The best cycling routes around Melksham

There are over 50 touring cycling routes around Melksham, offering a diverse range of options for exploring the West Wiltshire countryside. These include 12 easy routes, 31 moderate routes, and 12 difficult routes, catering to various fitness levels and preferences.

The terrain around Melksham is varied, featuring a mix of flat, traffic-free canal towpaths, quiet country lanes, and gentle hills. You'll find options for both paved and unpaved surfaces, making it suitable for road, gravel, and trekking bikes.

Yes, Melksham offers several easy routes suitable for families. These often follow the flat, traffic-free sections of the Kennet and Avon Canal Towpath, providing a safe and scenic environment. For example, the Lacock Village – View of Lacock Abbey loop from Melksham is an easy 18.7 km ride that takes you through picturesque scenery.

Many routes pass by significant landmarks. You can cycle past the impressive Caen Hill Locks near Devizes, or the historic Avoncliff Aqueduct. The charming village of Lacock, with its Abbey, is also a popular destination. The Caen Hill Locks, Devizes White Horse and Lacock loop is a great option to see several of these.

Yes, many touring cycling routes around Melksham are circular, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. A popular moderate option is the Caen Hill Locks – Avoncliff Aqueduct loop from Melksham, which covers 60.3 km and takes you along sections of the Kennet and Avon Canal.

The touring cycling routes in Melksham are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 20 reviews. Over 500 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore the area, often praising the scenic canal towpaths, quiet country lanes, and the blend of natural beauty with historic attractions.

Absolutely. Melksham is ideally situated for cycling to nearby historic villages. Lacock, a beautifully preserved medieval village owned by the National Trust, is just 4 miles away. You can also cycle to Bradford-on-Avon, known for its historic bridge and views of the River Avon. The Lacock Village – View of Lacock Abbey loop from Melksham is a perfect route for this.

For experienced touring cyclists seeking a longer challenge, routes like the Bowerhill Canal Picnic Area – Caen Hill Locks loop from Melksham offer a substantial ride. This difficult 121.6 km trail leads through the canal network and countryside, typically taking over 7 hours to complete.

Melksham's routes often follow the River Avon and the Kennet and Avon Canal, providing opportunities to spot wildlife in tranquil natural settings. You'll cycle through leafy woodlands and past green spaces like Conigre Mead Nature Reserve, which is known for butterflies, dragonflies, and kingfishers.

Yes, you can cycle to see the Devizes Millennium White Horse. The Devizes Millennium White Horse – Caen Hill Locks loop from Melksham is a moderate 31.9 km route that includes this iconic landmark along with the impressive Caen Hill Locks.

The Kennet and Avon Canal Towpath offers a largely traffic-free and picturesque cycling experience. It's a popular choice for its tranquil nature, stunning scenery, and opportunities to spot wildlife. You can head east towards the Caen Hill Locks or west towards Bradford-on-Avon and Bath. A section of the towpath, Kennet and Avon Canal Towpath — Dundas Aqueduct to Avoncliff, is a highlight in itself.