The best traffic-free bike rides around Kintbury
4.5
(77)
1,285
riders
14
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes around Kintbury navigate the tranquil Kennet Valley and the Kennet & Avon Canal, offering varied landscapes. The region features mostly flat canal paths alongside water meadows, suitable for relaxed rides. Beyond the canal, chalk bedrock landscapes contribute to routes with moderate elevation changes through rural fields and charming villages. This blend of terrain provides diverse cycling experiences for different abilities.
Best no traffic touring cycling routes around Kintbury
- The most popular no traffic touring cycling…
Last updated: May 20, 2026
3
riders
21.7km
01:27
310m
310m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2.2
(5)
4
riders
9.90km
00:36
80m
80m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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2
riders
11.7km
00:45
110m
110m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
riders
18.0km
01:26
280m
280m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
15.8km
01:01
120m
120m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Kintbury
Tips from the Community
IT’S NOW A FLOWER SHOP - don’t do this route if you are expecting a bakery.
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If you’re looking for a spot with a "dark history meets beautiful views" vibe, Combe Gibbet is exactly that. Perched high on Gallows Down (the name gives it away, doesn't it?) on the border of Berkshire and Hampshire, it’s one of the most atmospheric places in the North Wessex Downs. Here’s the story behind this lonely landmark: The "Double Trouble" Origin Story The gibbet isn't just a random decoration; it was built in 1676 for a very specific and grim reason. A local man named George Broomham and his mistress, Dorothy Newman, were convicted of murdering George's wife and son. As a warning to others, the authorities built a massive double-arm gibbet to hang them in chains right on the parish boundary. The one you see today is a replica (the 7th or 8th version!), but it stands in the exact same spot, looking quite eerie against the skyline. Why It’s Actually a Lovely Visit Despite the macabre history, people flock here for reasons that have nothing to do with 17th-century crime: The Views: Because it sits on the crest of the ridge (near Walbury Hill, the highest point in South East England), you can see for miles. On a clear day, you can look across the Kennet Valley all the way to the Cotswolds. The Paragliders: It’s a legendary spot for paragliding and hang-gliding. It’s incredibly relaxing to sit in the grass and watch them launch off the steep scarp and circle over the valley like giant birds. Ancient History: The gibbet is actually built on top of a Neolithic Long Barrow (a 5,000-year-old burial mound). So, it’s been a significant "high place" for humans for a very, very long time.
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Replacements and Legacy: The original gibbet from 1676 eventually deteriorated. The current gibbet is actually the seventh to stand on the site. Previous versions were replaced due to rotting, being struck by lightning, vandalism, or being blown down by strong winds. The current replica was erected in 1992. While the gibbet was only ever used for the display of George Bromham and Dorothy Newman, its grim history has made it a local landmark and a popular spot for walkers, hang-gliders, and paragliders, offering expansive views across Berkshire, Hampshire, and Wiltshire. The story of the murders even inspired a 1948 silent film called "The Black Legend," made by a young John Schlesinger.
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The Gibbet's Purpose: After their execution, their bodies were brought back to Inkpen and prepared for public display. A large, double gibbet was hastily erected on the long barrow. The bodies of George and Dorothy, bound in chains, were then displayed on either side of the gibbet on March 6, 1676, as a stark and gruesome warning to the local community to deter similar crimes. The location was chosen due to its prominence and being on the border of the two parishes, as there was a dispute over which parish should bear the cost of the gibbet.
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The Murders and Gibbeting: The Crime: George Bromham, a married farm labourer from Combe, and Dorothy Newman, a widow from Inkpen, were having an illicit affair. To be together, they murdered George's wife, Martha Bromham, and their son, Robert. Accounts vary, but it's believed they waylaid Martha and Robert and beat them to death with staves near where the gibbet now stands. One dramatic, though likely far-fetched, version suggests George killed his wife by thrusting her head into a hornet's nest. The Witness: The crime was reportedly witnessed by a villager known as "Mad Thomas," who alerted the authorities. Trial and Execution: George Bromham and Dorothy Newman were tried at Winchester Assizes. They were found guilty and hanged in Winchester on March 3, 1676.
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Any climb is generally worth it for the views at the top, this is in the top few for a far reaching vista.
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This bridge offers breathtaking views up and down the Kennett and Avon Canal in Hungerford. The nearby Tutti Pole is a wonderful place to stop and eat.
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Combe Gibbet is an impressive landmark at the top of Gallows Down, near Combe. It is actually located on the Test Way footpath on the Berkshire-Hampshire border and is a well-known local landmark. Historically, the gibbet was only used once back in 1676 to display the bodies of George Broomham and Dorothy Newman. Both were hanged for murdering Broomham’s wife and son, who discovered their extramarital affair, but alas, there was a witness, and things didn’t work out so well for them. Since that time, the gibbet has been replaced seven times, the last time back in 1992. Now it is just a tourist attraction and an area where you have stunning views out over the surrounding countryside. With a nearby car park, it is also a popular spot with hang gliding and paragliding enthusiasts.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no traffic touring cycling routes are available around Kintbury?
There are around 15 dedicated no traffic touring cycling routes in the Kintbury area, offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels. Most of these routes are considered easy or moderate, making them accessible for many cyclists.
Are there easy, traffic-free routes suitable for beginners or families in Kintbury?
Yes, Kintbury offers several easy, traffic-free touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. For example, the Inkpen Common – Honesty Café at Crown & Carter loop from Inkpen is an easy 9.8 km ride. Another great option is the Cookies Bakery loop from Inkpen, which is 11.6 km and also rated easy.
What kind of landscapes can I expect on Kintbury's no traffic cycling routes?
Kintbury's no traffic cycling routes primarily traverse the tranquil Kennet Valley and the Kennet & Avon Canal Path. You'll experience picturesque water meadows, charming rural fields, and areas shaped by chalk bedrock. The canal paths offer flat, gentle gradients, while routes extending into the broader valley may include moderate elevation changes.
Are there any circular no traffic touring cycling routes in Kintbury?
Yes, many of the no traffic touring cycling routes around Kintbury are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Inkpen Common loop from Inkpen and the Combe Gibbet – View from Combe Gibbet loop from Inkpen.
What interesting landmarks or attractions can I see along the routes?
Several routes pass by or near notable attractions. You can cycle past Combe Gibbet, which offers expansive views, or the historic Crofton Locks and Pumping Station. The area also features natural highlights like Ladle Hill and the View of North Wessex Downs.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Kintbury?
The Kintbury area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from 81 ratings. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, traffic-free nature of the routes, the scenic beauty of the Kennet Valley and Canal, and the varied terrain that caters to different cycling abilities.
Are there opportunities for wildlife spotting on these routes?
Yes, the tranquil nature of the Kennet Valley and Kennet & Avon Canal Path provides excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting. The Kintbury Newt Ponds, a local nature reserve, is home to great crested newts, grass snakes, slow worms, and various birds. You'll often see wetland habitats and diverse flora along the canal banks.
Can I find routes with pub or cafe stops along the way?
Yes, some routes are designed to pass by or near local establishments. For instance, the Inkpen Common – Honesty Café at Crown & Carter loop from Inkpen specifically mentions a café stop. The Crofton Pumping Station also has a café, providing a convenient break point on canal-side rides.
Where can I find more detailed maps for cycling in the Kintbury area?
For additional detailed maps and information on cycling routes in the wider West Berkshire district, including Kintbury, you can consult resources provided by the local council. A specific map for the Kintbury area is available: Route 3 - Boxford, Welford and Kintbury Cycle Map.
What is the best time of year for traffic-free cycling in Kintbury?
The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant weather conditions for cycling in Kintbury, with longer daylight hours and milder temperatures. However, the canal paths and rural lanes can be enjoyed year-round, with autumn providing beautiful foliage and winter offering crisp, quiet rides, though conditions may be muddier on unpaved sections.
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