The best road cycling routes around Publow

There are over 580 road cycling routes in and around Publow, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. You can find routes ranging from easy, shorter rides to more challenging paths with significant elevation gains.

Yes, Publow offers a good selection of easy road cycling routes. There are over 140 routes classified as easy, perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed ride. These routes often feature mostly well-paved surfaces and less strenuous climbs.

Advanced road cyclists will find plenty of challenges in Publow, with nearly 100 difficult routes available. The region is known for its rolling hills and routes with significant elevation gains. For example, the Burrington Combe Road Climb – Chew Valley Lake loop from Stanton Drew offers a moderate challenge with considerable elevation changes, including steep sections.

While specific 'family-friendly' routes are not explicitly categorized, many of the easy routes around Publow would be suitable for families. These routes typically have gentler gradients and can be found around scenic areas like Chew Valley Lake, providing a pleasant experience for all ages.

The Publow area is rich in natural beauty and historical sites. Many routes offer views of the expansive Chew Valley Lake. You can also explore areas near the River Chew and pass by historical villages. Notable landmarks in the wider region include the ancient Stanton Drew Stone Circles and the impressive Pensford Viaduct, a preserved historic railway bridge.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in Publow are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For instance, the The Round House, Stanton Drew – Chew Valley Lake loop from Whitchurch is a popular circular route that offers scenic views of Chew Valley Lake.

The road cycling routes in Publow are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.5 stars from over 700 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, the beauty of the rolling hills, and the scenic views of Chew Valley Lake and the River Chew.

Route lengths and durations vary significantly. You can find shorter rides, such as the Ashton Hill – Footbridge across the Avon loop from Compton Dando, which is about 14.8 miles (23.9 km) and takes around 1 hour 7 minutes. Longer routes, like the Chew Valley Lake – View of Chew Valley Lake loop from Stanton Drew, can be over 26 miles (42 km) and take more than 2 hours.

Absolutely. The region is rich in history. Besides the Stanton Drew Stone Circles, you can find historical villages like Woollard with buildings dating back to the 15th century, and Pensford, which features an 18th-century Grade II listed building, Pensford Lock-Up. The history of Publow itself is quite extensive.

The rolling hills and well-paved surfaces around Publow make it enjoyable for road cycling throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer provides longer daylight hours, while winter rides are possible, though conditions may be cooler and require appropriate gear.

Given the rural English setting and the presence of charming villages like Publow, Pensford, and Stanton Drew, it is common to find traditional pubs along or near many of the cycling routes. These can provide excellent opportunities for a refreshing break and local hospitality.

Beyond Chew Valley Lake and the River Chew, the landscape is characterized by picturesque English countryside. Keep an eye out for the prominent Kelston Roundhill, which offers spellbinding views across Bath, Bristol, and Somerset on clear days, including glimpses of the Severn bridges and distant hills.