Castle Combe byways & bridleways — Cotswolds National Landscape

This triangular route heading east is one of my favourite local gravel loops, and a pretty big day out too. Taking in parts of the Cotswold Way, the stunning bridleways of Castle Combe, the Fosse Way bridleway descent into the city of Bath and then an easy finish following the river and the traffic-free Bristol to Bath Path back to the start, it’s a brilliant route not to be underestimated!

Expect chalky-white bridleways, wide gravel byways, quiet lanes and pretty towpaths. Spend as much or as little time as you like exploring historic Bath, where you’ll also find many places to enjoy a drink, meal or ice-cream!

After following the smooth and traffic-free Bristol to Bath Path out of the city, you’ll take back lanes through Pucklechurch (including a steep and rocky warm up climb), then on through Hinton up the alternative Cock Lane climb which is quieter than the main road through the trees in the village. Turn left onto the Cotswold Way further up, riding along the field margin with fantastic views on a clear day as far as the Severn Bridge and Wales beyond. You’ll follow this through a few fields, over the main road and along, parallel to the M4 motorway.

To the north of Nettleton, enjoy the bumpy hedgerow bridleway past the dairy farm, which after a few gates opens up into a central path up through a large arable field. Skirt the next few field edges before returning to the lanes, then onto Summer Lane gravel byway.

The real highlight of the route comes next as you pass the Castle Combe race course, well known for the mid-week crits, and take the bridleway through Hammerdown Wood. Expect chalky hillside trails, impressive valleys, secluded and vibrant with wildlife.

The following leg takes you onto the Roman Road of the Fosse Way, admittedly quite a busy road at times but with good visibility, and corking views to the Wessex Downs on your left. Peel off to the right when you reach Bannerdown, taking the Fosse Way bridleway descent that can be pretty technical down to Batheaston.
Cross the river to the gravel trail that’ll lead you to the canal, and ride into the centre of Bath along the towpath, taking care for other users as it can get pretty busy along here.

From Bath, you follow the Bristol to Bath Path all the way back into Bitton, before peeling off to ride up Willsbridge Hill. You make your way to Hanham Lock, taking the idyllic gravel trail alongside the River Avon through Conham River Park to finish.