The best traffic-free bike rides in South West England

The Bradford on Avon, Bath and the Two Tunnels Greenway offers a moderate touring bicycle ride, covering 21.6 miles (34.8 km) with 796 feet (243 metres) of elevation gain. You can expect to complete it in about 2 hours and 11 minutes. This route combines picturesque countryside, historic canals, and charming Wiltshire villages. You will cycle alongside the peaceful Kennet & Avon Canal, spotting wildlife like kingfishers and herons, and pass the impressive 19th-century Dundas Aqueduct. The terrain varies from paved surfaces and compacted gravel to unsealed, rougher sections along the canal towpath, so robust tires are a good idea. As you approach Bath, you will enjoy views of the city's Georgian crescents.

The route is generally considered an intermediate ride, though the Two Tunnels Greenway section itself is largely flat and accessible for families. The full circuit can take around 2 hours and 29 minutes for intermediate riders. Some sections on quiet country lanes can be steep, and the canal path can be bumpy. E-bikes are recommended by some to make the journey more accessible and enjoyable, especially on the rougher canal sections or for those concerned about the distance. The trail is part of the National Cycle Network, specifically NCN 244, indicating a well-maintained and signposted path.

A highlight of this route is cycling through the two historic railway tunnels: the Devonshire Tunnel and the Combe Down Tunnel. The Combe Down Tunnel is over one mile long (1672 meters), making it the UK's longest cycling and walking tunnel, featuring an interactive light and sound installation called 'Passage'. Large sections of the ride follow the Kennet & Avon Canal Towpath, providing a peaceful, traffic-free environment rich in wildlife and history. The greenway utilizes former railway lines, disused after the Beeching cuts in 1966, giving it a rich historical context. This trail offers a diverse adventure, blending urban cycling in Bath with picturesque countryside and the unique experience of cycling through disused railway tunnels.

Embark on a relaxed touring cycling adventure along the Exe Estuary trail loop, stretching from Exeter to Exmouth. This easy 18.2 miles (29.3 km) route offers continuous, mostly asphalt paths with gentle gradients, gaining only 230 feet (70 metres) in elevation. You can expect to complete the loop in about 1 hour and 41 minutes, enjoying picturesque views of the River Exe and its marshlands, passing charming waterside villages like Topsham and Lympstone.

When planning your ride, you will find the trail is well-maintained and suitable for any type of bike, making it an excellent choice for families. Refreshments and toilets are readily available in the towns and villages along the route, including Exeter, Topsham, and Exmouth. While the main loop is straightforward, be aware that if you plan to use the Starcross to Exmouth Ferry, you might need to carry your bike up multiple staircases.

The Exe Estuary is an internationally important site for wintering birds, so keep an eye out for diverse wildlife, especially thousands of waders and wildfowl during the colder months. You can gain unique perspectives over the water from the Boardwalks at the Exe Estuary and even stop at the Goosemoor Nature Reserve Birdwatching Hide for a closer look at the local ecosystem.

This difficult 41.5-mile touring cycling loop on the Drake's Trail in Dartmoor National Park offers diverse scenery and significant climbs.