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15th January 2026
This ride was first postponed to 22nd January and then cancelled, both due to heavy rain.
29th January 2026
Our annual post-Christmas lunch was at the Poachers Pocket, Chelynch.
12th February 2026
After so much rain, the forecast showed hope of improvement, so we decided to go for it, with a run for home if it went bad again. On the day the misty drizzle was clearing towards 10am, and three of us left Lidl for Cheddar at 10.15. We passed the many Wookey Hole road closed signs and on along familiar paths to Cheddar where Linda popped up. We celebrated her arrival in the excellent Community Café, then left for the leg to Sweets over Stoughton Cross and the long Totney Drove which was just above water. The egrets were spectacular, with starlings out in force, along with swans and a single hawk hunting along the remaining grass reefs. The sun even shone for a bit ! Post lunch we went on home in the dry for a total of 31miles to Easton / 30 for the Wells route. A good day out on quiet roads, with nothing worse than big puddles.
Steve C.
26th February 2026
The morning was overcast as seven of us set off from Winscombe to join the Strawberry Line at Sandford to Yatton. Then following the National Cycle Network we made our way to "The Owl in the Oak" in Kingston Seymour for coffee and cake.
From here on the Pier to Pier path to Wick St Lawrence and another traffic free path to St Georges. Over the railway crossing, over the A370 and round the corner to view the long grassy verge covered in colourful crocus which we stopped to admire.
Continuing on for a mile through Plumley Park, up and over the railway bridge, down beside the Weston Skills College and on to Summerlands before a stretch on the road to take us to the seafront.
All the way along the promenade, through Uphill then on the Brean Down Way to Bleadon and our lunch stop at the Farm Shop where we met Steve M. Refuelled and refreshed and with a few drops of rain starting we toiled up the hill to Shiplate, Webbington and along Barton Road back to Winscombe arriving just as the rain was getting heavier. An uneventful 31 miles. Thanks everyone for your company.
Linda
5th March 2026
Café meeting at Sweets, Tea Rooms, Westhay.
19th March 2026
Café meeting at the New Room Community Coffee Shop, Top Road, Pilton
26th March 2026
We arrived at the start point at Wedmore Village Car Park to find that 15 walkers were meeting there also - so lots of cars wanting spaces! Fortunately 3 riders had cycled to the start but one cyclist, a new member, unfortunately had no option but to park on the streets.
It was a rare glorious blue sky day. Eleven of us set off via Tealham and Mark moors to our coffee stop at Rich's Cider Barn and we even managed to sit outside and enjoy the sun.
We then continued (minus one rider, who had only joined us briefly) skirting Burnham-On-Sea and taking a back road up to Brean and Café 33. You can't reserve tables at Café 33 and it was very busy, probably due to the sunshine. Luckily it was warm and sheltered enough for us all to sit outside. Service was rather stretched out as they were so busy but the food was excellent. We returned to Wedmore via Lympsham, Rooks Bridge and Mark.
Just over 31 miles in total and amazing weather.
Jane
9th April 2026
Seven riders met at Lidl in Wells for the start of the ride. No rain, clear sky but a little windy. We cycled behind Lidl’s, then crossed the road and then rode up Silver Street, past the Moat, then up Torhill Lane, via Tor Woods until we reached Bath Road. We then proceeded up the hill to West Horrington, turning right at the School. Once we reached East Horrington we cross the road past the Gothic Church and proceeded on to Chilcote Drove. When we arrived on Old Frome Road, we turned right and then travelled for short while until we reached Rocky Mountain Garden Centre for a well-earned rest.
Once refreshed, we turned left on to Old Frome Road until we turned right up past Windwhistle to reach Bath Road, where we turned left, we quickly turned right up Haydon Drove and continued along until we met Bristol Road. We were lucky with the road works there, to turn right and travel for a short while before turning left through to Priddy. At the middle of Priddy one rider left as he had to be home early.
At the far end of Priddy we crossed Plummers Lane and head down to Charterhouse. At the bottom of the hill we turned left and travelled until we reached Cliff Road, where we went down the Cheddar Gorge (no rider was caught speeding!!). Once reaching the centre of Cheddar, we then got on the road, via Clewer, to Wedmore. At Wedmore, we stopped at the Blue Bird Café for lunch, where we met up with three others from the riding group, two of whom joined us for the end of the ride.
After a well-earned lunch we travelled back to Wells through the small village of Theale,. At Bleadney we turned right and travelled along a country lane, until we reached the turning to Fenny Castle. Shortly after Fenny Castle we turned right on to Haymoor Drove and then travelled along Burcott Lane back to Wells. Total distance 32miles
Steve W.
23rd April 2026
I arrived slightly late at Bitton Station, so I appreciate everyone’s patience. Despite that, we managed to set off on time, with eight of us heading along the cycle track to Bath. After about six miles, we stopped at a bakery for a well-earned coffee and cake. Although there were no loos available, we used the pub next door.
Feeling refreshed, we continued along the river cycle path to Pultney Bridge, where we paused for a group photo. Passing under Pultney Bridge, we joined the wide road leading to the Holbourne Museum, then turned left and right before reaching the canal tow path after a few hundred yards.
Our ride carried on to Limply Stoke for lunch. Four of us stopped there, while the other four continued towards Bradford on Avon. Eventually, eight of us reconvened for lunch, sitting outside on the Coal Canal. Once again refreshed, we embarked on the final stage of our ride, passing through Monkton School with its beautiful grounds and then along narrow roads to the old S&D railway line, traversing two tunnels—the first being a mile long. The tunnel was well lit, though there was no music this time.
After reaching the River Avon, we followed the track back to our starting point at Bitton Station, completing a round trip of 24 to 25 miles.
At the end, a bit of excitement ensued when I realised I’d lost my car keys, even though I had used them to open the car. Three of us spent 30 minutes searching, but had no luck. Eventually, another car arrived and the driver kindly offered to help. I explained the situation, and they pointed out that my keys were on the roof of my car—problem solved!
Peter N.
14th May 2026
For me the decision to ride depended on the weather. The wind would increase later in the day, we would have a back wind out and a head wind home. The forecast showed it would rain at approx. 3pm so I brought forward our departure time to 10.00.
With the wind behind us it was an easy ride to our coffee stop at The Lion, West Pennard.
Onward to Sparkford, we encountered a few short climbs, and long downhills, at the same time being aware of poor roads. Within minutes of arriving at Haynes Motor museum the rain came down so we had to hurry out to retrieve our helmets hanging on the bikes. We all found something to eat for lunch that would gave us sufficient energy to cope with the head winds and to get us up all those hills that we enjoyed going down!
We returned via Parbrook, West Bradley, West Pennard, Page Lane and Launcherley. By this time, 3pm, the rain clouds were threatening, and from Dulcote towards Morrisons the rain arrived.
My total mileage from home and return was 40 miles. To all who all who joined my ride, many thanks.
Geoff
28th May 2026
Four members met at Nunney village carpark at 0945 on 28th May. Another two had planned to take part but had to cancel at the last minute. The group rolled slowly down to the café in the village for an early coffee break, arriving a few minutes before opening time.
Once fuelled up for the ride we rode up the hill almost to Nunney Catch roundabout but dived off left to find a tunnel under the A road. The route then took us through Trudoxhill and Witham Friary. From there we followed the lane south, which after about a mile and a half climbed, steeply at the end, to join the road over Gare Hill at Yarnfield Gate.
Pausing briefly to check the route on the OS map, we set off eastwards towards Maiden Bradley. Then on towards Horningsham, taking a small loop to enter the village from the east. A short climb put us at the entrance to the Longleat estate and we followed National Cycle Route 25 almost to the front door of the House, turning left onto NCR 24. We paused for a photo stop with the House in the background then headed across part of the estate and left it in the direction of Frome.
We crossed the A361 and entered the town. After problems sorting out which was the best route down into the town centre, we arrived at the Black Cat café for lunch. Finally we remounted our bikes for the last 3 miles, climbing out of Frome onto the road for Nunney and stopping again at the cafe for more drinks which were needed after a hot day in the saddle. About 24 miles, but on a very warm day that seemed enough.
John Sea..
4th June 2026
Today marked the end of the Easy Ride cycle group as twelve of us got together at Sweets Emporium, Westhay to say goodbye and thanks to John Wh. who is standing down as leader which he has led for nine or ten years. Unfortunately no one has come forward to take his place so it has had to be disbanded.
However all is not lost as an agreement has been reached for those members who wish to can have their names added to the list of the Cycle group. They will then be able to access the rides programme and either join a suitable ride from the scheduled list or select a café ride meet which as you all know is a variety of cafés that are selected both within an hours ride from Wells or some further afield. Folk make their own way to the selected cafe to meet up with other like-minded members.
Arthur
12th June 2026
Despite having to change the ride date from Thursday to Friday at short notice due to a wet weather forecast, I was pleased that seven riders joined me on the ride from Avalon Marshes Centre. Unfortunately, a further two other riders had to drop out at the last minute due to illness.
From Westhay we followed the quiet lanes through Shapwick, Catcott and Edington to arrive at Fika café in Chilton Polden after 6 miles (not 3.5m!) where we sat outside in the sunshine to enjoy our coffee and cake.
Suitably refreshed, we continued onward to join the NCN 33 cycle path at Cossington, which had been an old railway line, so was well away from traffic. This took us underneath the busy A39 before we exited onto a quiet lane and downward through Bawdrip. The NCN33 continued alongside the Kings Sedgmoor Drain where, unusually, there wasn’t a single fisherman!
We then got back onto the quiet lanes for a long meander through the Somerset Levels via the ‘zoys’ – Chedzoy, Westonzoyland and Middlezoy – to join the A372 at Aller (which was very quiet) and onward to Bere Cider Farm for a well-earned lunch. The weather was still sunny and fairly warm so we sat outside to enjoy lunch and the far-reaching views to the hills in the distance, whilst putting the world to rights!
Despite some concerns about the ample food portions, we managed to continue across the Levels eventually arriving at the bottom of Pedwell Hill which we climbed for a short distance before turning off onto level terrain, eventually arriving at the A39 at Ashcott. Crossing the main road, we avoided the steep climb straight up to the top of the ridge by turning immediately right allowing a more gradual ascent before heading downhill to Meare, passing Ham Wall on the way. Three riders left us at this point to return home while the rest of us turned left through Meare, onto Westhay to return to our start point.
I’m pleased to say that the ride was uneventful (ie no one got lost, or had a mechanical, etc.) and, as luck would have it, we didn’t seem to suffer from any strong headwinds despite the wind gusting up to 20mph. Lastly, my thanks to all riders who supported the ride.
Ron S.
26th June 2026
(This ride was postponed from 25th June due to temperatures of over 32 deg C.)
Five riders set off from Winscombe. The weather was not 'quite' as hot as the day before, however, it was still very warm. Linda was meeting us at the Bentley Road Baker café. According to their website, they were open; but, just outside of Puxton, I stopped to take a phone call. It was Linda to say the she was at the café but it was closed. The proprietor had given the staff a day off because of the extreme heat.
So we met Linda along the road on the Pier to Pier path, intending to go to The Owl in the Oak which is on the path, telephoning first to check that it was open .... and it was. Phew!
After coffee for me and cold drinks for everyone else, we got on our way. One of our riders found it too hot and decided to cycle back home from the café. Still hot, but a mile from Clevedon there was a lovely, welcome, cooling breeze. We arrived at The Salthouse. It felt too early for lunch, having not long ago consumed cake and drinks, but our orders were taken and there was quite a welcome delay before the meals arrived.
No one was up for a swim in the sea lakes so we headed off towards Yatton and stopped there for another cold drink. The temperature was only 1 degree less than the day before. Heavy traffic was with us from this moment on until we reached Sandford .... and we took all of the small roads, ie Iwood Lane, Brindsea Batch, etc. The M5 had been closed because of the danger of an overhead power cable coming down. If I'd known, we could have taken the Strawberry line.
Despite all odds, it was an enjoyable ride with good company. We covered just over 28 miles. I'd like to thank those who came out as it is a hard decision to make when it is so hot. Best wishes,
Denise
9th July 2026
The daytime temperature had been increasing this week and the forecast for Thursday was for temperatures to peak at around 30 degrees C in early afternoon. We made a decision to start the ride at 10.00am instead of the scheduled time of 10.15am so as to limit the time we had to ride in extreme temperatures on our return to Wedmore.
We had 5 members who met in the Wedmore car park with another member who had arranged to meet us at the café stop. Our route out of Wedmore took the quiet road to Stoughton Cross, all be it the hill had to be climbed. Once we passed the Wedmore Golf Club, the route was undulating and we passed the Ashton Windmill and on to Weare and Lower Weare. This took us to the junction with the A38 which we negotiated safely and on to Cross where we met up with our final member who had come from Weston-Super-Mare. We then took the road to Loxton for our first stop at the Frankie Howerd Community Café where we were served with coffee and excellent cake.
One of our group decided that the temperature in the afternoon was going to be too much, so decided to return to home.
The five remaining members continued the planned route and headed to Bleadon, where we negotiated another hill, and continued on to the junction of the A370 which we crossed and took the road to Brean and then Berrow, and finally into Burnham.
Our lunch stop was the Bay View Café where we sat inside to enjoy the various menu choices and drinks to avoid the heat, although I think the temperature was the same as outside. As the outside temperature was predicted to rise even further we decided to only take a minimum period for lunch and head back to Wedmore.
We took the shortest route to Highbridge and then the B3139 to Watchfield and then the country lanes heading for Wedmore. One of our group left us to travel to Mark and then back to Weston whilst the rest of us took a route through Westham, Heath House, Sand, and back to Wedmore.
It was an enjoyable ride but the temperature on the return leg was a challenge, and I think we were all happy to get back to the start point. I recorded a total of just over 33 miles for the complete journey. I would like to thank all of those who supported the ride and putting up with the extreme temperatures on the day.
Many thanks,
Ron H.
23rd July 2026
After a short delay caused by a forgotten helmet, thirteen of us set off on a warm morning along the Strawberry Line. One rider chose to return to Wells, and unfortunately another took a tumble negotiating a bend injuring a shoulder and after coffee abandoned the ride.
At the coffee stop, Middlewick Farm, we enjoyed views over the Somerset Levels, and caught up with another regular who chose not to ride this week. After coffee, we skirted around the southern edges of Ham Wall and Shapwick Heath along occasionally shady lanes providing some relief from the sun. Lunch time at Sweets always goes down well, and afterwards the ever diminishing group set off for Wells via Fenny Castle, with Arthur leading the last of the troop home.
Pete M.
20th August 2026
A memorable ride but not one I am proud of. It was supposed to take place the previous Thursday (13th August) but that was at the tail end of the fifth heatwave and was HOT. So the decision was made to postpone it to the following Thursday, which proved to be perhaps not one of the finest decisons!
Seven of us met at Chewton Mendip ford in the rain. The decision was to go for it so off we set at 10.00 as planned. At Litton, where we should have returned eastwards, the turn that should have taken us up a short steep hill was missed. Instead we followed the lane and up another steep hill to Hinton Blewitt. There, it was decided to follow the lane to Temple Cloud and then back along the busy A37 in the pouring rain to Farrington Gurney. We then headed towards Midsomer Norton and south to Clapton to pick up the original route near Old Down. By this time the rain had ceased but we were all very damp. On we ploughed, but by the time we reached the other side of Stratton on the Fosse, it was obvious we would never reach Mells for our planned coffee stop and return to Binegar in time for lunch.
A good decision was reached at the crossroads to head straight across towards Holcombe. and then turn back towards Binegar. However, at another crossroads we went straight on instead of turning right to Stoke St. Michael and so had to retrace our steps. After that it was all plain cycling bypassing Stoke, through Oakhill to take the extended route to Binegar and lunch at the Horse and Jockey.
Lunch was greatly appreciated by now, followed by coffee (missed earlier!). Who should appear but Graham D. who had been waiting to meet us at Old Down, but in the excitement (and not helped by a waterlogged phone) he was sadly overlooked. (I have apologised.) It was only a short ride back to Chewton Mendip but it was marred by heavy traffic in the lanes due to the closure of the Whitnell Corner crossroads. The total distance was 27 miles, and apologies are offered to those who joined me for a most unexpected unusual ride.
Arthur