The best gravel rides around Bradford-On-Avon

There are over 50 gravel bike trails in the Bradford-On-Avon area, offering a diverse range of experiences for all skill levels. The komoot community has explored these routes extensively, with over 400 gravel bikers using komoot to discover the region's varied terrain.

The terrain around Bradford-On-Avon is quite varied, sitting at the junction of the limestone Cotswold Hills and the clay lowlands. You can expect a mix of historic canal towpaths, bridleways, and routes traversing the edge of Salisbury Plain. This includes rolling hills, open plains, and scenic waterways, with surfaces ranging from compacted gravel to some muddier or rocky sections, especially along the Kennet & Avon Canal.

Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking in Bradford-On-Avon, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. While summer is also great, some canal path sections can be busy. Winter rides are possible, but be prepared for potentially muddy or wet conditions, especially on unpaved sections.

Yes, Bradford-On-Avon is an ideal starting point for the challenging 117-mile White Horse Round, a self-guided gravel cycling route designed for experienced cyclists. This route combines byways and backroads, passing several white horse hill figures, stone circles, and ancient fortifications, including sections of the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath and the Imber Perimeter Path.

Yes, many routes in the area are circular. For example, the Imber Range Path – View from Westbury White Horse loop from Bradford-on-Avon is a challenging 38.2-mile loop. Another option is the Dundas Aqueduct – Avoncliff Aqueduct loop from Bath Spa, a moderate 26.7-mile circular path that follows the Kennet & Avon Canal.

Many gravel routes offer views of iconic landmarks and natural beauty. You can encounter the impressive Dundas Aqueduct and Avoncliff Aqueduct, which carry the Kennet & Avon Canal. The Westbury White Horse is a striking landmark visible from routes like the Imber Range Path – View from Westbury White Horse loop. The area also features the picturesque Kennet & Avon Canal and River Avon, and woodlands like Becky Addy Wood.

While many routes have moderate sections, the Kennet & Avon Canal Towpath offers tranquil and scenic routes that are generally flatter and more accessible, making them suitable for families or those seeking an easier ride. Sections of the Two Tunnels Greenway, which connects Bradford-On-Avon to Bath, also have gravel sections and are relatively flat, featuring unique tunnels and the Dundas Aqueduct.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 50 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, from historic canal towpaths to rolling hills and open plains, as well as the scenic beauty and the opportunity to see impressive aqueducts and iconic landmarks like the Westbury White Horse.

Yes, many routes, especially those along the Kennet & Avon Canal, pass through or near charming villages and towns where you can find pubs and cafes. The canal towpath itself is dotted with establishments that cater to cyclists and walkers, offering convenient spots for refreshments during your ride.

Bradford-On-Avon has a train station with connections to Bath and other regional towns, making it possible to access some trails via public transport. Routes like the Dundas Aqueduct – Avoncliff Aqueduct loop from Bath Spa and the Langridge Bridleway – Kennet and Avon Canal Towpath loop from Bath Spa are designed to start from Bath Spa, which is easily reachable by train, and connect to the Bradford-On-Avon area.

Absolutely. For those seeking a challenge, the Imber Range Path – View from Westbury White Horse loop from Bradford-on-Avon is a difficult 38.2-mile trail with significant elevation gain and expansive views. The broader Imber Range Path offers well-known gravel tracks and open views of the plains, with tough climbs and rewarding vistas.

Many public footpaths, bridleways, and canal towpaths in the Bradford-On-Avon area are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept under control, often on a lead, especially near livestock or in nature reserves. Always check local signage for specific restrictions, but generally, the open nature of many gravel routes makes them suitable for rides with your canine companion.