The best road cycling routes in Bath and North East Somerset

There are over 680 road cycling routes in Bath and North East Somerset, catering to various skill levels. This includes 105 easy routes, 462 moderate routes, and 115 difficult routes, ensuring options for every cyclist.

The region offers a diverse landscape of rolling hills and valleys. You'll find routes traversing parts of the Cotswolds National Landscape to the north and east, and the Mendip Hills National Landscape to the south. The underlying limestone geology provides both challenging climbs and rewarding descents, with significant natural landmarks like Chew Valley Lake and the River Avon contributing to the scenic beauty.

Yes, there are over 100 easy road cycling routes in the area. For example, the The Royal Crescent – The Circus, Bath loop from Grosvenor is an easy 30.6 km route, and the Monkton Combe village – Two Tunnels Greenway loop from Bath Spa is a 21.2 km easy route that incorporates parts of the popular Two Tunnels Greenway.

Absolutely. Over 115 difficult road cycling routes are available. The Chew Valley & Burrington Coombe loop from Bath is a challenging 81.1 km route exploring the Mendip Hills, offering panoramic views and significant elevation gain. Another demanding option is the Avebury, Bradford on Avon & Lacock Abbey loop from Bath, a 98.7 km path featuring historic towns and countryside scenery.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 300 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the diverse terrain, from rolling hills to challenging climbs in the Cotswolds and Mendip Hills, and the scenic beauty of routes passing through historic towns and natural landmarks like Chew Valley Lake.

Yes, Chew Valley Lake is a prominent feature in the region and is included in several road cycling routes. You can explore it on the Chew Valley Lake – The Circus, Bath loop from Bath Spa, a moderate 58.2 km route, or the The Round House, Stanton Drew – Chew Valley Lake loop from Bath and North East Somerset, a moderate 46.5 km option.

Many routes offer views of significant landmarks. You might pass by viewpoints like Kelston Roundhill, offering extensive vistas. Historical sites such as Stanton Drew Stone Circles and Cove or the famous The Roman Baths are also accessible or visible from various routes. The region's natural beauty, including Chew Valley Lake, is a constant highlight.

While this guide focuses on road cycling, Bath and North East Somerset is well-known for its dedicated cycling infrastructure. The Two Tunnels Greenway and the Bristol & Bath Railway Path are popular traffic-free routes, ideal for leisurely rides and families, offering a different cycling experience from the open road.

Yes, bike hire services are readily available in Bath. The local council also operates a loan bike scheme to encourage cycling, making it easy to get equipped for your ride.

Many of the road cycling routes in the region are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Dramway Cycle Path – Bannerdown Climb loop from Bath Spa and the Lacock Abbey – Neston Back Lane loop from Bath Spa, offering convenient circular journeys.

Yes, many routes pass through or near villages and towns where you can find cafes, pubs, and other eateries. Areas around Chew Valley Lake, for instance, have options like Salt & Malt. The Bristol & Bath Railway Path also has several stops along its length, and many road routes will take you past welcoming establishments.