Planning your trip to Porlock – National Hill Climb FAQs
Coming to Porlock for the RTTC National Hill Climb Championship? We've put together some practical information to help riders, supporters, spectators and families plan their trip to West Somerset.
Where is Porlock?
Porlock is a village in West Somerset, on the coast of Exmoor National Park. The National Hill Climb takes place on the Porlock Toll Road, which climbs out of the village and up onto Exmoor.
What's the best way to get to Porlock?
For most visitors, travelling by car will be the simplest option. Porlock is reached via the A39 and is around six miles west of Minehead.
If you're travelling from further afield, we'd recommend allowing plenty of time for the final part of your journey. The roads across Exmoor are beautiful, but they're not motorways!
Where can I park?
Parking will be available at Porlock Recreation Ground, giving visitors a convenient base in the village for the day.
We'll provide any further parking and access information on the Minehead Cycling Club website ahead of the Championship, so please check the latest information before travelling.
Can I get there by train?
There isn't a National Rail station in Porlock. For those travelling from elsewhere in the country, Taunton is the nearest practical mainline rail option, with onward travel required to reach Porlock.
We'll provide more information on onward travel options for anyone considering making the journey by public transport.
Can I travel by bus?
Porlock is served by local bus services from the Minehead area, although services can be more limited than in larger towns.
If you're planning to use public transport on Championship weekend, we'd recommend checking the timetable in advance and allowing plenty of time for your journey.
[Link to current local bus information]
Can I come just to watch?
Absolutely – spectators are very welcome.
One of the advantages of the Porlock Toll Road course is that there are some good, accessible places to watch the action, particularly along the Toll Road itself.
You don't need to be competing or have someone taking part to come along. We'd love to see cycling fans, local residents and visitors lining the route and creating a great atmosphere for the riders.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes – and we'd really encourage families to come along.
Porlock makes a great base for the day, with parking at the Recreation Ground, places to eat and drink in the village and accessible opportunities to watch the racing.
Because the course runs up the Toll Road, there are places where families can watch without needing to tackle difficult terrain to get a view of the action.
And if not everyone in the family wants to spend the whole day watching people ride very quickly uphill, there's plenty to explore in Porlock and the surrounding area too.
Where should I stay?
There are plenty of options if you want to make a weekend of it.
Porlock is the closest option and has hotels, B&Bs, pubs, guest houses, self-catering properties and camping nearby.
Minehead, around six miles away, has a wider range of accommodation and facilities and is another good base for the weekend.
There are also lots of places to stay across Exmoor, particularly if you're travelling with family or want to extend your visit.
[Link to visitor tourist information hub]
We'd recommend booking early as accommodation in and around Porlock can be limited.
Is there somewhere to eat and drink?
Yes. Porlock has a good selection of pubs, cafés, tearooms and shops, so there are plenty of options for food and drink while you're in the village.
Minehead also has a wider range of supermarkets, restaurants and other facilities if you're staying nearby.
Can I make a weekend of it?
Definitely. If you're travelling a long way for the Championship, there's plenty to do around Porlock and Exmoor before or after the racing.
Porlock sits within Exmoor National Park, with walking and cycling routes, coastline, woodland and villages all nearby. Minehead and the West Somerset coast are also within easy reach.
Where can I find fuel, shops and other essentials?
Porlock has local shops and services, while Minehead is the nearest larger town and has supermarkets, fuel stations, pharmacies and a wider range of shops and facilities.
If you're staying somewhere more rural on Exmoor, it's worth picking up anything you need while passing through Minehead.
What should I expect from driving on Exmoor?
Some routes around Exmoor are rural and can include narrow or winding roads. Allow a little more time than your sat nav might suggest, particularly if you're unfamiliar with the area.
The scenery on the way isn't bad, though.
Where can I find the latest Championship information?
For event-specific information – including timings, course information, spectator arrangements and any event-day updates – please check the entrants event information email.