Gloucestershire has a wide variety of cycle rides and terrains to suit all. From family days out on traffic-free routes winding through areas rich in wildlife and industrial heritage, to the steep hills and breathtaking views of the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire offers everything from purpose-built mountain biking facilities to city-centre cycle paths.
The Forest of Dean has many different off-road cycling routes for those that are new to riding. There is a traffic free 9 mile circular route, suitable for all ages, along the old Severn and Wye railway line starting and finishing at Mallards Pike Lake Car park off the B4234.
Download the route map and information leaflet here.
Alternatively, there is the WalkWheelCycleTrust Stroud Valley Trail. It is a traffic free route that begins in Stonehouse and follows the line of the old Midland railway finishing in Nailsworth. An out and back route ending where you started is 10 miles.
The Gloucestershire Cycle Spine is a growing network of safer cycling routes linking Gloucester and Cheltenham. Using a mixture of traffic-free paths and quieter roads, it provides accessible routes for commuting, leisure riding and everyday journeys. View the Cycle Spine Map here.
If you are interested in hiring bikes for family days out, the Forest of Dean has Pedal A Bike Away hire and bike hire is available in the Cotswold Lakes at Discover Bikes.
If you are looking for longer term bike hire then Cheltenham Bike Hire can help.
For those wanting a longer ride, the Cotswolds National Landscape offers a range of scenic cycling routes through picturesque villages, rolling hills and historic market towns. A map of this ride and detailed route information can be found here.
Alternatively, National Cycle Network route 41 connects the flat open countryside surrounding the River Severn near to Berkeley and Slimbridge with Gloucester and Cheltenham via the Sharpness Canal.
For more information on cycle routes across Gloucestershire check out these websites: