Summary

When

Add to your calendar: +iCal
Sat 12th December 2026
07:30 - 21:18

Where

Bakehouse @ Cakesmiths
St Philips Road
Bristol, BS2 0JZ

Who

Organiser:

What

Series: Great Western Randonnées

Brief

An easy winter ride with just a few #wills_hills. Cross the Somerset Levels and into Dorset. Back through Longleat and finish through the 2Tunnels & along Bristol & Bath Railway Paths.

Event Info

Cost:
£8.50

Closes:
11/12/26 @ 15:00

Type:

Eligible:

Award Distance:

Total Distance:
205 km

Speeds:
15-30 kph

Duration:
13h48

AAA: 0.00

Climb:
2060m

Facilities

Hover for brief, click for full overview.

Overview

Levels, Lumps & Lions is an easy winter ride starting from the centre of Bristol. Cross The Levels, scale a few lumps along the way and don't feed yourself to Longleat's Lions!

Description

Head west to Clevedon along the ridge with views across Kenn Moor, then cross as you turn south before over the Mendips at Shipham for the biggest climb of the day.

Level riding, with the odd lump, across The Levels to stop at Sweets Cafe for the first control and some grub to keep you going as you head into Dorset.

Back again is The Spire View cafe for the halfway control.

Now north you go to Longleat !!CAUTION - LIONS!!

Last stop is The Full Moon @ Rudge then over to the 2Tunnels and Bristol & Bath Railway Path for an easy cruise to the finish.

Navigation

Route notes and a variety of files/links will be available usually 5 days before the event.

Will's are considered the Gold Standard for AUK events!

Map

The interactive map below is a guide, subject to change and not necessarily the final version. Toggle 'chart' for elevation & approx. slope %; now works in full screen too.

Route & validation

The route is advisory - you just have to visit the controls and gain proof of passage - there may be parts that you'd like to take a different route and that is entirely up to you - the time limit for the event doesn't change!
Validation: Instant - you get to take your validated brevet card home straight away at the end of the event.

Start details

Parking:

Paid parking up to 24hrs available a short distance away at Gardiner Haskins. Alternatively use free parking at Lyde Green P&R on outskirts of Bristol (open 05:30-22:45 no overnight). Alternatively Bristol Parkway Main Car Park for long term parking; there are regular trains to Temple Meads.
For full details see Bakehouse @ Cakesmiths

Reviews

What others think.

Excellent ride, only one tough climb

16th December 2025

I travelled from London for this ride because I wanted to see the Somerset Levels and I was not disappointed: I thoroughly enjoyed the day. The route provided was probably the best I’ve ever used, with my Garmin 1050 speaking all the instructions including controls and danger points. Ridewithgps on a phone does the same, I just prefer to use my Garmin.

I’m not quite sure what “rainbow flat” means; my Garmin showed 12 climbs but personally I only found one difficult. I’m in my eighth decade; younger riders would probably shrug it off.

I loved the views and the dramatic skies.

Clifford

Lovely route and great company

16th December 2025

A lovely audax with parking near start and a warm cafe before the off. Controls well selected and very welcoming. Recommend the quality of the mud on the road…

Gideon

More Events

Loading events…