The best traffic-free bike rides around Bulford

There are several dedicated no traffic touring cycling routes around Bulford, with komoot featuring 7 curated tours. These routes are designed to offer quiet and scenic rides away from busy roads, perfect for exploring the Wiltshire countryside.

The terrain around Bulford is varied, ranging from the open, rolling chalk grassland of Salisbury Plain to gentler, more verdant paths along the River Avon. You'll encounter some climbs on the chalk downs that reward with extensive views, as well as flatter sections. Some routes may include gravel tracks, such as the Boscombe Down Gravel Track – River in Idmiston loop, offering a mix of surfaces suitable for touring bikes.

Yes, there is at least one easy, traffic-free route perfect for beginners or families. The Hovis Bakery – Historic Amesbury loop from Bulford is a great option, offering a shorter distance and minimal elevation gain, allowing for a relaxed ride through the local area.

Bulford's routes offer a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. You can cycle past the unique Bulford Kiwi Chalk Figure, a large chalk representation carved into a hillside. Historic sites like Woodhenge and the iconic Stonehenge are also within reach, with public footpaths offering views of Stonehenge, such as the View of Stonehenge from the public footpath. The routes also traverse picturesque river valleys and offer panoramic views from the chalk downs, as seen on the View from Bulford Down – Old Marlborough Road Byway loop.

The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience around Bulford, with an average score of 4.3 stars. Reviewers often praise the sense of remoteness and panoramic views offered by the Salisbury Plain, the quiet nature of the routes, and the opportunity to combine cycling with visits to ancient historical sites like Woodhenge and Stonehenge.

Yes, many of the no traffic touring cycling routes around Bulford are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Boscombe Down Gravel Track – Historic Amesbury loop and the The Bulford Kiwi Chalk Figure – St. Leonard's Church, Bulford loop, providing convenient options for exploring the area without retracing your steps.

The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in Bulford, with warmer weather and longer daylight hours. However, the open landscapes of Salisbury Plain can be exposed to winds, so checking the forecast is always advisable. Autumn can also be beautiful with changing foliage, while winter rides are possible but may require more robust gear due to colder temperatures and potentially muddier paths.

While the routes prioritize quiet, traffic-free sections, some may pass near villages or towns where amenities are available. For example, the The Bridge Inn is a local pub that could be incorporated into a longer ride or visited after your tour. It's always a good idea to check opening times and plan your stops in advance, especially on more remote sections of Salisbury Plain.

Bulford itself is a village in Wiltshire, and while local bus services connect it to nearby towns like Amesbury and Salisbury, direct public transport access to specific remote starting points of all routes might be limited. Salisbury, a larger hub, has a train station. For specific route access, it's recommended to check local bus schedules or consider cycling from a nearby town with better public transport links.

The moderate touring cycling routes around Bulford feature noticeable elevation gains due to the rolling chalk downs. For instance, the Boscombe Down Gravel Track – River in Idmiston loop involves an ascent of approximately 251 meters, while the The Bulford Kiwi Chalk Figure – St. Leonard's Church, Bulford loop has around 245 meters of climbing. These climbs offer rewarding views but require a reasonable level of fitness.

Parking is generally available in and around Bulford village, often in designated public car parks or on-street where permitted. For routes starting directly from Bulford, you should be able to find suitable parking. For more remote starting points, it's advisable to check specific locations beforehand, as facilities might be less formal.