The best traffic-free bike rides around Silchester
4.5
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6,623
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300
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No traffic road cycling routes around Silchester traverse a rural landscape characterized by farmland, woodland, and lowland heath. The terrain is gently undulating, offering varied scenery for road cyclists. The region is notable for its historical significance, including the well-preserved Roman town of Calleva Atrebatum and the 16th-century country house, The Vyne, which provide unique backdrops for rides. These routes often follow quiet country roads, integrating with the natural and historical features of the Hampshire/Berkshire border.
Best no traffic road cycling routes around Silchester
- The most popular no traffic road cycling route is The Calleva Arms – The Vyne loop from Silchester, a 16.8 miles (27.0 km) trail that takes 1 hour 5 minutes to complete. This easy route passes by historical landmarks such as The Vyne.
- Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Little London Climb – The Calleva Arms loop from Silchester, an easy 23.5 miles (37.8 km) path. This route features gently undulating roads through the English countryside.
- Local road cyclists also love the View of Rapeseed Fields – Grazeley Road from Beech Hill loop from Silchester, a 24.4 miles (39.3 km) trail leading through quiet country roads and past rapeseed fields, often completed in about 1 hour 33 minutes.
- Road cycling around Silchester is defined by its rural landscape of farmland, woodland, and lowland heath, alongside historical Roman sites. The network offers options for easy, moderate, and difficult routes, catering to various ability levels.
- The routes in Silchester are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 290 reviews. More than 5,600 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Silchester's varied terrain.
Last updated: October 26, 2026
5
riders
31.1km
01:17
150m
150m
Easy road ride. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
2
riders
52.9km
02:12
300m
300m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Popular around Silchester
Tips from the Community
Open and busy when I passed middle of a Friday afternoon in May 2026. They have a pilgrim stamp, and apart from the cafe also a well-stocked (if ££) shop, you could get the makings of a meal or 2 here instead of/as well as enjoying either a snack (as I did) or a full meal.
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An attractive little church at the centre of Beech Hill, which itself features in a number of very pleasant rides in the surrounding lanes. I have lost count of the times I have ridden around the predominantly quiet and relatively traffic free roads that are easy to get to from nearby Reading, Basingstoke and further afield. Great cycling times.
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Not so visible from The Street, which runs through the middle of Bramley, but definitely at the centre of many a local ride, whether down Cufaude Lane back to nearby Chineham, or Vyne Road, leading to the Vyne, a nearby National Trust property. Alternatively you can go to the Village Bakery, next to the railway station or a few miles further to the Coffee Shop at Sherfield on Loddon.
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St Mary’s is of considerable historic interest as the only executed work in England by George Jonas Wigley, a significant figure in nineteenth century Catholic life and ecclesiology. While the building is architecturally unremarkable, the west front is an impressive, if quirky design. The interior is altered, but contains furnishings by Pugin and glass by Hardman and Wailes. [...] The present church was built [in 1932] also through the efforts of Canon Dambrine, parish priest from 1829 until his death in 1855. He lies buried in the chapel to the north of the chancel, where there is a memorial tablet to him. The site was given in 1846 by Arthur, Earl of Fingal, and the architect for the new church was George Jonas Wigley, a pupil of J. J. Scoles. It was opened by Bishop (later Cardinal) Wiseman on 11 May 1848. The design of the church is said to have been modelled on the Archbishop’s palace and chapel at Croydon, which Wigley considered to be the last church to be built in Catholic England. Wigley is perhaps now little-known, but he is a figure of considerable interest, and some significance in the Catholic scene of the mid-nineteenth century. Cit. https://taking-stock.org.uk/building/woolhampton-st-mary/
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Douai Abbey is a Benedictine Abbey at Upper Woolhampton, near Thatcham, in the English county of Berkshire, situated within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth. Monks from the monastery of St. Edmund's, in Douai, France, came to Woolhampton in 1903 when the community left France as a result of anti-clerical legislation. The abbey church is listed Grade II* on the National Heritage List for England. [...] The abbey church was opened in 1933 but only completed in 1993 due to financial constraints. The monastery was greatly expanded in the 1960s with the building of the new monastery designed by Sir Frederick Gibberd. The abbey had in its charge Douai School until the latter's closure in 1999. In 2005, two monks returned to Douai, France to form a community there and restore the historic links to English monasticism. Cit. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douai_Abbey
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The Church of England parish church of St Mary in Church Lane, Burghfield village, was originally built in the 12th century, but early in the Victorian era it was completely demolished and replaced by a Norman revival building designed by J.B. Clacy of Reading and completed in 1843. The original church had a stepped wooden tower, and the building is depicted in one of the stained glass windows. The parish church contains a number of church monuments from the old St. Mary's, including the alabaster effigy of an important historic figure, Richard Neville, 5th Earl of Salisbury the father of Warwick the Kingmaker. He fought for the Yorkist cause during the Wars of the Roses, and was executed after the Battle of Wakefield in 1460. He was buried first at Pontefract, but his son transferred his body to the family mausoleum at Bisham Priory and erected this effigy as part of his monument there. It is not clear why it was brought to Burghfield after the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Cit. https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2380119/st.-mary%27s-churchyard
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic road cycling routes are available around Silchester?
Silchester offers a wide selection of no-traffic road cycling routes, with over 300 tours available. These routes are designed to take you through tranquil country roads and scenic paths, perfect for a peaceful ride.
What kind of terrain can I expect on these routes?
The region around Silchester features a rural landscape of farmland, woodland, and lowland heath with gently undulating terrain. While some roads are quiet country lanes, others, like parts of the Grazeley Road from Beech Hill loop, are known for their low traffic and form part of Sustrans NCN Route 23. Expect a mix of smooth surfaces and some sections where road quality might vary, generally improving on climbs.
Are there any historical landmarks or attractions to see along the routes?
Absolutely! Silchester is rich in history. You can cycle past the remarkably preserved Roman town of Calleva Atrebatum, exploring its complete circuit of Roman walls and the remains of its amphitheater. For more details, you can visit the English Heritage website. Another notable attraction is The Vyne, a 16th-century country house with extensive grounds, which you can explore on routes like The Calleva Arms – The Vyne loop.
Are there any routes with significant climbs or elevation changes?
Yes, while many routes feature gently undulating terrain, some offer more noticeable climbs. For example, the Little London Climb – The Calleva Arms loop includes the Little London Climb, providing a bit more challenge with its elevation gain. The region's 'winding, rolling roads' offer varied experiences for different fitness levels.
What do other cyclists enjoy most about road cycling in Silchester?
The komoot community highly rates the cycling experience in Silchester, with an average score of 4.55 stars. Cyclists often praise the tranquil country roads, the historical backdrop of the Roman town, and the diverse natural beauty of the area, including woodlands and lowland heath. The focus on 'no traffic' routes is a key highlight for many.
Are there any longer, moderate difficulty routes for experienced cyclists seeking quiet roads?
For those looking for a longer ride with moderate difficulty on quiet rural roads, consider the View of Rapeseed Fields – Quiet Rural Road Near Theale loop. This route covers over 50 km and offers a good balance of distance and elevation, taking you through serene landscapes.
Can I find circular road cycling routes around Silchester?
Many of the no-traffic road cycling routes around Silchester are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the St James' Church, Bramley – The Calleva Arms loop, which offers a pleasant ride through the countryside.
What natural features can I expect to see on these routes?
Beyond historical sites, the routes often traverse areas of significant natural beauty. You might encounter Silchester Common, a lowland heath and Site of Special Scientific Interest, or Pamber Forest, an ancient broadleaf oak forest. These areas are home to diverse flora and fauna, offering picturesque scenery throughout your ride.
Is public transport an option for reaching the cycling routes in Silchester?
While Silchester itself is a rural village, nearby towns like Reading and Basingstoke offer train connections. From these hubs, local bus services or a short cycle can get you to the starting points of many routes. It's advisable to check local transport schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Are there any specific quiet roads or dedicated cycle paths I should look for?
The area is known for its network of quiet country roads. The 'Grazeley Road from Beech Hill' is specifically mentioned as a quiet trail and part of Sustrans NCN Route 23. While dedicated, segregated cycle paths are less common, the focus here is on low-traffic rural roads that provide a peaceful cycling experience.
What is the best time of year for no-traffic road cycling in Silchester?
The gently undulating terrain and rural landscape make Silchester enjoyable for cycling throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with spring bringing blooming rapeseed fields and autumn showcasing vibrant foliage. Early summer is also lovely, with the chance to spot glow-worms on Silchester Common in early July.
Most popular routes around Silchester
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