The best cycling routes around Bristol

Bristol offers a wide variety of touring cycling routes. While our guide features a selection, there are over 10 routes recorded in the area, catering to different preferences and skill levels. You can find options ranging from easy, flat paths to more challenging routes with gentle climbs.

For families or those seeking a relaxed ride, the Bike loop from Silver Lake County Park is an excellent choice. It's an easy 3.9-mile (6.2 km) trail through parkland, often completed in about 34 minutes. The Bristol and Bath Railway Path is also a popular traffic-free option, perfect for all ages, connecting Bristol to Bath.

Yes, for those looking for a longer adventure, the Avon Cycleway is an 86-mile fully signposted route that encircles Bristol, offering diverse scenery including hills, lakes, woodlands, and historical sites. Another option is the Gurnee Public Park loop from Vendor Campground, which covers 28.0 miles (45.0 km) and takes around 3 hours 52 minutes to complete.

Bristol's touring cycling routes offer a diverse landscape. You'll find a mix of river paths, parkland routes, and gentle hills. Many routes, like the Des Plaines River Trail – Independence Grove Lake loop from Wadsworth, follow rivers and pass by lakes, offering varied scenery with moderate elevation changes. Other areas like the Mendip Hills or Cotswolds will present more significant climbs.

Bristol is rich in natural beauty. The River Avon Trail offers scenic views along the river, including the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge spanning the Avon Gorge. The Mendip Hills National Landscape provides extensive nature reserves and hilltop views. You can also explore areas like Vern Wolf Lake or Sterling Lake Viewpoint for picturesque spots.

Absolutely. Several routes incorporate natural features. For instance, the Des Plaines River Trail – Independence Grove Lake loop from Wadsworth follows a river and passes by a lake. You can also find routes near Lake Andrea or through forested areas like Van Patten Woods and Sun Lake Forest Preserve.

Beyond the natural landscapes, Bristol's routes offer access to various attractions. The Bristol Docks Loop allows you to admire landmarks like the SS Great Britain and the vibrant waterfront. The Avon Cycleway passes historical sites like the Pensford Viaduct and Stanton Drew stone circles. You might also encounter highlights such as the Millennium Trail or the Stone Bridge Over the River, Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve.

Yes, many of Bristol's touring routes are designed as loops, offering a convenient way to start and end your ride in the same location. Examples include the Gurnee Public Park loop from Vendor Campground and the Bike loop from Silver Lake County Park. The Avon Cycleway also forms a large loop around the city.

The touring cycling routes around Bristol are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 5 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, the mix of urban and natural scenery, and the accessibility of the paths. Over 60 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore the area's diverse offerings.

While this guide focuses on touring cycling, Bristol does offer options for mountain biking. Ashton Court Estate and Leigh Woods provide dedicated off-road trails. For a specific highlight, you can check out the Silver Lake Mountain Biking Trails.

For a moderate touring experience, consider the Des Plaines River Trail – Independence Grove Lake loop from Wadsworth. This 21.2-mile (34.2 km) path follows a river and passes by a lake, offering varied scenery and moderate elevation changes, making it a popular choice among local touring cyclists.

Yes, if you prefer flatter routes, the Bristol and Bath Railway Path is an excellent choice as it is mostly traffic-free and flat. The Bristol Docks Loop is another easy, relatively flat option around the Floating Harbour. Routes through parklands, such as the Bike loop from Salem, also tend to have minimal elevation changes.