The best traffic-free bike rides in Isles Of Scilly Aonb
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Touring cycling in Isles Of Scilly AONB offers a unique experience across a low-lying archipelago characterized by gentle terrain and largely traffic-free lanes. The islands feature diverse landscapes, from rugged granite headlands and rocky tors to sandy bays and coastal heath. Elevation changes are minimal, with most routes involving only small ascents, making them suitable for all fitness levels. The region's distinct maritime environment is defined by its clear waters and numerous small islands.
Best no traffic touring cycling routes in Isles Of Scilly Aonb
- The most popular no traffic touring cycling route is Tresco loop, a 3.7 miles (5.9 km) trail that takes about 55 minutes to complete. This route explores the unique sub-tropical gardens and coastal paths of Tresco.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is St Martin's loop, an easy 4.4 miles (7.1 km) path. It offers scenic views of sandy beaches and clear waters, with gentle gradients throughout.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Bryher Loop, a 2.8 miles (4.4 km) trail leading through varied coastal scenery, often completed in about 25 minutes.
- Touring cycling in Isles Of Scilly AONB is defined by coastal paths, sandy beaches, and open heathland. The network offers options primarily for easy rides, suitable for different ability levels.
- The routes in Isles Of Scilly AONB are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from around 10 reviews. More than 70 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Isles Of Scilly AONB's varied terrain.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
10
riders
5.92km
00:57
50m
50m
Embark on the Tresco loop, an easy touring cycling route that guides you through the serene landscapes of Tresco. This tranquil journey covers 3.7 miles (5.9 km) with a gentle elevation gain of just 177 feet (54 metres), making it perfect for all skill levels and taking about 56 minutes to complete. As you pedal, you will discover peaceful, traffic-free lanes that lead past pristine beaches and offer views of rugged granite outcrops. A highlight of the route is the renowned Tresco Abbey Garden, where you can admire over 2,000 species of tropical plants. You will also pass through sheltered bulb fields, vibrant sand dunes, and serene wetlands, experiencing the island's diverse natural beauty.
Planning your touring bicycle adventure on Tresco is straightforward. The island's lanes are mostly traffic-free, which ensures a peaceful and safe experience for cyclists. If you do not bring your own bicycle, Tresco Bike Hire is conveniently situated near the Ferry Terminal, providing a variety of bikes for rent. This makes it easy to start your loop as soon as you arrive on the island. Consider visiting during the spring or early summer to see the gardens in full bloom and enjoy pleasant weather for cycling.
This route stands out for its unique blend of cultivated beauty and wild coastal scenery, all within a compact island setting. Tresco is one of the smaller Isles of Scilly, offering a distinct charm that sets it apart from larger, more bustling destinations. The island's commitment to preserving its natural environment and providing traffic-free paths makes it an ideal location for a relaxing cycling tour. You will find a sense of calm and escape as you explore its gentle contours and picturesque views.
7.10km
00:35
80m
80m
Embark on the St Martin's loop for an easy touring bicycle ride, offering peaceful coastal views and clear waters. This route covers 4.4 miles (7.1 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 259 feet (79 metres), making it a relaxed journey that takes about 35 minutes. You'll cycle past scenic spots like Little Bay Beach, enjoying vistas towards the rocky island of Tean and the distant Eastern Isles. The car-free roads provide a quiet atmosphere as you pass through flower fields and marram-covered dunes.
Planning your trip to St Martin's is straightforward, but remember the island is largely car-free. You won't find parking for personal vehicles, so arranging your access by ferry is essential. Once on the island, you can easily rent a bicycle to start your adventure. This ensures a tranquil cycling experience without the hustle of traffic.
This loop is set within the beautiful Isles of Scilly Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, highlighting its unique natural charm. The island's commitment to being car-free creates a serene environment, perfect for a leisurely cycle. It's a great way to experience the distinctive landscape and quiet beauty that sets St Martin's apart.
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4.44km
00:23
30m
30m
Embark on the Bryher Loop for an easy touring bicycle ride, covering 2.8 miles (4.4 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 100 feet (30 metres). This route takes approximately 22 minutes to complete, offering a peaceful journey across the island. You will experience a varied landscape, from tranquil sandy beaches like Rushy Bay in the south to the dramatic, heather-covered plateau and low rocky cliffs of the northern coast. The compact size of the island ensures a serene cycling experience.
This accessible route is suitable for all skill levels and is perfect for family-friendly cycling. The trail primarily uses paved surfaces, making for a smooth ride. You can easily explore Bryher's unique scenery within a relatively short timeframe. Consider starting your ride in the morning to enjoy the quiet roads and the best light for coastal views, especially as you approach Hell Bay.
The Bryher Loop is renowned for its scenic beauty, showcasing the diverse coastline of the Isles of Scilly Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. As you cycle, you will encounter striking Atlantic-facing views, particularly around Hell Bay, which stands out as a highlight. The route allows you to immerse yourself in the island's wild charm, transitioning from sheltered bays to windswept headlands, making it one of the most picturesque touring cycling options on Bryher.
3.30km
00:14
30m
30m
Embark on an easy touring cycling loop around St Agnes, covering 2.1 miles (3.3 km) with a gentle 100 feet (31 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 13 minutes to complete. You will experience a tranquil ride with stunning coastal views, often on mostly paved surfaces. Look out for the unique "wind-pruned heath" of Wingletang Down, dotted with distinctive granite formations, and from the western side, you can spot the iconic Bishop Rock lighthouse.
This short loop is ideal for leisurely exploration and is suitable for any fitness level. While the island is small, bikes can be brought to St Agnes via ferry, allowing you to enjoy the largely traffic-free roads. Given the island's size, walking is also a popular way to get around, but cycling offers a different perspective on its beauty.
St Agnes is one of the inhabited islands of Scilly, and cycling here is often part of a broader island-hopping adventure. The island is known for its peaceful atmosphere and unspoiled beauty, offering constant coastal views. You can also discover local gems like Troytown Farm, famous for its artisanal ice cream, or explore the tidal causeway to Gugh.
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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Tips from the Community
Actually, a bike is too much for Tresco because it can't be used to explore the paths in the northern part and the beautiful meadow path along the bays in the west.
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A beautiful island with a campsite
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Really good quality beach front dining in a lovely café/restaurant. Mediterranean inspired food using local ingredients. Meals and snacks, as well as a nice place to stop for a drink. Open seasonally: End of March to end of Sep 9:00 - 21:00. Over the winter 10:00 - 20:00.
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Popplestone is apparently named after the noise that the beach makes as the retreating waves suck the sand and pebbles with them. It's a wonderful wild beach on the west coast of Bryher. Protected by deep headlands on either side, it's a wonderful place to take a stop.
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The Firethorn transports visitors from St Mary's to Bryher and neighbouring Tresco. Boats run every day, but tides and weather alter the timing, so check the timetable for your travel days, this is posted at the pier the day before. There is always a boat from St Mary's to Bryher about half an hour after the Scillonian arrives from Penzance. Boats land at either the low water quay here or the high-water quay a bit further south on the same coast. The timetable boards will tell you which one to expect.
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We were not consciously looking for this place. We didn't know this place existed. And so we were very surprised by the variety of plants, flowers, colors, scents. And that in the middle of the Atlantic. A dream place.
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Beautiful gardens laid out in the ruins of an old Benedictine abbey by Augustus Smith, Lord Proprietor of the Scillys in the 19th century. The garden is now home to over 2000 plant species from tropical and subtropical areas.
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Wonderful gardens laid out around the ruins of an old Benedictine abbey by Augustus Smith, Lord Proprietor of the Scillys in the 19th century. Today it is home to more than 2000 tropical and subtropical plant species.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available in the Isles of Scilly AONB?
There are 4 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes in the Isles of Scilly AONB, all classified as easy, making them perfect for a relaxed exploration of the islands.
What is the general difficulty level of touring cycling routes in the Isles of Scilly AONB?
All the no-traffic touring cycling routes in the Isles of Scilly AONB are classified as easy. The islands are characterized by largely traffic-free lanes, quiet roads, and gentle slopes, making them ideal for leisurely cycling for all fitness levels.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in the Isles of Scilly AONB?
The Isles of Scilly AONB is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the serene, traffic-free environment, the constant sea views, and the unique island-hopping experience that allows for varied exploration.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in the Isles of Scilly AONB?
The Isles of Scilly benefit from a mild climate, making them suitable for year-round outdoor pursuits. However, the spring and summer months (April to September) offer the most pleasant weather for cycling, with longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures.
Are there options for family-friendly no-traffic cycling routes?
Absolutely. The gentle slopes and traffic-free nature of the islands make all routes highly suitable for families. Routes like the Bryher Loop (4.4 km) or the St Agnes loop (3.3 km) are particularly short and manageable for younger riders.
How can I get to the Isles of Scilly AONB with my bike, and what about parking?
Access to the Isles of Scilly is typically by ferry or plane from the mainland. Once on the islands, the concept of 'parking' for cars is largely irrelevant for cyclists, as the islands are designed for minimal vehicle traffic. You can bring your own bike on the ferry, or easily hire one upon arrival. For more detailed travel information, you can visit the official tourism website: visitislesofscilly.com.
Are there bike hire facilities available on the islands?
Yes, bike hire facilities are readily available on the main islands, particularly on St Mary's and Tresco. This makes it convenient to explore the no-traffic routes even if you don't bring your own bicycle.
What kind of landscapes and natural features can I expect to see while cycling?
While cycling, you'll experience diverse landscapes including rugged granite headlands, sparkling sandy bays, and flower-rich coastal heaths. The islands are surrounded by crystal-clear waters, offering constant sea views. You might also encounter unique geological formations like the Loaded Camel Rock on St Mary's.
Are there any historical sites or unique gardens to visit along the routes?
Yes, the islands are rich in history and natural beauty. You can visit the world-famous Tresco Abbey Garden, home to approximately 20,000 sub-tropical plants. Historical sites include Cromwell's Castle on Tresco, Bant's Carn Burial Chamber, and Innisidgen Burial Chamber, offering glimpses into thousands of years of human habitation.
Can I find places to eat or drink near the cycling routes?
Yes, each inhabited island has cafes, pubs, and restaurants, often conveniently located near popular cycling routes or ferry points. You'll find opportunities to refuel and enjoy local cuisine, especially in the main settlements on islands like St Mary's, Tresco, and St Martin's.
Are there opportunities for wild swimming or other water activities near the cycling routes?
The clear, calm waters around the Isles of Scilly are perfect for wild swimming. Many sandy beaches and secluded coves, such as Pelistry Beach on St Mary's or the beaches on St Martin's, are easily accessible from the cycling routes. You can also find opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling.
Are there circular no-traffic touring routes available?
All the touring cycling routes highlighted in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and end your ride in the same location. Examples include the Tresco loop (5.9 km) and the St Martin's loop (7.1 km).
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