We were going to an Exmoor weekend last year, but given everything that’s still going on, we’re going to do a big day out instead.
This is a great route showcasing some of the great riding in the Porlock and Minehead area – spectacular views, epic descents and a beach 🙂
We start at Porlock and head out up towards Selworth Beacon for our first view of the sea, before dropping down and then up to the top of Wootton Common, where the Southern Enduro champs have been held for several years. After a choice of technical or loose descents, we will have a rest at the bottom in Wootton Courtenay.
From there we’re off to the fun steep tracks of Horner Woods, before returning to the top to descent the last fun hill back into Porlock.
This isn’t the longest ride (26km), but there is over 800m of climbing and the terrain is generally loose rock. All the hills are steep – up and down – but pushing up hill is welcome (and occasionally necessary). On the descents most of the tracks are covered in loose rocks and some are fairly steep. It’s a reasonably technical ride with steep climbs. We’ll be taking a leisurely pace, but it’s a tough ride.
Meet in the Doverhay car park, opposite the Spar on the High Street in Porlock for a 10.30am start.
(which ironically is the same as I did 2 years ago!)From the 3 Trees we will head out on the Ridgeway out to the bottom of Barbury Castle. This is further out on the Ridgeway from where we will drop down into the beautiful Vale of Rockley. A short sharp climb takes us to the top of a byway down to Ogbourne Maisey and then home along the old railway line cycle route.
Like cake?! (final one is optional!)
We will stop at Aldbourne for a drink and cake at Time at the Forge, before heading back over Fox Hill and down through the Hinton Parva Coombes and back to Wanborough.
There’s nothing technical on the route, so just the hills to contend with.