The best traffic-free bike rides in Wiltshire

There are over 1200 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes in Wiltshire listed on komoot, offering a wide range of options from easy to difficult. This includes over 290 easy routes, 670 moderate routes, and 230 more challenging options.

Wiltshire's no-traffic routes offer a diverse landscape. You'll find tranquil rides through rolling hills and expansive chalk downlands, serene river valleys like the Avon, Wylye, and Kennet, and ancient woodlands such as Savernake Forest. While many routes are gentle, some areas, particularly within the AONBs like the North Wessex Downs, can be deceptively hilly, providing varied experiences.

Yes, Wiltshire offers several family-friendly no-traffic cycling options. The Kennet and Avon Canal towpath is particularly popular, providing a flat and scenic ride. Routes like the Bradford on Avon, Bath and the Two Tunnels Greenway offer a great experience for families, featuring traffic-free paths and interesting sights.

Wiltshire is rich in history and natural beauty. You can cycle to iconic sites like the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Stonehenge and Avebury Stone Circle. Other attractions include the charming village of Lacock, Salisbury Cathedral, and the distinctive Wiltshire White Horses carved into the hillsides. For example, the Salisbury and Amesbury loop can bring you close to historical sites.

Yes, many no-traffic touring cycling routes in Wiltshire are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. The Wiltshire Cycleway Loop from Malmesbury is a good example, offering a moderate circular ride through the countryside. The wider Wiltshire Cycleway itself is a 160-mile circular route that can be tackled in sections.

The best time for touring cycling in Wiltshire is generally from spring to autumn (April to October) when the weather is milder and the countryside is in full bloom. Summer offers longer daylight hours, while spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Winter cycling is possible, but be prepared for colder, potentially wetter conditions and shorter daylight.

Yes, Wiltshire's towns and villages along popular cycling routes offer numerous pubs, cafes, and restaurants. Historic towns like Bradford-on-Avon, Malmesbury, and Salisbury are excellent spots for refreshments. Many routes, especially those following canal towpaths or passing through villages, will have options for a break.

The komoot community highly rates touring cycling in Wiltshire, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 1100 ratings. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, timeless countryside, the rich historical attractions accessible by bike, and the extensive network of quiet country lanes and traffic-free paths that make for a relaxing and immersive experience.

Yes, some routes from Wiltshire venture into the beautiful Cotswolds area. The Cotswold towns and villages loop from Corsham is a more challenging option that takes you through picturesque Cotswold scenery and charming settlements.

While not all routes pass directly by them, many touring cycling routes in Wiltshire offer opportunities to see the iconic White Horses carved into the hillsides, such as those at Westbury, Cherhill, and Alton Barnes. These are often visible from quiet country roads and provide unique photo opportunities.

Parking is generally available in the towns and villages that serve as starting points for many routes. Larger towns like Salisbury, Bradford-on-Avon, and Chippenham have public car parks. When planning your route, check the specific starting point for parking availability and any associated fees.