The best traffic-free bike rides around Radstock

There are several dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes around Radstock, with a total of 7 routes featured in this guide. These range from easy to moderate difficulty, offering options for various skill levels.

Yes, the area offers excellent options for families and leisure cyclists. The Colliers Way – Radstock Cycleway loop from Radstock is an easy, 20 km route that follows disused railway lines, providing a peaceful, traffic-free experience with gentle gradients. It's part of the wider Colliers Way, which is ideal for all ages.

Many routes offer glimpses into the region's rich history and natural beauty. You can explore sections of the Colliers Way, which showcases the area's coal-mining heritage. Nearby, you might also encounter unique features like the Two Tunnels Greenway or sections of the Kennet and Avon Canal Towpath, featuring the impressive Dundas Aqueduct. For natural sights, consider visiting Stephen's Vale Waterfall or the ancient Stoney Littleton Long Barrow.

Yes, most of the routes in this guide are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish in Radstock. For example, the Mells Village – River Frome loop from Radstock offers a moderate 38 km circular ride through scenic countryside.

The routes are enjoyable year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer is also great, though some sections, like the Two Tunnels Greenway, can feel chilly even then. Winter cycling is possible, but be prepared for potentially wet or muddy conditions on unpaved sections and cooler temperatures.

Radstock itself offers various parking options. For specific routes like the Colliers Way, there are often designated car parks at trailheads. It's advisable to check local council websites or parking apps for the most up-to-date information on parking facilities and charges in Radstock.

Radstock is served by local bus routes connecting it to nearby towns like Bath and Frome. Many of the cycling routes, especially those following disused railway lines like the Colliers Way, are accessible directly from Radstock town centre, making them convenient for public transport users. For detailed bus schedules, it's best to consult local transport providers.

While the routes themselves are traffic-free, they often pass through or near villages and towns where you can find cafes and pubs. For instance, the Lane Into Shepton Mallet – Seymour Arms Pub loop from Radstock hints at refreshment stops. The region is known for its charming local establishments, perfect for a break. You might also find farm shops, such as those near the Bike It Radstock – Holcombe Farmshop & Kitchen loop.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from 23 ratings. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, traffic-free nature of the routes, the beautiful Somerset countryside, and the historical points of interest along the way. The gentle gradients of paths like the Colliers Way are frequently highlighted as a major draw.

While many routes are moderate in length, you can combine sections of the Colliers Way with other quiet country lanes to create longer rides. The Fairy Cave Climb – Lane Into Shepton Mallet loop from Radstock, at over 41 km, offers a more extended moderate challenge, incorporating some elevation changes while still focusing on quieter roads.

Absolutely. Routes like the Colliers Way – Radstock Cycleway loop from Radstock are classified as easy, featuring flat or gentle gradients and well-maintained surfaces, making them perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed ride without traffic concerns.