The best cycling routes around Malmesbury

There are over 70 touring cycling routes around Malmesbury, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. These routes navigate through rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and serene river valleys.

Yes, Malmesbury offers several easy touring cycling routes. For instance, the Sherston Clock Tower – Malmesbury Abbey loop from Malmesbury is an easy 15.0-mile (24.2 km) trail through the Wiltshire countryside. Another option is the Sherston Clock Tower – The Courtyard Café, Sherston loop from Malmesbury, which is an easy 18.2 km (11.3 miles) route.

The terrain around Malmesbury is diverse, featuring rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and river valleys. Cyclists can expect a mix of paved surfaces and unpaved sections, including parts of the historic Fosse Way Roman Road. Routes can range from gentle slopes to more demanding ascents and descents.

Yes, many routes around Malmesbury are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. A popular example is the Wiltshire Cycleway Loop from Malmesbury, a 17.9-mile (28.9 km) moderate route exploring the idyllic English countryside. Another is the Malmesbury Abbey – Malmesbury Abbey loop from Malmesbury, a 30.8 km (19.1 miles) moderate ride.

Many routes pass by or near historical and natural attractions. You can see the historic Malmesbury Market Cross and Abbey, or parts of the ancient Fosse Way Roman Road. The Valley Byway Through The Cotswolds offers scenic forest views, and you might encounter the Easton Grey Roman Settlement and Weir.

The touring cycling routes around Malmesbury are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 10 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, the mix of paved and unpaved sections, and the scenic beauty of the rolling countryside and ancient woodlands.

Yes, the Malmesbury area has several villages and towns that offer opportunities for refreshments. Many routes are designed to pass through or near places where you can find cafes or traditional pubs, especially in towns like Sherston or Malmesbury itself. For example, the Sherston Clock Tower – The Courtyard Café, Sherston loop from Malmesbury specifically highlights a cafe stop.

Late spring and summer are generally ideal for touring cycling in Malmesbury, offering pleasant weather and the chance to see ancient woodlands like Webbs Wood in full bloom with bluebells. However, the diverse landscapes can be enjoyed in autumn with changing foliage, and even in milder winter days, though some unpaved sections might be muddier.

Yes, Malmesbury is situated on the Wiltshire Cycleway, a much longer route that spans approximately 160 miles (255 km). You can explore manageable segments of this cycleway, such as the Wiltshire Cycleway Loop from Malmesbury, which offers a taste of the idyllic English countryside.

Yes, touring cycling routes from Malmesbury extend into the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the North Wessex Downs. These areas feature varied terrain, including open downland, ancient woodlands, and river valleys, providing a more extensive exploration of the region's natural beauty.

For more details on Malmesbury's attractions, including the Abbey House Gardens and the historic Market Cross, you can visit the official Malmesbury town website at malmesbury.gov.uk or the regional tourism site at visitwiltshire.co.uk.