The best gravel rides around Patchway
4.4
(231)
1,414
riders
34
rides
Gravel biking around Patchway offers a network of routes traversing varied landscapes north of Bristol. The region features a mix of urban greenways, historical infrastructure, and rolling terrain, with proximity to the Cotswolds and the Forest of Dean. Natural features like the Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve and sections along the River Avon provide diverse environments for gravel cycling. The area includes established cycling routes and local green spaces, offering varied surfaces suitable for gravel bikes.
Best gravel bike trails around Patchway
- The most popular gravel bike trail is Clifton Suspension Bridge – Clifton Suspension Bridge loop from Montpelier, a 20.4 miles (32.8 km) trail that takes 2 hours 26 minutes to complete. This route features a moderate difficulty and includes significant elevation gain.
- Another top favourite among local gravel bikers is Clifton Suspension Bridge – Clifton Suspension Bridge loop from Ashley Down, a moderate 23.5 miles (37.8 km) path. This route offers views of the iconic bridge and surrounding urban green spaces.
- Local gravel bikers also love the Staple Hill Tunnel – Staple Hill Tunnel loop from Fishponds, a 15.5 miles (24.9 km) trail leading through historical railway infrastructure, often completed in about 1 hour 46 minutes.
- Gravel biking around Patchway is defined by historical infrastructure, urban greenways, and rolling terrain. The network offers options for easy, moderate, and difficult routes, catering to different ability levels.
- The routes in Patchway are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 210 reviews. More than 1300 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore Patchway's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
4.8
(12)
83
riders
63.7km
04:30
510m
510m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
4.4
(17)
101
riders
59.8km
03:59
430m
430m
Get ready for a moderate gravel biking adventure on the Avon Cycleway and Cotswold Edge Loop. This route takes you through diverse landscapes, offering quiet country lanes, traffic-free paths, and some bridleways. You will enjoy expansive views over the Severn Valley, pedal through picturesque Cotswold villages, and pass open pastures, with the Somerset Monument standing out as a notable landmark. Covering 37.2 miles (59.8 km) with 1421 feet (433 metres) of elevation gain, you can expect to complete it in about 3 hours and 58 minutes.
When planning your visit, be aware that while the Avon Cycleway is generally well-signposted, some bridleways on the loop can become quite muddy after rain, especially during wetter seasons. It is a good idea to check weather conditions before you head out. Parking is usually available in the towns and villages located along the route, providing convenient access points for you to start your ride.
This loop uniquely combines the varied terrain of the Avon Cycleway with the rugged beauty of the Cotswold Edge, offering a rewarding experience for gravel biking enthusiasts. You will find a mix of surfaces and scenery that keeps the ride engaging from start to finish. It is a great way to explore the region's natural charm and rural character on two wheels.
Sign up for free
5.0
(1)
18
riders
112km
08:14
1,130m
1,130m
Gravel biking on The Bristol loop offers a diverse and engaging experience through the Cotswolds National Landscape. This difficult 69.4-mile (111.7 km) route features a significant 3696 feet (1127 metres) of elevation gain, taking around 8 hours and 14 minutes to complete. You will traverse rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and tranquil river valleys, passing through charming honey-colored villages and enjoying panoramic views from viewpoints like Cleeve Hill. Expect a mix of surfaces, from smooth gravel paths and forest tracks to rocky terrain and field margin bridleways, with some sections potentially requiring you to push your bike due to steepness or technical challenges.
Planning your visit requires good or very good fitness and advanced riding skills, especially given the route's duration and elevation. Be aware that some climbs are described as "techy and challenging," featuring large rocks and potentially slippery conditions. In winter, certain trails can become very wet and muddy, so consider the season when you plan your ride. A tubeless tire setup is often recommended to help prevent punctures on rocky sections like the Queen Charlton Byway.
This trail is notable for its incorporation of historic pathways, such as parts of the Roman Fosse Way, offering a unique sense of history as you ride. The underlying Jurassic oolitic limestone bedrock shapes the landscape, contributing to the iconic dry stone walls and the warm tones of traditional Cotswold villages. As the largest National Landscape in the UK, the Cotswolds provides nearly 800 square miles of varied scenery, from dramatic escarpments to tranquil valleys, ensuring a rich and varied gravel biking adventure.
4.6
(7)
56
riders
67.1km
05:29
930m
930m
Embark on the Grit Lush 40 loop from Bristol, a difficult gravel biking adventure spanning 41.7 miles (67.1 km) with a significant 3040 feet (927 metres) of elevation gain. This challenging route, typically completed in 5 hours and 28 minutes, offers a diverse mix of terrain, from gravelly riverside paths to technical singletrack and old Roman roads. You will experience panoramic views over Bristol and Dundry Hill after crossing the Clifton Suspension Bridge into Ashton Court Park, passing through the Land Yeo Valley and Bourton Combe with its ruins and scenic vistas.
Planning your ride requires good preparation, as this is a hard gravel ride demanding very good fitness and advanced riding skills. Be aware that sections like the Avon Riverside Path can be prone to flooding in winter, and the Wrington–Brockley Bridleway can become quite boggy when wet. For the best experience, especially on rocky climbs and muddy bridleways, aim to ride in dry conditions. Given the duration, start early to ensure ample daylight for your journey.
What makes this route truly stand out is its ability to showcase the varied off-road riding opportunities around Bristol, blending urban green spaces with picturesque countryside. The "Grit Lush" name perfectly captures the essence of exploring the local grit, forest trails, and forgotten ways that surround and neighbour the city. This meticulously planned loop offers a unique perspective of Bristol, connecting green spaces and providing an engaging adventure straight from the city.
5.0
(1)
16
riders
93.7km
07:38
1,210m
1,210m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Go west-east, much better, just a thrilling descent down to the Winford road. There is a section beforehand but it's straight off the main road with only a grassy verge to ride along to connect to Freeman's Lane, and no island to make the A38 less lethal.
0
0
At a main crossroads of the Bristol - Bath cycle path, there is this. Mangotsfield railway station. It's now been taken over by nature & is utterly gorgeous! Opened in 1869, and lasting all the way to closing 100 years later, it had a really good run! It goes to show how quickly times were changing in the 19th & 20th centuries. What I love about it is that it's been left there. It's so surreal & beautiful. The platforms are obvious, a similar height to today, and there's a waiting room structure as well. It's all been reclaimed by nature in the last (almost) 50 years. If we allow nature the time and space; it will come back.
0
0
The ford is still pretty deep after a few months of little rain, and there's definitely a few puddles sticking around, probably wouldn't go through them on the basis of the farms all around. 💩
0
0
Flat out from the top of AC and giving access to the back of the estate. Linking Bridleways and XC trails along the way
0
0
Wear clothes to cover your legs, parts are quite overgrown with nettles. (end May 2024)
1
0
Super fast gravel linking to the main road at the top and bottom. Great way to link up byway to Land Yeo river crossing
0
1
Frequently Asked Questions
How many gravel bike trails are available around Patchway?
There are over 60 gravel bike routes in the Patchway area, offering a diverse range of experiences. These include 6 easy routes, 34 moderate routes, and 28 difficult routes, catering to various skill levels.
Are there any easy gravel bike trails suitable for beginners near Patchway?
Yes, Patchway offers several easier gravel bike trails. While specific beginner-focused routes aren't detailed here, the region has 6 routes classified as easy, which are generally suitable for those new to gravel biking or looking for a more relaxed ride. These often follow urban greenways or disused railway lines.
What are some challenging gravel bike routes for experienced riders in the Patchway area?
For experienced riders seeking a challenge, Patchway has 28 difficult routes. One such demanding route is the Belmont Hill – Clifton Suspension Bridge loop from Redland, which covers 39 km and features significant elevation changes.
Are there gravel bike trails near Patchway that offer scenic viewpoints?
Many routes in the Patchway area provide scenic viewpoints, especially those venturing towards the Avon Gorge. The iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge is a prominent landmark and viewpoint featured on several rides, such as the Clifton Suspension Bridge – Clifton Suspension Bridge loop from Montpelier. You can also find views from Goram's Chair Viewpoint.
What kind of terrain can I expect on gravel bike trails around Patchway?
Gravel biking around Patchway features varied terrain. You'll encounter a mix of urban greenways, historical infrastructure like disused railway lines, and rolling natural landscapes. Surfaces range from compacted earth and gravel paths to paved sections, offering a diverse riding experience.
Are there any circular gravel bike routes near Patchway?
Yes, many gravel bike routes in the Patchway area are designed as loops. For example, the Broad Lane Byway – Ruffet Road loop from Bristol Parkway is a moderate 32.8 km circular route. Another popular option is the Staple Hill Tunnel – Staple Hill Tunnel loop from Fishponds, which is 24.9 km long.
What historical landmarks or attractions can I see along gravel bike trails in Patchway?
The gravel bike trails around Patchway often incorporate historical infrastructure. You can explore the Staple Hill Tunnel, a former railway tunnel, or the Mangotsfield Railway Station (disused). The Brandy Bottom Colliery Ruins also offer a glimpse into the region's industrial past.
What do other gravel bikers say about the trails in Patchway?
The gravel bike trails in Patchway are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.4 stars from over 270 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, the blend of urban and natural landscapes, and the well-maintained paths that connect local communities with green spaces.
Are there any routes that follow river paths or gorges in the Patchway area?
Yes, some routes in the wider Patchway area follow the River Avon and its gorges. You can find sections of the River Avon Trail or the Avon Riverside Path (Bristol to Pill), offering picturesque views along the water. The Henbury Gorge is another natural feature in the vicinity.
What is the typical duration for a gravel bike ride around Patchway?
The duration of a gravel bike ride in Patchway varies greatly depending on the route's length and difficulty. For example, a moderate route like the Staple Hill Tunnel – Staple Hill Tunnel loop from Fishponds typically takes around 1 hour 46 minutes, while longer routes can extend to over 3 hours.
Are there any gravel bike trails that are particularly good for families near Patchway?
While specific family-friendly routes aren't highlighted, the 6 easy-rated routes in the Patchway area are generally suitable for families. These often feature flatter sections and less technical terrain, making them more accessible for riders of all ages. Look for routes that utilize disused railway lines, as these tend to be smoother and traffic-free.
Most popular attractions around Patchway
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Gravel rides in other regions.
