With the unfortunate cancellation of the BMW in Cumbria, here's another
chance to show your hill climbing abilities on the *Quantock Hills,
Somerset, UK*.
The Quantock Hills are a fairly compact ridge between Exmoor and
Taunton, to the south of the Bristol Channel. The ridge is only about
ten miles long but contains one of the highest concentrations of
bridleways in the country, so is very popular with cyclists. Along the
top of the ridge is a fairly level green lane suitable for riders of all
abilities, while the combes on either side of the "inverted jelly mould"
shape provide some fantastic descents and challenging climbs for the
adventurous.
There are two YHA hostels within spitting distance of the hills for
people who enjoy a roof over their head. There are a few campsites
around but more research on my part is needed before deciding on one for
those who wish to camp (yay!) so watch this space for updates.
At the bottom of an excellent descent to the north of the ridge lies a
good tea room; there are numerous pubs all around, and there's generally
an ice-cream van at the top.
The date - *4th-5th of June* - is under quite a few constraints, so
apologies to people who aren't available that weekend. Any earlier and
it runs into various university dates; any later and it conflicts with
the Solent ride the week after and the Mountain Mayhem later that month.
However if anyone feels like visiting any other weekend drop me a
line... 🙂
A map of the hills can be found '*here*' (http://tinyurl.com/473yw). The
ridge runs roughly north-west to south east; the Forestry Commission
land to the south has some good fire roads and a few short technical
sections, while the more open land to the north contains many miles of
singletrack. The hills are easy to get to; twenty minutes by road from
Taunton or Bridgwater on the M5. Bridgwater and Taunton have stations,
and anyone arriving by train should have no difficultly scrounging a
lift from there to the hills (I go past that way, as will anyone else
driving there).
Phil
--
phil - ex-studenty type
Good, bad... I'm the guy with the Cattle Prod.
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