Short routes (20-35km)
All these routes are less than 35km for anyone who is new to cycling or who needs a quick escape out into the countryside, but not much time to do so. There are still plenty of options of where to ride with this distance so no need to get bored doing the same route over and over again.
Through Flax Bourton and Backwell
Distance: 23km Elevation: 336m
A very simple ride and great one for fitting in some exercise when you don’t have much spare time.
This ride starts out heading down Beggar Bush Lane and carrying straight on down Belmont Hill. Take care down this descent as the corners can be deceptive!
After Belmont, carry on straight into Flax Bourton along A370 before turning right onto Station Road and then again onto Backwell Common. Now on a quieter road you can whiz safely along here before joining the cycle path which leads you straight to Long Ashton. Before long you will be on your one and only climb up Ashton Court and home.
Distance: 23km Elevation: 336m
A very simple ride and great one for fitting in some exercise when you don’t have much spare time.
This ride starts out heading down Beggar Bush Lane and carrying straight on down Belmont Hill. Take care down this descent as the corners can be deceptive!
After Belmont, carry on straight into Flax Bourton along A370 before turning right onto Station Road and then again onto Backwell Common. Now on a quieter road you can whiz safely along here before joining the cycle path which leads you straight to Long Ashton. Before long you will be on your one and only climb up Ashton Court and home.
Avonmouth along the Portway
Distance: 27.9km Elevation: 298m
Heading out of town along Beggar Bush Lane and down Portbury Hill, take the M5 bridge and then enjoy a scenic ride along the Portway cycle path which takes you alongside the River Avon. The cycle path leads you into city centre and all to the way to the Mud Dock cafe. Here they have storage for over 10 bikes and serve really good coffee!
Distance: 27.9km Elevation: 298m
Heading out of town along Beggar Bush Lane and down Portbury Hill, take the M5 bridge and then enjoy a scenic ride along the Portway cycle path which takes you alongside the River Avon. The cycle path leads you into city centre and all to the way to the Mud Dock cafe. Here they have storage for over 10 bikes and serve really good coffee!
Short Brockley
Distance: 33km Elevation: 499m
This is a really enjoyable ride and suitable for larger groups of people. Heading out of town the usual way down Beggar Bush and Belmont Hill, you then join the cycle path which leads you to Backwell Common. From here you join the A370 and follow it until you reach a large traffic light crossroads. Turning right here takes you up Brockley Coombe Road, a long gentle climb running parallel to Bristol Airport. You can take this climb as gently as you want with the road being wide enough for cars to easily overtake.
From the top of this climb, it is mostly downhill back to Long Ashton however, watch out for a sneaky short climb at Winford which I always forget about!
Distance: 33km Elevation: 499m
This is a really enjoyable ride and suitable for larger groups of people. Heading out of town the usual way down Beggar Bush and Belmont Hill, you then join the cycle path which leads you to Backwell Common. From here you join the A370 and follow it until you reach a large traffic light crossroads. Turning right here takes you up Brockley Coombe Road, a long gentle climb running parallel to Bristol Airport. You can take this climb as gently as you want with the road being wide enough for cars to easily overtake.
From the top of this climb, it is mostly downhill back to Long Ashton however, watch out for a sneaky short climb at Winford which I always forget about!
Backwell, Chelvey and Nailsea
Distance: 31.85km Elevation: 400m
A longer variation on the 23km route above, taking you on a loop through Nailsea and some more lanes rather than the busy main road. If you fancy like climbing Belmont Hill instead, then just do this route in reverse!
Distance: 31.85km Elevation: 400m
A longer variation on the 23km route above, taking you on a loop through Nailsea and some more lanes rather than the busy main road. If you fancy like climbing Belmont Hill instead, then just do this route in reverse!
Down Tickenham and back
Distance: 35.5km Elevation: 415m
If you fancy a bit of variation from heading down Belmont then turn right at the end of Beggar Bush Lane and follow Clevedon Road all the way to the end enjoying a lovely descent after a few kilometres. Now on the B3130, take a couple sharp left turns which take you back through the lanes of Chelvey, Backwell and finally Long Ashton. Even though a great ride, this route isn’t the best for a large group as the roads can be pretty busy with not the easiest roads for overtaking.
Distance: 35.5km Elevation: 415m
If you fancy a bit of variation from heading down Belmont then turn right at the end of Beggar Bush Lane and follow Clevedon Road all the way to the end enjoying a lovely descent after a few kilometres. Now on the B3130, take a couple sharp left turns which take you back through the lanes of Chelvey, Backwell and finally Long Ashton. Even though a great ride, this route isn’t the best for a large group as the roads can be pretty busy with not the easiest roads for overtaking.
