Exmoor isn’t the kind of place you simply visit. It’s a landscape you feel in your legs, in your lungs, and in the quiet moments when the moor opens up and the world suddenly seems very, very big. For cyclists, it’s a dream: a rugged, rolling playground of steep climbs, sweeping descents and hidden valleys where the only traffic jam is a herd of red deer.

Whether you’re a seasoned road rider, a gravel explorer, or a family looking for a gentle spin, Exmoor delivers something unforgettable. What makes it special:

  • Wild moorland riding offers big skies, open horizons, and a sense of total freedom.
  • Deep wooded valleys provide cool, sheltered climbs and twisting descents.
  • Coastal drama with vistas of some of the highest sea cliffs in England.
  • Quiet lanes with barely a car in sight, even in summer.

It’s not flat — let’s be honest. But the hills are part of the charm and they give you stories to tell.

Exmoor is home to some of the UK’s most memorable road rides.

  • Porlock Hill is a brutal, beautiful beast. One of Britain’s steepest paved roads.
  • The Toll Road offers a gentler, scenic alternative with sweeping views.
  • Valley of Rocks Loop has coastal cliffs, feral goats, and a rollercoaster of a road.
  • Dunkery Beacon is the highest point on Exmoor, with panoramic views worth every pedal stroke.

    If you prefer dirt under your tyres, Exmoor is a treasure trove for gravel & mountain biking.

    • Wimbleball Lake trails have flowing gravel, lakeside views, and family‑friendly loops.
    • Horner Woods is technical singletrack and rooty climbs.
    • Watersmeet is rugged, remote, and wildly beautiful.
    • Brendon Hills provide long climbs, fast descents, and big‑sky riding.

      Family-Friendly Cycling: Exmoor has gentle, scenic options too:

      • Dunster to Minehead has a choice of quiet lanes, a castle, and plenty of cafés.
      • Wimbleball Reservoir loops have smooth paths and picnic spots.
      • Tarka Trail (nearby) is a flat, traffic‑free route perfect for kids.

      • Tips for Riding Exmoor Like a Local

        • Bring low gears because some of the climbs are short but savage.
        • Pack layers because weather changes fast on the moor.
        • Carry food as villages are spaced out, and cafés close early.
        • Respect wildlife because ponies and deer have right of way.
        • Use an e‑bike if you want to enjoy the views without the peddling!
        • Photo credit Shaun Davey