Where to Ride in Bristol

Cycling is the quickest, cheapest and most convenient way to get around Bristol - even with the hills! No matter where you are cycling in to the city from, there are many key on and off-road radial routes that will get you there.

Local rides for new riders

Enjoy Bristol at its best by cycling the off-road loop around the floating harbour. On the northern side you have great views across the water of SS Great Britain, the Matthew and the M Shed, but cross over Brunels Lock on Merchants Road to access the South side for views of the city and the iconic colourful houses overlooking the marina. There are numerous places to stop for food and drink on this route, from the Grain Barge pub, the cafe at Underfall Yard, or Wapping Wharf to name a few! Alternatively, loop back over Prince St Bridge and picnic in Queens Square!

If you are looking for a more rural route, the Bristol to Bath Railway Path is flat, completely off road and great for new riders. There are numerous points in East Bristol to join the path, or join from Newtown Park, a stones throw away from Temple Meads station. Following the route to Bitton, home to the Avon Valley Railway headquarters, takes an hour. This is a much loved route, and you can expect wonderful scenery, a mix of people walking and riding, and even a bite to eat in Bitton from a 1950s railway carriage! The path continues all the way to Bath which is only a further 4 miles away. If you are still feeling fit why not carry on, but don’t forget the return journey! 

 

More info on rides

• Interactive and easy to use digital journey planner
• Static maps and routes can be downloaded here (or posted to you on request!)

Local bike hire

If you need a bike, or would like to try a different bike, then our Loan Bikes Scheme can help you borrow a hybrid bike for FREE for a full month, or an electric bike for 2 weeks from Better By Bike complete with all the accessories you'll need. 

We can also provide one-to-one training to help build your confidence and discover the best local routes for your journeys.

Find out more here. 

I already cycle

The Frome Greenway Route follows the River Frome out of the city towards UWE, and loops back via the locally renowned St Werburghs City Farm. This route is around 10 miles and takes 2.5 hours.

The Ashton-Pill loop takes you on a circular ride along the length of the River Avon from central Bristol, riding beneath the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge towards Avonmouth, and back to Bristol via the Pill Path. Note the route is not suitable for road bikes in wet weather as can get muddy! The route is approximately 15 miles and takes around 3 hours.

The Festival Way is a mostly traffic-free route from the heart of Bristol out towards Nailsea. Traveling through nearby towns and villages and the historic Grade 2 listed grounds of Ashton Court Estate. The route also forms part of Route 33 of the National Cycle Network so is well signposted.

 

Where to get more information

Whether you have been cycling for years, or haven't got a bike yet and are just starting to think about cycling, Better By Bike has lots of useful resources for you. 

Visit betterbybike.info for:

• tips for buying/replacing a bike and starting cycling
• how to access cycle training and loan bikes
• leisure routes around the West of England (choose from Easy/Moderate/Challenging)
• info on bike shops, facilities, and maintenance