National Cycle Route 26

106.9 miles (172 km)

This signed Sustrans Cycle Route runs from Portishead in Somerset to the Isle of Portland on the south coast of Dorset.
On the way you will pass Sherborne, Glastonbury, Wells, Castle Cary, Yeovil and Dorchester. Route highlights include views of the famous Glastonbury Tor, a waterside run along Sutton Bingham Reservoir and a run along the traffic free Strawberry Line between Yatton and Cheddar.
The final section is also pleasant, running past the wildlife rich Radipole Lake RSPB reserve and Chesil Beach in Weymouth.
Please note much of the opening section from Portishead to Clevedon uses country lanes which are not part of the route. The route starts again just outside Clevedon.
Also as at time of writing the section between Cheddar and Wells is in development. Quiet country lanes have been used for most of this section instead.
See the list below for some manageable day rides along the route. Scroll down for route videos and the gpx file.

National Cycle Route 26 Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map

National Cycle Route 26 Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map

National Cycle Route 26 OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

National Cycle Route 26 Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Cycle Routes on National Cycle Route 26

Castle Cary to Glastonbury - This ride follows National Cycle Route 26 from Castle Cary to Glastonbury along quiet country roads.
You start at Castle Cary rail station and head south towards South Cadbury which is home to Cadbury Castle - thought to be King Arthur's Camelot by some
Yeovil to Sherborne - This short route follows National Cycle Route 26 from Yeovil in Somerset to Sherborne in Dorset.
The route starts near Yeovil Penn Mill rail station and follows an off road cycle track through Yeovil and round the Yeovil Country Park
Strawberry Line (Yatton to Cheddar) - This splendid walk and cycle path runs along a former railway line that used to transport strawberries from Cheddar.
You start by Yatton railway station and head south passing Congresbury and Axbridge before finishing in Cheddar
Dorchester to Castle Cary - Follow National Cycle Route 26 north from the lovely town of Dorchester through Sherborne to your destination of Castle Cary Walk in Somerset
Dorchester to Weymouth - This ride follows National Cycle Route 26 from Dorchester to Weymouth and then onto the Isle of Portland.
It starts off near Dorchester's railway stations and heads south along a roadside traffic free path to Upwey and then onto Weymouth

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

The route links up with National Cycle Route 3 in the Somerset area. The epic route starts on the Cornish coast at Land's End and takes you through Devon and Somerset before arriving at Bristol.