RoutesPlannerFeaturesUpdates
App
Login or Signup
Get the App
Login or Signup
Routes
Road cycling routes
United Kingdom
England
East Of England
Essex

Braintree

The best traffic-free bike rides around Braintree

4.7

(212)

6,121

riders

277

rides

Road cycling around Braintree offers a diverse landscape for no traffic routes, characterized by picturesque Essex countryside and varied terrain. The region features flat and gentle paths, such as sections of the Flitch Way, alongside routes with moderate hills providing views over areas like the Stour Valley. An extensive network of quiet lanes and dedicated cycle paths allows for exploration away from urban traffic.

Best no traffic road cycling routes around Braintree

  • The most popular no traffic road cycling route is Dedham Vale loop from Halsted, a 30.6 miles (49.3 km) trail that takes 2 hours 30 minutes to complete. This route explores the scenic Dedham Vale, offering picturesque views.
  • Another top favourite among local road cyclists is North Hill Climb – Hoe Mill Lock loop from Braintree, a moderate 31.1 miles (50.1 km) path. This route winds through the picturesque Essex countryside, featuring moderate inclines.
  • Local road cyclists also love the Rumblebees Café – Booking Hall Café, Flitch Way loop from Great Notley, a 26.8 miles (43.2 km) trail leading through the Flitch Way, often completed in about 1 hour 47 minutes.
  • Road cycling around Braintree is defined by picturesque Essex countryside, the flat Flitch Way, and moderate hills in river valleys. The network offers options for different ability levels, from leisurely rides to more challenging routes.
  • The routes in Braintree are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from more than 150 reviews. More than 6,400 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Braintree's varied terrain.

Last updated: October 17, 2026

5.0

(1)

5

riders

#1.

Dedham Vale loop from Halsted

49.3km

02:31

340m

340m

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Navigate with deviceSend to Phone
Save
Moderate

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
guide_signup
Let us show you the way with the komoot mobile app
With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.
Sign up for free

Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Easy

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate

Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Easy
Sign up for free to see 273 more rides around Braintree.

Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Popular around Braintree

Traffic-free bike rides around Halstead

Traffic-free bike rides around Witham

Traffic-free bike rides around Great Notley

Traffic-free bike rides around Chalkney Wood

Traffic-free bike rides around Kelvedon

Traffic-free bike rides around Castle Hedingham

Traffic-free bike rides around Great Yeldham

Traffic-free bike rides around Black Notley

Traffic-free bike rides around Rayne

Traffic-free bike rides around Earls Colne

Other adventures around Braintree

Dunwich Dynamo return – London to Dunwich and back

Road Cycling Collection by

David Bavin-Hobbs

Tips from the Community

George
December 12, 2025, Rayne Station and Flitch Way Visitor Centre

Watch out for pedestrians and dogs, great place to stop to refuel.

0

0

Middletoe
December 10, 2025, Owl's Hill Tearoom

Great location with pub opposite

0

0

Liam
September 6, 2025, The Snug at High Easter

Brilliant cafe in High Easter - great place for a cafe stop on a ride through Essex. Well worth checking out

0

0

Lovely flowing road apparently a part of the Tour de France route.

0

0

Small cafe with sheltered space outside to eat. Inside a little cosy! Staff extremely friendly. A reasonable range of food. Also space to prop your bicycle.

0

0

Great ride & quite roads

0

0

Great service and quick! The hill back up is a wonderful! (Watch out if u have Angina!)

0

0

great place to grab a drink and something to eat ☺️

0

0

Frequently Asked Questions

How many no traffic road cycling routes are available around Braintree?

There are over 320 no traffic road cycling routes around Braintree, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a wide selection, from easy, leisurely rides to more challenging routes with moderate climbs.

What kind of terrain can I expect on no traffic road cycling routes in Braintree?

The no traffic road cycling routes in Braintree offer diverse terrain. You can expect picturesque Essex countryside, with options for flat and gentle rides, such as sections of the Flitch Way, as well as routes with moderate hills providing beautiful views, particularly over the Stour Valley. The region also features lower river valleys with easy to moderate inclines.

Are there routes suitable for beginners or families looking for traffic-free cycling?

Yes, Braintree offers many easy, traffic-free road cycling routes perfect for beginners and families. Over 150 routes are rated as easy. A great example is the Rumblebees Café – Booking Hall Café, Flitch Way loop from Great Notley, which utilizes the flat and scenic Flitch Way, a disused railway line converted into a trail.

Are there longer traffic-free road cycling routes for more experienced cyclists?

Absolutely. For experienced cyclists seeking longer, traffic-free challenges, Braintree has over 160 moderate routes. Consider the Dedham Vale loop from Halsted, which takes you through the beautiful Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or the North Hill Climb – Hoe Mill Lock loop from Braintree for a substantial ride with varied scenery.

What landmarks or points of interest can I see along no traffic road cycling routes in Braintree?

Many no traffic road cycling routes in Braintree pass by interesting landmarks and natural features. You might cycle past historical sites like Cressing Temple Barns, or enjoy the scenic beauty of Paper Mill Lock. The Rayne Station and Flitch Way Visitor Centre is also a notable stop along the Flitch Way.

Can I find circular no traffic road bike routes in Braintree?

Yes, many of the no traffic road cycling routes around Braintree are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Paper Mill Lock – North Hill Climb loop from Rayne offers a moderate circular ride.

What do other road cyclists enjoy the most about no traffic road cycling in Braintree?

The komoot community highly rates the no traffic road cycling routes in Braintree, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the Essex countryside, the well-maintained paths like the Flitch Way, and the opportunity to explore charming villages and historical sites away from vehicle traffic.

Are there options for cafe stops or pubs along the no traffic road cycling routes?

Yes, many routes are designed to pass through or near villages and towns where you can find cafes and pubs. The Rumblebees Café – Booking Hall Café, Flitch Way loop from Great Notley explicitly highlights cafe stops, and routes often lead to charming spots like Finchingfield Village Green, which typically has amenities.

Is there good public transport access to the starting points of traffic-free cycle routes in Braintree?

Braintree has a railway station, and some routes, particularly those utilizing the Flitch Way, may be accessible via public transport connections. However, for specific route starting points, it's always best to check local bus services or consider cycling to the start from a public transport hub.

Where can I find parking for no traffic road bike trails in Braintree?

Many popular starting points for no traffic road cycling routes, such as Great Notley Country Park or areas near the Flitch Way, offer dedicated parking facilities. When planning your ride, check the specific route details on komoot for information on recommended parking locations.

What is Braintree's commitment to improving cycling infrastructure?

Braintree District Council is actively committed to making cycling safer, more convenient, and more desirable for all ages and abilities. They have a strategy to double the number of cycle trips in the district by 2030, which includes improving cycling and walking infrastructure. You can find more information on their initiatives at braintree.gov.uk.

Most popular routes around Braintree

Road Cycling Routes around Braintree

Most popular attractions around Braintree

Places to see

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now
Store rating

Didn’t find what you were looking for?

Check out more Road cycling routes throughout Braintree below and find the perfect route in your destination.

KelvedonSilver EndCastle HedinghamToppesfieldFinchingfieldGreat BardfieldWithamBlack NotleyCoggeshallHalsteadBures HamletGreat YeldhamBelchamp St PaulSible HedinghamCressingHatfield PeverelRayneChalkney WoodEarls ColneGreat NotleyPentlowWhite Colne

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Gosfield

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free
Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesRedeem a voucherHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy