The best gravel rides around St Catherine

There are over 35 gravel bike trails available around St Catherine, offering a wide variety of routes through the Bath countryside. These include a mix of easy, moderate, and difficult options to suit different skill levels.

The terrain around St Catherine features rolling hills, canal towpaths, and wooded bridleways. You'll encounter diverse surfaces from smooth towpaths to more challenging bridleways with notable elevation changes. Out of 39 routes, 21 are moderate, 17 are difficult, and 1 is easy, providing options for various ability levels.

Yes, the area offers routes suitable for families, particularly those that follow the canal towpaths. These paths are generally smoother and have less challenging elevation changes, providing a more relaxed experience. For example, sections of the Kennet and Avon Canal Towpath are great for family rides.

Yes, many of the gravel bike routes around St Catherine are designed as loops. Popular circular routes include the Dundas Aqueduct – Avoncliff Aqueduct loop from Bath Spa and the Batheaston Toll Bridge – Dundas Aqueduct loop from Bath, allowing you to start and finish at the same point.

Many routes pass by significant landmarks and natural features. You can cycle past the historic Dundas Aqueduct, explore sections of the Two Tunnels Greenway, or enjoy views from Kelston Roundhill. Some trails also lead near the Golden Valley Nature Reserve Waterfall.

Absolutely. The region is known for its historic waterways. The Dundas Aqueduct – Avoncliff Aqueduct loop from Bath Spa is a prime example, connecting two impressive aqueducts. The Kennet and Avon Canal Towpath is also a central feature of many rides, offering scenic canal-side cycling.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 30 reviews. Reviewers often praise the varied terrain, from quiet canal towpaths to challenging bridleways, and the opportunity to explore the beautiful Bath countryside and its historic features.

Yes, for those seeking longer rides, routes like the Avoncliff Aqueduct – Caen Hill Locks loop from Bath Spa cover approximately 41 miles (66 km), offering a substantial challenge and extended exploration of the region's landscapes.

Many routes in St Catherine offer this combination. For instance, the Langridge Bridleway – Kennet and Avon Canal Towpath loop from Bath Spa is a popular choice that integrates challenging off-road bridleways with the scenic and smoother canal towpath.

Yes, several popular routes conveniently start from Bath, making them easily accessible. Examples include the Dundas Aqueduct – Avoncliff Aqueduct loop from Bath Spa and the Batheaston Toll Bridge – Dundas Aqueduct loop from Bath.

The trails offer diverse views, ranging from open farmland and rolling hills to picturesque canal scenes and wooded sections. You'll also encounter historic structures like aqueducts and bridges, providing a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.