The best traffic-free bike rides around Chew Valley Lake

There are 10 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes around Chew Valley Lake featured in this guide. These routes vary in length and difficulty, offering options for different skill levels.

The routes around Chew Valley Lake cater to a range of abilities. You'll find 5 easy routes, 4 moderate routes, and 1 difficult route, ensuring there's something for everyone from beginners to experienced cyclists.

Yes, several easy routes are perfect for beginners. A great option is the Chew Stoke Stone Bridge – Chew Valley Lake loop from Chew Stoke, which is just under 19 km long with a manageable elevation gain of around 227 meters. This route offers scenic views without being overly demanding.

For those seeking a greater challenge, the region offers routes with significant elevation. The Gare Hill – Mells Village loop from Bishop Sutton is a difficult route spanning over 91 km with more than 1000 meters of elevation gain, providing a rewarding ride for advanced cyclists.

Many of the routes in the area are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Chew Valley Lake – Chew Stoke Ford loop from Bishop Sutton is a moderate 36.7 km circular route that takes you around the lake and through charming local villages.

The routes offer stunning views of the lake and surrounding countryside. You can enjoy various viewpoints of Chew Valley Lake itself, which is the fifth-largest artificial lake in the UK. The area is also known for its rich birdlife, making Bird Watching at Chew Valley Lake a popular activity. You might also pass by charming villages and rolling country lanes that characterize the Mendip Hills AONB.

There are several designated parking areas around Chew Valley Lake, including the Chew Valley Lake Picnic Area. Many routes start from or pass through villages with public parking facilities, making it convenient to access the trails.

The Chew Valley Lake area is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions for road cycling with milder temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer is also popular, though routes can be busier. Winter cycling is possible, but check local conditions for ice or adverse weather.

Yes, the area has options suitable for families. The 2.7 km Chew Valley Lake Recreational Trail is a dedicated all-weather path for walkers and cyclists. For slightly longer rides, some of the easier, shorter loops featured in this guide, like the View of Chew Valley – Norton Lane Climb loop from The Bottle Yard Studios (22.4 km), can be adapted for family outings, especially on quieter days.

Absolutely! The Chew Valley Lake area is dotted with charming villages and amenities. You can find dining options like Salt & Malt at one of the picnic areas, known for its fish and chips. Many routes pass through villages where you can find local pubs and cafes to refuel and relax.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.47 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning lake views, the peaceful rolling country lanes, and the overall serene atmosphere that makes for an enjoyable, traffic-free cycling experience.

Both lakes offer beautiful cycling opportunities. Chew Valley Lake is larger and features a wider variety of routes, including dedicated recreational trails and extensive country lanes. While Blagdon Lake also has scenic routes, Chew Valley Lake is often highlighted for its diverse landscapes, significant birdwatching opportunities, and more developed amenities for cyclists, making it a comprehensive destination for no-traffic road cycling.