Experience some of the most challenging and scenic cycling terrain in England on 20 graded sportive routes through the south west, from the rugged moorland climbs of Dartmoor, Exmoor, and Bodmin Moor to the rolling Cotswolds, the flat open going of the Somerset Levels, and the dramatic coastal roads of Dorset's Jurassic coastline. With miles of quiet, cycle-friendly roads and a mild climate that makes year-round riding possible, the south west is one of the finest sportive training destinations in the UK.

Suitable for beginner and experienced cyclists alike, this comprehensive Cicerone guidebook describes 20 graded sportive routes across Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, and Gloucestershire, extending as far as the Wye Valley in south Wales. Routes range from 59 to 119km (37–74 miles) with between 575 and 2155m (1885–7070ft) of climbing, carefully chosen to help you prepare for a sportive event or simply ride as classics in their own right.

• Choose from 20 graded sportive routes across the south west, covering Dartmoor, Exmoor, Bodmin Moor, the Mendips, Forest of Dean, Cotswolds, Salisbury Plain, and the Marlborough Downs, with routes named to reflect the character of each ride, from the Atlantic Roller and Tor de Moor in the far south west to Cotswold Capers, Mendip Madness, and Plain Sailing in the north and east.
• Tackle routes as standalone rides or link selected routes together for longer challenges, with shortcuts and variants available throughout to tailor every ride to your fitness, goals, and available time.
• Navigate with confidence using numbered route descriptions accompanied by clear 1:250,000 mapping and gradient profiles. GPX files are also available for download for all 20 routes.
• Plan every ride with practical information on timings, ascent figures, food stops, and access details, alongside comprehensive listings of bike shops and cycle repair facilities throughout the region.
• Prepare thoroughly for sportive cycling with useful tips on fitness, nutrition, equipment, and what to expect when covering longer distances by bike, giving you everything you need to get the most from your training.
• Ride year-round with confidence, with the south west's mild climate and good sunshine record making it one of England's best cycling destinations in every season, and all routes rideable with the right cold and wet weather clothing and lights.

Take on the roads, moors, and coastal hills of south west England with confidence using this trusted Cicerone guidebook. From the Atlantic climbs of Cornwall to the rolling Cotswolds and the Jurassic Coast of Dorset, this is the essential companion for sportive training and riding in one of England's finest cycling regions.

20 Classic Sportive Rides in South West England – Quick Facts

Location: England and south Wales – Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, and the Wye Valley
Routes covered: 20 graded sportive routes (59–119km/37–74 miles; 575–2155m/1885–7070ft of climbing)
Difficulty: Graded from flat and fast to tough and mountainous; suitable for beginner and experienced cyclists; some of the hardest climbs in the UK included
Terrain: Quiet country roads throughout; moorland climbs, rolling hills, coastal roads, and flat valley routes across the south west
Key centres: Plymouth, Exeter, Taunton, Wells, Bristol, Bath, Swindon, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Salisbury, Dorchester, Bournemouth, Chepstow, Cirencester
Route highlights: Dartmoor, Exmoor, Bodmin Moor, Mendip Hills, Forest of Dean, Cotswolds, Salisbury Plain, Marlborough Downs, Blackdown Hills, Jurassic Coast, Wye Valley
Navigation/mapping: Numbered route descriptions with 1:250,000 mapping and gradient profiles included; GPX files available to download for all 20 routes
Flexibility: Selected routes can be linked for longer challenges; shortcuts and variants available throughout
Accommodation & logistics: Comprehensive bike shop listings, food stop information, access details, and practical guidance on getting to and around the south west with your bike
Best time to go: Year-round; with the right clothing and lights all routes can be ridden in any season
Companion title: 20 Classic Sportive Rides in South East England (also available from Cicerone)

Author Top Tip

“The most dominating feature of the region for sportive cyclists is the proximity of so many superb hills… Beginners should take on the lower-grade routes in this book first to get some easier miles into their legs, then tackle the higher-grade routes, which feature the guide’s most major and challenging climbs.”

- Colin Dennis, author of 20 Classic Sportive Rides in South West England

Introduction

About Sportives
The south east of England
Getting there and getting around
When to go
Accommodation
On the road
Safety
Emergencies
Equipment
Bike maintenance
The rules of the road
Maps
Navigation
Feed Stations
Using this guide

Route 1: Atlantic Roller
Route 2:Tor de Moor
Route 3: King of the Castle
Route 4: Exe Factor
Route 5: Slam Dunk
Route 6: Blackdown Hills
Route 7: A Ridge Too Far
Route 8: Weston-Super-Nightmare
Route 9: Mid Somer Murderer
Route 10: Mendip Madness
Route 11: Over the Edge
Route 12: Forest of Dean
Route 13: Cotswold Capers
Route 14: Fool Hardy
Route 15: Jurassic Classic
Route 16: Thrill of the Chase
Route 17: Zig-Zag
Route 18: Plain Sailing
Route 19: Cheval Blanc
Route 20: Clyffe Hanger

Appendix A: Route summary table
Appendix B: Bike shops and cycle repair outfits
Appendix C: Useful contacts
 

Seasons

With its mild climate and great sunshine record, the south west is the perfect playground for year-round sportive training regimes.

Centres

Plymouth, Exeter, Honiton, Wellington, Taunton, Wells, Glastonbury, Weston-Super-Mare, Bristol, Bath, Swindon, Chepstow, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Salisbury, Dorchester, Shaftesbury, Bournemouth, Poole, Frome, Cirencester

Difficulty

The south west plays host to many well-known mountainous and hilly regions, and this book takes full advantage of these quality training grounds. Some of the toughest climbs in the UK are to be found here, but there's more to the south west than just climbing. This guide features 20 challenging yet achievable training rides for all sportive enthusiasts to enjoy.

Must See

The moody backdrops of Dartmoor and Exmoor to the flat open going of the Somerset Levels and the rolling countryside of Dorset's Jurassic coastline, Sportive riders will enjoy testing themselves against some of the toughest and most scenic terrain that the UK has to offer.

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