The best cycling routes around City of Bristol

There are over 570 touring cycling routes around the City of Bristol. These routes cater to various skill levels, with more than 200 easy routes, 190 moderate routes, and 170 difficult routes to explore.

Yes, Bristol offers numerous easy and family-friendly options. The Ashton Court Mansion – Ashton Court Gatehouse loop from Parson Street is a moderate 20.3 km route that explores the Ashton Court Estate, which features woodland trails and a deer park. The Bristol and Bath Railway Path is another excellent traffic-free option, ideal for a leisurely day trip connecting the two cities.

For those seeking a challenge, the region offers several difficult routes. The Chew Valley Lake loop from Bristol is a 57.4 km route with significant elevation gain, exploring the scenic Chew Valley. Another challenging option is the Towards Clevedon from Bristol - plenty of gravel route, a 48.4 km path with varied terrain including gravel sections leading towards the coast.

Yes, many touring cycling routes around Bristol are circular. For example, the Portishead Marina – Graffiti Railway Underpass loop from Parson Street is a moderate 39.2 km circular route. The Avon Cycleway is also an 86-mile circular route around Bristol, featuring dedicated cycle paths and quiet lanes, suitable for a weekend tour.

Bristol's touring cycling routes offer access to diverse natural attractions. You can cycle along the River Avon, admiring the dramatic Avon Gorge, or explore the picturesque Chew Valley with its lake. The River Avon Trail provides scenic beauty along the riverbanks. Further afield, the Mendip Hills National Landscape offers limestone ridges and nature reserves, while the Cotswolds provide rolling hills and picturesque countryside.

Absolutely. The Chew Valley Lake loop from Bristol is a prime example, offering stunning views of Chew Valley Lake. Within the city, you can find smaller lakes like Eastville Park Lake and Pond in St George's Park, which are often part of urban greenway routes.

The touring cycling routes in the City of Bristol are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 900 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, from urban green spaces and riverside paths to the rolling hills of the Mendips, and the well-maintained network of dedicated cycling paths.

Yes, Bristol's varied terrain offers many scenic viewpoints. The Avon Gorge provides spectacular views, especially from the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Within the city, Brandon Hill offers panoramic views of Bristol and its Harbourside. The Goram's Chair Viewpoint is another notable spot along the gorges.

While specific routes aren't explicitly designed around pub stops, many routes pass through charming villages and towns where you can find local pubs and eateries. The Bristol and Bath Railway Path, for instance, connects two cities with ample dining options, and routes through the Chew Valley often pass through villages known for local producers.

Spring and summer generally offer the most pleasant weather for touring cycling in Bristol, with longer daylight hours and milder temperatures. However, the region's diverse landscapes can be enjoyed year-round, with autumn providing beautiful foliage and winter offering crisp, quiet rides, especially on the traffic-free paths.

Yes, Bristol serves as a great starting point for longer touring cycling adventures. The Avon Cycleway is an 86-mile circular route around Bristol, which can be completed over a weekend. For even longer distances, routes extend into the Mendip Hills and the Cotswolds, offering extensive networks for multi-day tours.

Bristol has a good public transport network, including train stations and bus services, which can help you access various cycling routes. Many routes, like those starting from central Bristol or near train stations, are easily reachable. For routes further afield, consider checking local bus services that allow bikes or planning a route that starts and ends near a public transport hub.

Many of Bristol's cycling paths, especially those in parks and along disused railway lines like the Bristol and Bath Railway Path, are generally dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a lead and waste is properly disposed of. Always check specific park or trail regulations before heading out with your dog.