Explore the best cycling and bike touring routes in Raleigh, from scenic greenways to wooded trails and smooth city rides—perfect for a vacation on two wheels.
BEST CYCLING AND BIKE TOURING ROUTES IN BRISTOL
Thinking about bringing your bike to Bristol? Brilliant idea. This lively, eco-conscious city is one of the UK's most bike-friendly destinations, with traffic-calmed roads, scenic harbourside trails, and easy access to countryside routes. Whether you're into relaxed city cruising or longer tours into the rolling hills of Somerset and Gloucestershire, Bristol has a bit of everything. With flat routes for casual riders and some climbs for those chasing a challenge, here's your ultimate guide to pedalling your way through the best of Bristol.
City rides and harbourside trails
Bristol is made for cycling. The city centre is packed with dedicated bike lanes, traffic-calming zones, and cycling corridors that make it easy to get around without breaking a sweat. One of the most popular—and picturesque—places to start is along the historic harbour.
Top city cycling routes
Harbourside Loop – A flat, easy 8 km loop around Bristol’s floating harbour. Cruise past the SS Great Britain, M Shed, and colourful boats, with plenty of cafés and street food spots en route.
Castle Park to Queen Square – A quick inner-city ride through peaceful green spaces and Georgian architecture. Ideal for a picnic stop or people-watching break.
Brunel Mile – Ride from Temple Meads Station to the Clifton Suspension Bridge, stopping at major Isambard Kingdom Brunel landmarks. Short, cultural, and very Bristol.
Stokes Croft Art Ride – For mural hunters and street art fans, ride through Bristol’s edgiest neighbourhood packed with Banksy originals and indie cafés.
Tips for urban riding
Stick to cycle paths and shared-use spaces—Bristol drivers are generally respectful, but it’s still a city. Most crossings have bike signals, and there’s a public air pump at the Arnolfini if you need a quick tyre top-up. Avoid rush hour (8–9 AM and 5–6 PM), and always lock your bike securely—cable locks won’t cut it here.
Countryside escapes and greenways
Craving fresh air and quiet roads? One of Bristol’s best features is how quickly you can escape the city and find yourself surrounded by rolling fields, canals, and woodlands. Thanks to its central location, you’ve got access to several famous long-distance paths and National Cycle Network routes—no car needed.
Best countryside bike routes
Bristol to Bath Railway Path (24 km one way) – One of the UK’s most iconic cycleways. Traffic-free, mostly flat, and packed with pubs, benches, and nature along the way. Ends right in Bath city centre—perfect for lunch and a train ride back.
Festival Way to Long Ashton (7 km) – A family-friendly ride through Ashton Court Estate and across open fields. You might even spot deer along the trail.
Strawberry Line to Cheddar (27 km) – Starting in Yatton, this scenic route takes you through cider orchards and tunnels to the base of Cheddar Gorge. One of the prettiest rides near Bristol.
Ashton Court Mountain Bike Trails – Want something more rugged? Head to Ashton Court’s designated MTB trails for fast descents and forest loops—just 10 minutes from the city centre.
Greenway tips
Pack snacks and water—some of these routes pass through rural areas with few shops. Bring a light waterproof layer (this is the UK, after all), and watch for walkers and dogs on shared paths. Most longer routes have rail stations nearby, so you can cycle out and take the train back for a breezy return.
Touring routes and multi-day rides
If you’re the kind of rider who loves loading up panniers and chasing the horizon, Bristol is a solid launchpad for longer touring adventures. With connections to National Cycle Routes and dedicated paths that run deep into the English countryside, you can plan single-day escapes or full-on bikepacking trips without straying far from a cosy B&B or a good cider stop.
Top touring routes from Bristol
Bristol to Glastonbury (approx. 50 km) – A spiritual and scenic ride through North Somerset. Rolling hills, quirky villages, and Glastonbury Tor waiting at the end.
Bristol to Wells via Chew Valley Lake (60 km loop) – A mix of lakeside riding and cathedral views. Great for an ambitious day ride or overnight loop with pubs en route.
Cotswolds Extension via Route 41 (2–3 days) – Want hills and honey-stone villages? Head northeast into the Cotswolds via National Cycle Route 41. Stunning but hilly.
Severn Estuary Ride to Sharpness (55 km) – Coastal vibes meet wild estuary landscapes. Quiet country roads, riverside views, and a pub lunch in Berkeley make this a hidden gem.
Touring tips for Bristol cyclists
Make use of Sustrans maps or the Komoot app to track cycle-friendly routes. Pack rainproof panniers and always carry a spare inner tube—country lanes can be thorny. Many cafés in the region are cyclist-welcoming, especially on weekends, and local train stations offer easy access if you need a shortcut. Campsites, B&Bs, and glamping pods dot the countryside, so you’ve got plenty of overnight options no matter your vibe.
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