Starting Your Journey from Berrow Beach: A Ride Through Time and Tide
Set off from Berrow Beach on a ride that’s as much about discovery as it is about destination. This easygoing route is packed with coastal charm, quirky landmarks, and surprising history — all within a few scenic miles.
As you cruise along the wide, open sands, keep an eye out at low tide for the eerie silhouette of the SS Nornen shipwreck. The weathered ribs of this 19th-century Norwegian barque, wrecked in 1897, now rise like a ghostly sculpture from the sand — a haunting tribute to the area’s maritime past.
The landscape shifts around you as you ride: golden dunes give way to lush grassy wetlands, a paradise for birdwatchers. Along the way, you’ll pass one of Burnham’s most beloved oddities — the Low Lighthouse. Perched on nine spindly wooden legs, this iconic red-and-white beacon looks more like a giant lantern than a traditional lighthouse, making it a must-stop photo spot.
Into Burnham-on-Sea: Piers, Pubs & Pasties
As the beach ride continues, the town of Burnham-on-Sea slowly comes into view, marked by its tiny but proud claim to fame: Britain’s shortest pier. The pier may be petite, but it’s packed with old-school seaside charm.
Hop off the beach via the ramp near the pier for a detour into Burnham’s bustling town centre. Explore quirky shops, grab a cone from a local ice cream stand, or settle into a café for some well-earned refreshments. For those who want to keep the wheels spinning, just 10 more minutes brings you to the Burnham Marina — a captivating spot, especially at low tide, where the exposed riverbed reveals winding trenches and sea-carved patterns.
Route Overview
● Start: Berrow Beach (Bike Pick up point)
● End: Burnham on Sea or beyond
● Distance: Approx. 4 miles
● Difficulty: Easy to moderate
● Surface: Mixed (Beach/roads)
● Time: 10 – 15 straight riding (but would highly recommend a more leisurely pace)
☕ Food & Facilities Along the Way
● Sundowner Café Bar (at the bike hire point in Berrow): Great for pre-ride snacks or post-adventure drinks.
● Ice Cream Van: Usually stationed on Berrow Beach during high season — a classic treat stop.
● Burnham-on-Sea: Bursting with options — from cozy pubs and fish ‘n’ chip shops to international eateries and relaxed cafés where you can watch the world (and tractors) go by.
Don’t Rush It – Soak It In
This route is more than just a shortcut to Burnham — it’s a rolling postcard of Somerset’s coastal character. Take it slow. Pause for the view. Snap photos of the leaning church tower of St Andrew’s or the shipwreck at low tide. These are the moments that turn a simple bike ride into a story worth sharing.
Learn More
Explore more about the beaches and Burnham-on-Sea at:
burnham-on-sea.com/tourist-information
