Bristol By Bike: A Guide To The City’s Scenic Cycle Routes
In 2023, Bristol was named as one of the top 10 most cycle-friendly cities in the UK in part thanks to the variety of cycle routes for cyclists of all abilities to explore.
Whether you want to explore the heart of the city or you’re keen to adventure to the outskirts of Bristol, there are plenty of options for everyone. Some of Bristol’s most popular cycle routes include:
Bristol Docks Loop
Looping around the harbour, there are numerous highlights for cyclists to admire on this route including the SS Great Britain which was designed by renowned engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, countless restaurants and bars, and the iconic colourful houses in the Cliftonwood area. This is categorised as an easy cycle route and covers 2.7 miles.
Festival Way
Festival Way or Route 33 is an 8-mile cycle route which connects Bristol’s Harbourside to Nailsea. Like the Bristol Docks Loop, Festival Way is also an easy route and covers 7.5 miles.
Again, there are a variety of sights to admire, including Ashton Court Estate which boasts more than 800 acres of grassland and woodland. Plus, the Tyntesfield National Trust property is within a stone’s throw of the route for those wanting to pack in a full day of activities as well as exploring this fantastic cycle route.
Ashton Court Loop
The Ashton Court Loop is a moderately difficult route and covers 6.6 miles, including the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge. As we mentioned in the Festival Way route, Ashton Court Estate contains acres upon acres of grassland and woodland that can be explored by bike. Visitors can also soak in some spectacular city views and you might even see some of the deer that call the estate home.
The Bristol to Bath Railway Path
The entirety of this 13-mile cycle route is 100% free from traffic, which makes it an incredibly popular route amongst both locals and visitors alike. This route was first opened in 1986 and is categorised as an easy route suited to all abilities.
There are a selection of riverside pubs along the route that cyclists can enjoy, as well as some amazing public art to admire. For those who want to head back to the start of the route without getting back on their bike, simply jump on the train for a short ride.
The Most Cycle-Friendly Neighbourhoods in Bristol
If you’re impressed with the variety of the cycle routes that can be enjoyed across Bristol and you’re eager to make a move to this dynamic city, On The Dot Removals can offer plenty of insight into the city’s best areas.
Some of the most cycle-friendly neighbourhoods include:
Cliftonwood
Nestled between the neighbourhoods of Hotwells and Clifton, Cliftonwood is located just half a mile away from the heart of the city and offers beautiful views over the Harbourside. Cliftonwood is a remarkably tranquil part of Bristol, given its central location, which is largely due to the fact that there are only a couple of roads leading in and out of the area. So, it goes without saying that many of the residents in this neighbourhood are keen cyclists.
Southville and Bedminster
Located south of the River Avon, the areas of Southville and Bedminster are sometimes referred to as ‘Lower Clifton’ and are popular with young professionals and growing families alike. Southville and Bedminster are connected to the heart of the city by the Malago Greenway Loop, a 3.5-mile, moderately difficult route that runs all the way out to Imperial Park.
Westbury-on-Trym
Humans have lived in the Westbury-on-Trym area since the 8th century, making it older than the city of Bristol itself. Located to the north west of the city centre, this neighbourhood has a village-like feel, a good stock of 1930s properties and provides easy access to a number of amenities, which makes it a popular choice for young families. The Downs Way cycle route connects this neighbourhood to the city centre via a number of scenic areas, including the University of Bristol’s Botanic Garden and Clifton Downs.
Leigh Woods
Located on the other side of the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Leigh Woods boasts some of the city’s most impressive properties and scenic views. Sandwiched between Ashton Court Estate and National Trust woodland, cyclists can follow various routes, including Festival Way and the Ashton Court Loop to easily travel into the heart of the city.
So, whether you’re keen to live in the heart of the city to enjoy the best that central Bristol has to offer or you’re looking to live a little further out and explore the stunning countryside routes that connect the city with impressive National Trust properties and unspoilt landscapes, it’s simply impossible for cyclists to get bored living in this very special part of the UK.