The best traffic-free bike rides around Bridgwater

There are over 50 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Bridgwater, offering a wide range of distances and difficulties. These routes are carefully curated to provide a safe and enjoyable experience away from vehicular traffic.

Yes, Bridgwater offers several easy, traffic-free routes perfect for families and beginners. The 14-mile Bridgwater and Taunton Canal towpath is a prime example, offering a flat, tranquil ride through the Somerset countryside. You can explore sections of this on routes like the Maunsel Lock – Bridgwater and Taunton Canal loop, which is moderate but has very gentle elevation changes.

To experience the unique Somerset Levels wetlands, consider routes that utilize the quiet country roads and dedicated paths. The North Curry Village Square – Maunsel Lock loop offers a moderate ride through this landscape. The King's Sedgemoor Drain Riverside Path, part of National Cycle Route 3, also provides a gravel cycleway alongside the river, ideal for wildlife spotting.

While many routes focus on flat, traffic-free paths, you can find more challenging options that incorporate the rolling hills of the Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Taunton & the Quantock Hills loop from Bridgwater is a difficult route that includes significant elevation gain, offering rewarding views from moorland tops.

The no-traffic routes, especially those along the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal and through the Somerset Levels, are rich in wildlife. You might spot otters, egrets, various wildfowl, dragonflies, herons, moorhens, and coots. The WWT Steart Marshes, accessible from some routes, is a significant wetland preserve for wildfowl.

Yes, several routes pass by interesting landmarks. Along the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal, you'll find the Somerset Space Walk at Maunsel Lock, featuring scale models of the solar system. Further afield, you could visit Burrow Mump with its ruined church, or the WWT Steart Marshes for wildlife observation. The King's Sedgemoor Drain Riverside Path is also a highlight in itself.

The best time for touring cycling in Bridgwater is generally from spring through autumn (April to October) when the weather is milder and the days are longer. The Somerset Levels can be particularly beautiful in spring with new growth and in autumn with changing colors. Winter rides are possible, but some paths might be wetter, especially in the wetland areas.

Many of the no-traffic touring routes around Bridgwater are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Maunsel Lock – Bridgwater and Taunton Canal loop and the Maunsel Lock – Iron Railway Bridge loop, both offering convenient circular journeys.

The no-traffic touring routes around Bridgwater are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.48 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the canal paths, the abundance of wildlife, and the peaceful escape from traffic, making them ideal for relaxed and scenic rides.

While the Strawberry Line is a popular traffic-free route in Somerset, it is not directly connected to Bridgwater's immediate no-traffic network. Bridgwater's primary traffic-free routes focus on the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal and sections of the National Cycle Route 3, which extend towards Langport and the South Somerset Cycleway.

Parking is generally available at various access points along the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal, such as near Maunsel Lock or in Bridgwater town itself. For routes venturing into the Somerset Levels or Quantock Hills, look for designated car parks in nearby villages or trailheads. Always check local signage for parking restrictions and fees.

Many of the no-traffic paths, particularly the canal towpaths and wider trails, are suitable for dogs, provided they are kept on a lead and under control. Always be mindful of other path users, wildlife, and any specific signage regarding dogs in nature reserves or protected areas. It's advisable to check specific route details for dog-friendliness.