The best traffic-free bike rides around Bitton

The traffic-free routes around Bitton primarily utilize former railway lines and canal towpaths. The most prominent is the Bristol & Bath Railway Path, a 13-mile (20.9 km) off-road cycleway that follows a disused railway line. Similarly, sections of the Two Tunnels Greenway and the Kennet and Avon Canal Towpath offer dedicated paths away from road traffic, providing a safe and tranquil cycling experience.

Yes, Bitton offers several easy, traffic-free routes perfect for families and beginners. The Bitton Railway Station and Café – Chew Valley Distillery loop is a great option, covering approximately 6.6 km with minimal elevation gain. Another excellent choice is the Bitton Railway Station and Café – River Avon Pontoon at Bitton loop, which is just under 10 km and also very flat. These routes are largely on well-maintained, flat surfaces.

The main traffic-free routes, such as the Bristol & Bath Railway Path, are predominantly flat and tarmacked, making them suitable for all types of touring bikes. The Two Tunnels Greenway also offers a wide, smooth, and largely flat path. While the Kennet and Avon Canal Towpath is scenic, its surface can vary from compacted gravel to potentially muddier or rockier sections, especially after rain.

Many of the traffic-free routes around Bitton, including the Bristol & Bath Railway Path and canal towpaths, are generally dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a lead and under control. Always be mindful of other cyclists, walkers, and wildlife. Ensure you carry water for your dog and clean up after them.

Yes, several routes are designed as loops. For instance, the Bitton Railway Station and Café – Bristol and Bath Railway Path loop from Keynsham offers a 21.5 km circular ride. Another option is the Staple Hill Tunnel – Railway Path to Bath loop from Oldland, which is a moderate 25 km circular route.

The traffic-free routes around Bitton are enjoyable year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery with changing foliage. Summer is ideal for longer rides, though paths can be busier. Even in winter, the tarmacked surfaces of routes like the Bristol & Bath Railway Path remain accessible, though you should be prepared for cooler, potentially wetter conditions and shorter daylight hours. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

Bitton Station, a hub for the Avon Valley Railway and located directly on the Bristol & Bath Railway Path, offers convenient parking facilities. There are also various car parks available along the Bristol & Bath Railway Path and near access points to the Two Tunnels Greenway and Kennet and Avon Canal Towpath in surrounding towns like Keynsham and Saltford.

Bitton is well-connected by bus services from Bristol and Bath, with stops often near access points to the Bristol & Bath Railway Path. Keynsham and Oldland, starting points for some routes, also have public transport links. While trains don't stop directly in Bitton, Bristol Temple Meads and Bath Spa stations are major railway hubs, from which you can connect via bus or cycle to the paths.

Yes, the area is well-served with refreshment stops. Bitton Station itself has a café, making it an ideal stopping point. Along the Bristol & Bath Railway Path, you'll find various cafes and pubs in nearby villages like Saltford and Warmley. The Two Tunnels Greenway also has cafes at its start/end points and along the way.

The routes offer a blend of natural beauty and historical interest. Along the Bristol & Bath Railway Path, you'll cycle through the picturesque Avon Valley with views of the Cotswold escarpment. The Avon Valley Railway, with its preserved steam trains, runs parallel to the path near Bitton. The Two Tunnels Greenway features the UK's longest cycling tunnel. Further afield, the Kelston Roundhill offers panoramic views, and the Prospect Stile Viewpoint provides another scenic outlook. The historic Dundas Aqueduct on the Kennet and Avon Canal is also a notable engineering marvel.

This guide features 7 distinct traffic-free touring cycling routes around Bitton, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. These routes offer diverse experiences, from short loops perfect for a quick ride to longer excursions exploring the wider area.