The best traffic-free bike rides around Bradford-On-Avon

The area offers a diverse mix of surfaces ideal for gravel biking. You'll find smooth, flat towpaths along the Kennet and Avon Canal, such as those featured in the Dundas Aqueduct – Avoncliff Aqueduct loop. Routes like the Imber Range Path – View from Westbury White Horse loop venture onto more challenging gravel tracks and rolling hills in the wider Wiltshire countryside, offering a mix of climbs and off-road sections. Some routes also incorporate backroads connecting charming villages.

Yes, there are several easier options. The towpaths along the Kennet and Avon Canal are generally flat and well-suited for a relaxed ride. For example, the Iford Manor & Gardens – Avoncliff Aqueduct loop is an easy route that follows these scenic paths. The Two Tunnels Greenway, accessible from Bradford-On-Avon, also provides a unique and traffic-free experience through historic railway tunnels.

Parking is available in and around Bradford-On-Avon. For canal towpath access, you can often find parking near the town centre or at specific access points along the canal. For routes like the Imber Range Path, parking might be available in nearby villages or designated spots closer to the trailheads. It's always advisable to check local parking regulations before you go.

The routes are rich with historical and natural sights. You can cycle past impressive structures like the Dundas Aqueduct and the Avoncliff Aqueduct, both prominent features on canal-side rides. The Kennet and Avon Canal Towpath itself is a highlight, offering picturesque views. For a unique experience, explore The Two Tunnels Greenway. Further afield, routes may offer views of Wiltshire's iconic White Horses or pass by historical sites like Farleigh Hungerford Castle.

Absolutely. For those seeking a more adventurous ride, the Imber Range Path – View from Westbury White Horse loop offers a significant challenge with its expansive views, tough climbs, and off-road sections. This route covers over 60 km with substantial elevation gain, making it suitable for experienced gravel cyclists.

Spring and autumn are generally ideal for gravel biking in this region, offering pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, while autumn showcases vibrant foliage. Summer can also be great, but be prepared for potentially warmer weather. Winter riding is possible, but some unpaved sections might be muddy or slippery, especially after rain.

Many of the gravel bike routes around Bradford-On-Avon are designed as loops, maximizing your time on traffic-free paths and quiet country lanes. Examples include the Dundas Aqueduct – Avoncliff Aqueduct loop and the Caen Hill Locks – Caen Hill Locks loop, which offer scenic circular journeys with minimal interaction with vehicle traffic.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning natural beauty, the historical landmarks along the way, and the variety of terrain that keeps rides interesting. The peaceful, traffic-free nature of many paths, particularly along the canal, is frequently highlighted as a major draw.

Yes, several routes provide excellent viewpoints. The Imber Range Path – View from Westbury White Horse loop is renowned for its expansive views across the Wiltshire countryside, including the iconic Westbury White Horse. The Whaddon Bridge – View Over the Plains loop also lives up to its name, offering rewarding vistas over the plains.

Yes, many routes pass through or near charming villages and towns where you can find cafes, pubs, and shops. The canal towpaths, in particular, often have waterside pubs or cafes conveniently located. Bradford-On-Avon itself offers numerous options for refreshments before or after your ride.

The routes vary significantly in length to suit different preferences and fitness levels. You can find shorter, easy loops around 13 km, such as the Iford Manor & Gardens – Avoncliff Aqueduct loop. Moderate routes like the Dundas Aqueduct – Avoncliff Aqueduct loop are around 31 km. For a longer, more challenging adventure, routes like the Imber Range Path – View from Westbury White Horse loop can extend over 60 km.