay high for an easy ride back to Wincanton.
IroningMan said:
I'd drive to Wincanton, right on the 303, and then ride from there to Frome, via Alfred's Tower, then to Wells - either North or South of Mendip offers a lovely route, but stay off the 361, then climb up One of the hills from Wells towards Cheddar and loop round and through the Gorge. Stay high for an easy ride back to Wincanton.
I attempted Alfreds Tower on the Lionheart sportive a few years back. I reckon I'd make it up nowadays, just, but back then I had to get off and push. That is a seriously steep climb!I would definitely recommend descending the Gorge, especially if it's a nice day. One of my all time great rides was flying down the Gorge, chasing my mate in his car, trying to make it to Burnham on Sea before sundown at the end of Chase The Sun...
nike 5 said:
In 2 weeks time, there's the www.somersetgranfondo.co.uk sportive, if you'd prefer to ride with others around you.
I'm tied to a certain date, which isn't that weekend. Thought I'd be able to use their route but it goes the wrong way for me.You could start and finish this loop pretty much anywhere on the course
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/346063807
The miles around the levels are nice easy miles but its good scenery and empty roads. If you start in Wells, head up the 371 towards Easton and then on to Priddy but thats a savage climb so early in the route.
Alternatively start in Axbridge, which is longer in the car from Southampton, but means you hit Cheddar early and then get a long break before Priddy and Burrington Combe. Burrington is well worth including in the route as its a well known and challenging climb. There is a great cafe in Axbridge too! Another good start point is the huge lay-by on Chapel Lane on the West side of Chew Valley Lake, again this gives you some good warm up miles before the first climb.
The route can also be easily amended to miss out the levels, then go straight into the climb up to Priddy before turning west and heading down the Gorge which is an entertaining descent...
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/346063807
The miles around the levels are nice easy miles but its good scenery and empty roads. If you start in Wells, head up the 371 towards Easton and then on to Priddy but thats a savage climb so early in the route.
Alternatively start in Axbridge, which is longer in the car from Southampton, but means you hit Cheddar early and then get a long break before Priddy and Burrington Combe. Burrington is well worth including in the route as its a well known and challenging climb. There is a great cafe in Axbridge too! Another good start point is the huge lay-by on Chapel Lane on the West side of Chew Valley Lake, again this gives you some good warm up miles before the first climb.
The route can also be easily amended to miss out the levels, then go straight into the climb up to Priddy before turning west and heading down the Gorge which is an entertaining descent...
Edited by anonymous-user on Sunday 19th April 18:45
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