Exmoor Cycle Route - Information
The Exmoor Cycle Route has become a favourite amongst the cycling community since its rise to fame in the 2008 tour of Britain. A combination of quiet roads and a backdrop of outstanding natural beauty create a ride that can be enjoyed by keen cyclists and families alike.
Completing the whole 60 mile undulating loop is a real challenge, however our tours split the riding into manageable and enjoyable sections, each packed with a variety of cultural and natural sights. |  |
Porlock to Lynmouth – 12 miles (19 km's)
From Porlock you will cycle up a gradually inclining toll road, twisting and turning, with several hair pin bends. This is one of the greatest cycling roads in the area, passing through wooded areas, before climbing into the heather and gorse landscape of the moors above. There is a magnificent view along the coast, over the Bristol Channel and across to Wales. |  Top of toll road |
At the top of the 4.5 miles (7 km's) climb you will join the main road connecting Porlock with Lynmouth. You will now be cycling along the top of the moors, where there are few tress, so it is often a little windy up here. However every few miles there are stopping points to have a little rest and refresh yourself.
 The Culbone Stables Inn | The first of which is the Culbone Stables Inn, found about a mile after reaching the top of the toll road. This is followed by an information point at County Gate, where you will pass from Somerset into Devon.
The next stopping point, another 5 miles along the road, is The Blue Ball Inn at Countisbury, a small hamlet with a Church. |
From here there is a steepening descent. We would recommend walking the lower section, for safety. At the bottom of the hill is Lynmouth, a thriving seaside village, best known for its harbour and its cliff railway which connects it to Lynton, a village above Lynmouth. There are also many pubs, restaurants, fish & chips and tea shops at hand to fuel up for the next stretch.
 Descent into Lynmouth |  Lynmouth |
Lynmouth to Simonsbath – 9 miles (14 km's)
The stretch between Lynmouth and Simonsbath is on very quiet roads over open moorland. This is where you will experience the rugged beauty and tranquillity of Exmoor, and are perhaps most likely to encounter wild Exmoor ponies.
 Pic taken between Lynmouth & Simonsbath |  River Barle, Simonsbath |
Simonsbath offers a choice of refreshment stops, the first of which is Boevey’s Tea Rooms, which you will encounter as you enter the village. As you leave the village you will find the Exmoor Forest Inn.
Simonsbath to Exford – 6 miles (10 km's)
 | After a further cycle across the moors you will arrive in Exford, a thriving village at the heart of Exmoor. Reward yourself with a stop in one of the villages pubs or cafes, such as The Exmoor White Horse Inn, depicted left. |
Exford to Wheddon Cross – 6 miles (10 km's)
There is a steep hill to tackle on the way out of Exford. Rather than open moorland, here the road is surrounded by Hedges on either side. Again there is little en route between Exford and Wheddon Cross, so you may be glad to find the “Rest & Be Thankful Inn” at Wheddon Cross.
Wheddon Cross to Raleigh’s Cross – 8 miles (13 km’s) There is a small hill to climb out of Wheddon Cross, before the road flattens out. You will pass a small church at Brendon Hill, shortly before arriving at the Hamlet of Raleigh’s Cross. Refreshments are available at The Raleigh’s Cross Inn. |  |
Raleigh’s Cross to Elworthy – 4 miles (6 km’s)
Following a short stretch of pedalling, you will be rewarded with a long descent into the small hamlet of Elworthy.
 | Elworthy to Monksilver – 2 miles (3 km’s) A short cycle along country lanes takes you to Monksilver, another small village. You may find refreshments at the Notley Arms pub. |
Monksilver to Washford – 3 miles (5 km’s)
After a couple of miles cycling along small country lanes you will reach a junction onto the A39. This road is busier than the quiet lanes which make up most of the route and extra care should be taken. Washford is a larger village with lots to offer, including several pubs and cafes and a steam railway station.
Washford to Dunster – 5 miles (8 km’s) On route you will pass through the hamlet of Bilbrook, and the village of Carhampton, where refreshments are available. From Carhampton there is a cycle lane, and the road is quite flat here so you will soon find yourself approaching the historic village of Dunster. Dunster is famed for its castle and ancient yarn market. We would recommend taking a break here to look around the castle, and sample a delicious cream tea. |  |
Dunster to Porlock – 8 miles (13 km’s)
Following the Exmoor Cycle route you will cycle 2 miles (3 km’s) from Dunster into the seaside town of Minehead, which has an impressive steam railway. You then cycle along the A39 for 6 miles (10 km’s) back to Porlock to complete the loop.
An alternative route, utilising quiet lanes from Dunster to Porlock is outlined below:
Dunster to Wootton Courtenay – 4 miles (6.5 km’s)
You pass through Dunster, leaving the village you make a right turn onto a narrow lane, with very little traffic. This will lead you to the very small village of Wootton Courtenay.
Wootton Courtenay to Horner – 3 miles (5 km’s)
You travel for a further 3 miles along narrow, quiet lanes. Horner is a small hamlet situated in a picturesque spot alongside the river Horner. Here you can enjoy a traditional English cream tea in delightful outdoor tea gardens.
Horner to Porlock – 1.5 miles (2.5 km’s)
After cycling alongside the river for a while, you navigate a final set of lanes on the run into Porlock.
