The best traffic-free bike rides around Burghfield

There are over 30 dedicated no traffic road cycling routes around Burghfield, offering a variety of options for different skill levels. You'll find a good mix of easy and moderate rides to explore the region's quiet lanes and scenic paths.

The terrain around Burghfield is generally gentle, featuring mostly well-paved surfaces ideal for road cycling. You'll find flat sections, particularly along the Kennet and Avon Canal, as well as some routes with more varied terrain and elevation gains, especially when heading towards areas like Watership Down.

Yes, Burghfield offers many easy, car-free road cycling routes perfect for beginners and families. Approximately 20 of the routes are rated as easy, providing a relaxed way to enjoy the countryside without significant traffic. These often follow canal towpaths or very quiet country lanes.

For those seeking a greater challenge, there are several moderate no traffic road cycling routes available. For example, the Hungerford Common – Bradfield College and Village loop from Reading Green Park is a longer ride covering nearly 100 km with significant elevation, offering a more demanding experience on quiet roads.

Cyclists can enjoy a diverse natural landscape, including the River Kennet and the Kennet and Avon Canal, which offer flat, car-free sections. The area is also rich in woodlands like Bennetts Hill Copse and Wokefield Common, and features numerous flooded gravel pits and lakes, such as Hosehill Lake, which are important wildlife habitats.

Yes, you can encounter several interesting landmarks. The Kennet and Avon Canal itself is historic, and you might pass sites like Fobney Pumping Station or Southcote Lock Bridge. Further afield, routes can lead you past historical sites such as Whitchurch Bridge over the River Thames or the Roman town of Calleva Atrebatum.

Absolutely. Many routes pass by or near welcoming pubs and cafes. The Cunning Man pub at Burghfield Bridge is a popular stop along the Kennet and Avon Canal. You might also find refreshment at the Aldermaston Wharf Tea Room or other local establishments like The Alehouse and the Fisherman's Cottage Pub, perfect for a break during your ride.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, car-free nature of the routes, the scenic beauty of the canal paths and country lanes, and the variety of options for different fitness levels. The blend of rural charm and accessible routes is frequently highlighted.

Yes, many of the no traffic road cycling routes around Burghfield are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the The Vyne – Bramley Village Bakery loop from The Willink School, which offers an easy 47 km ride through the countryside.

Beyond the canal, look for picturesque rapeseed fields, especially in spring, as seen on routes like the View of Rapeseed Fields – Scenic Country Road loop from Reading Green Park. The numerous lakes and gravel pits, such as South Lake, also provide beautiful natural vistas and opportunities for wildlife spotting.

Burghfield is located approximately 4 miles southwest of Reading, which is well-connected by public transport. Many routes start from areas with accessible parking, such as Reading Green Park, making it convenient to reach the starting points by car. The Kennet and Avon Canal is also easily accessible from various points.