The best cycling routes around Melksham Without
4.5
(525)
6,143
riders
490
rides
Touring cycling routes around Melksham Without traverse a landscape characterized by the historic Kennet and Avon Canal, featuring notable aqueducts and the Caen Hill Locks. The area includes rolling countryside with gentle hills and open fields, interspersed with historic villages like Lacock. Elevation changes are moderate, with some routes incorporating longer climbs, offering varied terrain for cyclists.
Best touring cycling routes around Melksham Without
- The most popular touring cycling route is Caen Hill Locks, Devizes White Horse and Lacock loop, a 34.6 miles (55.7 km) trail that takes 3 hours 43 minutes to complete. This route combines canal-side riding with views of the Devizes White Horse and the historic village of Lacock.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Caen Hill Locks – Avoncliff Aqueduct loop from Melksham, a moderate 37.5 miles (60.3 km) path. This route follows the canal, passing the impressive Caen Hill Locks and the Avoncliff Aqueduct, offering scenic waterside views.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Lacock Village – View of Lacock Abbey loop from Melksham, a 11.6 miles (18.7 km) trail leading through historic Lacock village and past Lacock Abbey, often completed in about 1 hour 5 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Melksham Without is defined by canal paths, historic villages, and rolling countryside. The network offers options for easy, moderate, and difficult routes, catering to different ability levels.
- The routes in Melksham Without are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 500 reviews. More than 6000 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Melksham Without's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 23, 2026
2.5
(2)
6
riders
55.7km
03:43
440m
440m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(9)
98
riders
60.3km
03:52
320m
320m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
24
riders
31.9km
02:22
310m
310m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
25
riders
56.7km
03:28
340m
340m
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4.0
(5)
21
riders
27.8km
01:42
210m
210m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Although the parish church of St Peter at Monkton Farleigh was largely rebuilt in the 19th century, it retains some features of the 12th century -the tower and the north door. This early building was possibly connected to the foundation of the Cluniac Priory in the same village in about 1120-30. Today it has an aisleless nave and chancel in 13th century style, built of local limestone, under a considerable quantity of stone tiles on the roof. Despite being so close to the source of some of the best building stone in the country, the whole church, apart from some dressings, is made of rubble stone. It is listed, Grade II* for the old parts. Monkton Farleigh church tower The west tower is 12th century Norman romanesque with twin round-headed windows with roll mouldings on each face of the bell chamber. Short buttresses at the base, the parapet and saddleback roof were added later. The tall arch into the nave is from a Victorian “restoration”. The other medieval survival is the porch on the north side of the nave, which protects a typical Norman round-arched doorway with chevron decoration into which a Tudor doorway had been inserted and retains its wooden door of that time.
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Very beautiful and pleasant
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Check on tour times if you want to look around the house - well worth it. About 45 mins.
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Steep Steps down to the river and for view of the aqueduct are on the Bradford on Avon side.
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the point at which the Kennet and Avon canal crossed the river and railway line via the Aqueduct built by John Rennie & John Thomas between 1797 and 1801. Good pub here which will reopen summer 2025. This is on the main railway line now becoming a regular (request?) stop since 2011
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From Bath to here on a road bike with 25mm is doable but take it easy, further on, its a little rougher and 35mm would be better. here is a good stop of lunch or a drink
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Melksham Without?
There are over 500 touring cycling routes in the Melksham Without area, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. This includes 156 easy routes, 288 moderate routes, and 87 difficult routes.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in Melksham Without?
The terrain around Melksham Without is characterized by the historic Kennet and Avon Canal, featuring notable aqueducts and the Caen Hill Locks. You'll find rolling countryside with gentle hills and open fields, interspersed with historic villages like Lacock. Elevation changes are generally moderate, with some routes incorporating longer climbs for a more challenging ride.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, there are 156 easy touring cycling routes in the area. A great option for a more relaxed ride is the Lacock Village – View of Lacock Abbey loop from Melksham, which is 11.6 miles (18.7 km) long and takes about 1 hour 5 minutes, leading through the historic village and past the Abbey.
Are there any challenging touring cycling routes for experienced riders?
For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, there are 87 difficult routes available. One such route is the Bowerhill Canal Picnic Area – Caen Hill Locks loop from Melksham, which spans 121.6 km (75.6 miles) and features significant elevation gains.
What are some notable landmarks or attractions I can see along the cycling routes?
Many routes follow the Kennet and Avon Canal, allowing you to see impressive structures like the Caen Hill Locks and the Avoncliff Aqueduct. The historic village of Lacock and views of the Devizes White Horse are also prominent features on several tours. Other nearby attractions include Farleigh Hungerford Castle and Great Chalfield Manor.
Are there circular touring cycling routes in Melksham Without?
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in Melksham Without are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the popular Caen Hill Locks, Devizes White Horse and Lacock loop and the Caen Hill Locks – Avoncliff Aqueduct loop from Melksham.
What do other touring cyclists say about the routes in Melksham Without?
The touring cycling routes in Melksham Without are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 500 reviews. Cyclists often praise the scenic canal paths, the charm of historic villages like Lacock, and the varied yet manageable terrain.
What is the best time of year for touring cycling in Melksham Without?
While touring cycling is possible year-round, spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer is also popular, though routes can be busier. Winter cycling is possible, but be prepared for colder, potentially wetter weather and shorter daylight hours.
Are there routes that pass by the Devizes White Horse?
Yes, several routes offer views of the Devizes White Horse. For instance, the Devizes Millennium White Horse – Caen Hill Locks loop from Melksham specifically highlights this landmark, combining it with the impressive Caen Hill Locks.
What are the typical distances and durations for touring cycling routes in this area?
Route distances vary significantly, from shorter rides like the 18.7 km (11.6 miles) Lacock Village – View of Lacock Abbey loop from Melksham, which takes just over an hour, to longer, more challenging tours such as the 60.3 km (37.5 miles) Caen Hill Locks – Avoncliff Aqueduct loop from Melksham, typically completed in around 3 hours 50 minutes.
Can I find cafes or pubs along the touring cycling routes?
Given the routes often pass through or near historic villages and along the Kennet and Avon Canal, you will find opportunities for refreshments. Many villages, including Lacock, offer cafes and traditional pubs where you can stop for a break and a bite to eat.
Most popular routes around Melksham Without
Most popular attractions around Melksham Without
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