4 min readBristol was named the UK’s first Cycling City in 2008, and today boasts more cycling commuters than many other large British cities. There are a wide range of options to hire bikes in the city, or even a tandem! There are lots of marked routes which both traverse and surround the city - here are a few of our favourites:
NB: Please check ahead on the Sustrans website for any closures and further information about these routes.
Bristol Harbourside Loop
The pathway continues around the harbour on both banks of the River Avon, forming a brilliant loop for sightseeing, with highlights including Brunel’s SS Great Britain, the colourful houses of Cliftonwood, Banksy's 'The Girl With the Pierced Eardrum' artwork, and the M Shed, plus numerous pubs, bars, and restaurants in which to recharge those aching legs.
Image: Cyclists on the Harbourside Loop path near M Shed, credit Cycle the City
Bristol and Bath Railway Path
(Route 4)
The one that started them all, the Bristol and Bath Railway Path was the first completely off-road cycle path in the UK, developed by national cycling charity Sustrans. The 13-mile (21km) route is perfect for a day trip out of the city, with suitable cafes and country pubs on the way to Bath for those much-needed pit-stops. If you fancy extending your ride, join the scenic Two Tunnels Greenway at Bath's Oldfield Park, and discover the longest cycling tunnels in the UK, as well as spectacular views over the Somerset countryside.
Take your pick from cycling back to Bristol, or nabbing a bike space on a train from Bath Spa railway station for the return journey.
Image: Cyclists on the Bristol and Bath Railway Path, credit Sustrans
Festival Way
(Route 33)
Follow this 10-mile (16km) route from Bristol Harbourside to the nearby town of Nailsea via Ashton Court Estate, home to 850 acres of woodland and grassland, as well as the annual Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. The route also passes close to the gorgeous National Trust property of Tyntesfield, which can be combined with your ride for a fantastic day out.
If you're feeling particularly energetic, continue on to Clevedon, where you can join the new Pier to Pier Way, connecting the town to Weston-super-Mare via the pretty countryside of Coastal Somerset.
Image: Cyclists on the banks of the River Avon near Clifton Suspension Bridge, credit Cycle the City
The Strawberry Line
To the south of the city, take the train or drive to Yatton (or combine with the Festival Way above) for this relatively flat 10-mile (16km) route to the stunning Cheddar Gorge. Along the way, you'll discover beautiful English orchards (the route takes in the Thatchers Cider Farm, perfect for a refreshing pit stop), the Mendip Hills, and the historic market town of Axbridge.
Once you reach Cheddar Gorge & Caves, there are plenty of places to park your bike while you explore the cliffs and caves of England's largest gorge.
Image: Family cycling on the Strawberry Line
Ashton Court
Roll across the Clifton Suspension Bridge and into Ashton Court Estate with its 850 acres of publicly-owned woodland and grassland. There are a range of woodland trails for mountain bikers of all skill levels, with bikes available to hire from Pedal Progression on-site. Ashton Court also offers fantastic views of the Bristol skyline, and is where many of the city's hot air balloons take off throughout the year (just near the Mansion House). Look out for the resident deer herds too!
Image: Mountain bikers at Ashton Court Estate
Head over to our cycling pages and the Sustrans website to find out more.
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