Three best cycling routes in Bristol

The 3 Best Cycle Routes In Bristol

Bristol and Bath Railway Path

This is one of the most popular routes in Bristol for cyclists and walkers alike. It was originally a railway in the 1960s, before Sustrans converted it into a cycle path between 1979 and 1986. In the process, it became the first of Sustrans’ many cycleways. The Bristol and Bath Railway Path is a pointto-point route and can be ridden in either direction. You can set off in Bristol on the corner of Trinity Street and St. Philips Road, or in Bath from the old railway bridge before Windsor Bridge Road. The riverside path continues into the centre of Bath, so why not carry on and explore this beautiful town if you have the time?

You won’t have to contend with any cars on this route either. It’s entirely traffic-free and lined with lush greenery, so you’ll feel nestled into the countryside. There are some interesting features along the way as well, namely the Staple Hill tunnel and the traditional Bitton train station serving refreshments, cakes and sandwiches.

Distance: 13.9 miles Elevation: 266m Map: Download here

Bristol to Portishead

Beginning at Queen Square, you ride directly south to the wharf, crossing the small Prince Street bridge before taking a right and cutting through Museum Street to meet the River Avon.

From here, you ride along the River Avon’s banks as it winds down the striking Avon Gorge, past Leigh Woods and underneath the towering Clifton Suspension Bridge. The dirt path is smooth and the sharpest hill is only a 30m incline over 1.5 miles on the approach to Ham Green, so this ride is well suited to cruising. At the halfway point, you’ll arrive at the quaint boating village of Pill. Here, you can stop for lunch or a quick coffee before pressing onto Portishead.

The last quarter of the journey hops back onto the road, but you’ll still ride along tree-lined lanes between farmland for the most part. Once you reach Portishead, you can continue northwest and finally rest at the shoreline overlooking Wales across the Bristol Channel.

Distance: 11.2 miles

Elevation: 329m Map: Download here

Some might argue that Bristol is best experienced by bicycle – and it’s hard to disagree after watching this documentary from Böikzmöind, a Bristol fixie bike community. The Bristol Docks Loop consists of nearly three-quarters traffic-free paths, which is quite a feat for a city centre cycle route. At 3 miles, it’s perfect for taking things easy and soaking up the city’s atmosphere. You can glide down the banks of the Avon and cut across town to see all it has to offer in no time compared to walking or using public transport. There’s something more romantic about it too.

Starting at Bristol Cathedral, you’ll pass the Bristol central library and then join the path at the wharf for views of the docks and the SS Great Britain. Pass the docks and you’ll join the River Avon and the Chocolate Path will guide you back into town. Central Bristol is full of pubs and cafes if you fancy a pit stop

Distance: 3 miles Elevation: 57m Map: Download here