Somerset Levels Exploratory

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Taunton Deane, England, GB

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Route Overview

Wellington Wheelers CC

Road Cycling and Mountain Biking in Somerset UK

88 mi.

3,143 ft.

Explore the Somerset levels - using quiet lanes, old railway tracks, river and canal tow paths. Visit Langport, Somerton, Glastonbury, and Sedgemoor.

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Route Details

Predominately flat ride across the Somerset levels, initially winding through lanes to North Curry, then on through the flat countryside to Langport and Somerton. 
The route then continues up and around @photo[Glastonbury Tor](1456103) for a lunch stop in Glastonbury. It then travels through the peat cutting area and through quaint villages until passing through the Polden Hills via an old railway cutting. It heads back to Wellington via @photo[river and canal towpaths](1456027), (all ok with road bike) with a final stop in the delightful Hestercombe gardens.

Route starts in Wellington and heads east through the back lanes until it reaches the A358 at the Naggs Head. Spending as little time as possible on this busy road we ride towards Langport through more quiet lanes, perhaps pausing for coffee at the bike friendly @poi[North Curry Community Cafe](1764204).

More @photo[very flat riding](1456078) to Langport joining the river Parrett and there is a nice riverside cafe (@poi[Warf cafe](1764205)) just as you enter Langport - another popular cyclist's haunt.

A short divertion south takes us to @poi[Muchelney Abbey](1764206) (English Heritage) and then on to Somerton (old capital of Wessex) and then North to Glastonbury. The route takes short climb round the @poi[Tor](1764211), @photo[see photo](1456103) (and stop to climb to the very top) before visiting the @photo[Abbey](1456051) and perhaps the @poi[Tea Rooms](1764212) opposite.

After a nice food stop the route takes Sustrans route 3 through the @poi[peat cutting](1764210) area and through a number of villages before reaching Cossington and then cutting South via the old @slice[railway cutting](d,85616.95,86876.96) to emerge onto the levels once more.

The route next goes to Westonzoyland and the Battle of Sedgemoor site (1685). Look for the sword sharpening marks on the church tower, and consider visiting the information centre and battle memorial (@photo[short walk from the sign](1456035))

The final leg takes us along the river tow path into Bridgwater, after crossing the Parrett via the @poi[railway bridge](1764208) (steps just after a low archway). It takes you back towards Taunton via the canal towpath and after North Newton cross the busy A38 and round the very busy day off at the delightful @poi[Hestercombe gardens](1764209).

Another few miles through quiet lanes brings you back to the start.

# More resources

* [Muchelney Abbey](http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/muchelney-abbey/)
* [Somerton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somerton)
* [Glastonbury Abbey](http://www.glastonburyabbey.com)
* [Battle of Sedgemoor](http://www.battlefieldstrust.com/resource-centre/viking/battleview.asp?BattleFieldId=37)
* [Hestercombe Gardens](http://www.hestercombe.com)

# Important Reminders

The levels can be very windy - take enough warm clothes.
Numerous bike shops in Taunton, Bridgwater if needed.
Take your time and enjoy the day !

Somerset Levels Exploratory

Route Overview

Route Details

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