Part of the Top of the Gorge Festival, this all-comers' cycling challenge showcases some of the very best parts of the Mendip Hills AONB, taking in the area's wonderful lakes as well as some of the best climbs & descents that the Mendips have to offer.

Participants also receive FREE entry (worth £15) to the Festival site itself on the day as part of their Ride entry, and they're also treated to FREE food from the Festival site too once they've finished!

A great day out - one not to be missed! :)

Info for Riders

The Mendips Lakes and Lumps Ride offers participants a great personal challenge AND the opportunity to experience the wonderful Mendip Hills AONB from the seat of a bicycle.

It's a brand new addition to the National Trust's Top of the Gorge Festival in 2019 and, in keeping with the Festival as a whole, the emphasis is very much on introducing people to the sheer pleasure and enjoyment to be had from being active in and exploring this beautiful area. 

The Mendips Lakes and Lumps Ride is designed to be a physical challenge, but it's also intended to appeal to as many people as possible - 43 miles and around 800m of climbing in total mean that it is in fact accessible & achievable for a lot of people, and of course a bit of determination, a sense of adventure, and a degree of prior preparation undoubtedly also help!​

A spectacular route sees participants visiting both Chew Valley and Blagdon lakes, and it also incorporates two spectacular and challenging Mendip climbs - the wonderful Burrington Combe and of course the iconic Cheddar Gorge.​

As well as these fabulous 'Lakes and Lumps' there are some great descents to be enjoyed along the way too, and riders are assured of a fantastic challenge and a great all-round Mendips cycling experience.​

And that's not all - participation in the Ride also includes FREE entry to the Festival itself (worth £15) for the rest of the day, so once riders have completed the challenge they can round the day off by enjoying the main Festival site and its various activities.  And riders will also be provided with FREE food within the Festival site as part of their Ride entry!​

Non-cycling family members are also very welcome and are encouraged to come along and enjoy the day too - there's plenty on offer within the Festival to occupy and entertain them while the riders are out on the road - so it really is a great opportunity to take on a fantastic Mendip cycling challenge AND also enjoy a lovely day out at the Festival.