Bristol's Top 6 Cycling Routes

Known as the UK's first cycling city, Bristol is home to many fantastic cycling routes. Whether you're a pro cyclist, commuter or just enjoy a brisk cycle here and there, we have listed the top 6 cycling routes in the city below...

Bristol & Bath Railway Path

About: This is possibly the most famous cycle routes in Bristol. The 13-mile/21km route is perfect for a day trip out of the city with suitable cafes and country pubs on the way for those much-needed pit-stops. Cycle back or grab a bike spot on the train for the return journey back to Bristol. 

Distance: 13 Miles

Ability Level: Easy

Time: 2-3 Hours

Harbourside Loop

About: Even though this is a considerably short route, it's an incredible one, which is perfect for a relaxed Sunday afternoon or mid-week early evening. You can make your way along both sides of Bristol's iconic harbour, taking in sights such as the coloured houses up in Cliftonwood, the SS Great Britain and M Shed. Then when you're finished, you can check out the restaurants and bars that line the harbourside.

Distance: 2.7 Miles

Ability Level: Easy

Time: 1 Hour

Ashton Court Estate

About: Roll across the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge and into Ashton Court Estate with its 850-acres of publicly-owned woodland and grassland. On Ashton Court's famous bike trail you can cycle across woodland trails which are perfect for those of you mountain bikers. As well as amazing cycling routes, Ashton Court offers fantastic views of the city and it is where most of the hot air balloons take off from!

Distance: 4 Miles

Ability Level: Medium

Time: 1-2 Hours

Strawberry Line

About: This 10-mile, traffic-free path south of Bristol takes you through the Thatchers orchards, which are truly a sight to behold. This relatively flat route takes you all the way to the stunning Cheddar Gorge. If you get a little thirsty or need a pit-stop, you always can stop off for a pint at the Thatchers-owned Railway Inn close by!

Distance: 10 Miles

Ability Level: Easy

Time: 2-3 Hours

Festival Way

About: If mountain biking your way around Ashton Court isn't your thing, you can enjoy the estate at a much more serene pace thanks to the Festival Way cycle path. This country track links Nailsea with Bristol city centre, passing through the pretty villages of Long Ashton and Flax Bourton en route. This 8-mile route also passes close to the fantastic National Trust property of Tyntesfield making it a fantastic day out!

Distance: 8 Miles

Ability Level: Easy

Time: 1 Hour

Frome Greenway Loop

About: The Frome Greenway is another alternative to the Bristol-Bath Cycle Path, but it's every bit as pretty. You can take in the best of both city and country, passing through Castle Park and out to Eastville, before looping around the stunning Stoke Park Estate and making your way back into the city centre. 

Distance: 9.7 Miles

Ability Level: Medium

Time: 2-3 Hours