Best Motorcycle Routes & Cafe Stops in the South West

1. The Mendips & Cheddar Gorge Loop 

• Distance: Approx 45 miles (round-trip) 

• The Vibe: Sweeping curves and iconic limestone cliffs. 

Heading south from Bristol toward Chew Valley Lake, this route offers smooth tarmac and stunning reservoir views before climbing into the heart of the Mendip Hills. The highlight is, of course, winding through the towering cliffs of Cheddar Gorge. 

• Pit Stop: Lion Rock Tea Rooms (Cheddar) or Salt & Malt Chew Valley for a delicious bite to eat and a photo op alongside the water. 

2. The Cotswold Escarpment Ride 

• Distance: Approx 60 miles (round-trip) 

• The Vibe: Fast, flowing B-roads through picturesque stone villages. 

Head northeast out of Cribbs Causeway toward Tetbury and Castle Combe. This route takes you along quintessential Cotswold B-roads with brilliant technical corners, elevation changes, and minimal traffic if you head out early on a Sunday morning. 

• Pit Stop: The Old Stables Coffee Shop (Castle Combe) or The Old Spot (Dursley) - both favourite haunts for local motorcyclists. 

3. North Somerset Coast & Exmoor Edge 

• Distance: Approx 125 miles (round-trip) 

• The Vibe: Coastal breezes and open moorland vistas. 

For those wanting a longer day in the saddle, head west along the coast toward Clevedon and Weston-super-Mare before cutting inland through the Quantock Hills. The roads opening up toward the edge of Exmoor offer panoramic views and long, satisfying stretches to enjoy your bike’s full power band. 

• Pit Stop: Weston Seafront for classic fish & chips, or The Harbour Cafe (Minehead) for a hot brew and a steak pastie. 

4. Crossing the Border: Tintern Abbey & the Brecon Beacons 

• Distance: Approx 40 miles (option 1) or 140 miles (option 2) (round-trips) 

• The Vibe: Majestic valleys, mountain pass roads, and flowing B-road curves. 

Heading west over the Severn Bridge takes you into Wales along the stunning Wye Valley. Your first landmark is the historic Tintern Abbey, a classic gathering spot for touring riders. From there, take the A40 up through Abergavenny toward Brecon, treated to 20 miles of gentle, sweeping turns set against rolling hillside scenery. To top off the ride, drop south down the A470 towards Merthyr Tydfil - a legendary stretch offering pristine tarmac, fast-flowing rhythm sections, and breathtaking mountain backdrops. 

• Pit Stop: Grab a coffee and a bite to eat at The Anchor Inn (right next to the Abbey ruins) or the cozy White Monk Tea Room. 

Start Your Next Adventure at Dick Lovett Motorrad 

No matter where the road takes you this weekend, every great ride starts with the right preparation. Pop into Dick Lovett BMW Motorrad in Bristol to fuel up on coffee at The Barn, grab some fresh gear, or speak to our team about taking a test ride on one of our latest models. 

Got a favourite South West route we missed? Tag @dicklovettmotorrad in your ride-out photos on Instagram so we can share your weekend adventures!