Top 10 Scenic Cycle Routes

Hop on your bike and explore the Great West Way at your own pace along one of these special trails… 

Chilterns Cycleway 
For those who like a challenge - this 170-mile circular rides up and down through Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. Rest assured the Chilterns AONB will reward your efforts with wonderful views, and lots of historic market towns - just when you’re in need of a lunch break. It’s mostly on-road, on quiet lanes, and signposted throughout. Perfect for a 1 week trip. Good to know: If you don’t fancy pedalling up those famous Chiltern Hills, pick up an electric bike from Chilterns Cycle Hire.
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Bristol to Bath Railway Path  
This 13-mile route between Bristol and Bath is entirely off-road, making it a safe ride for cyclists of all ages and abilities. Tracking the route of the Midland Railway, which ceased operation in the 1960s, it’s also relatively flat terrain. Along the way, look out for sculptures by local artists, Bath asparagus and fossils of ancient marine creatures in the rocks.
Top tip: Stop at Warmley Waiting Room, one of the old stations, for coffee and cake. And do take the opportunity to visit the restroom - or should we say, the Tardis toilet! 

Wiltshire Cycleway  
The Wiltshire Cycleway takes you on an 160-mile tour of the county, via some of the Great West Way’s most attractive landscapes. It’s been split into 16 distinct sections, so you can pick and chose which bits you’d like to explore if the whole route seems a bit daunting. Corsham to Bradford on Avon is a particularly idyllic 9.5-mile stretch. Make time to enjoy the start and finish points of this ride, too. Corsham is a charming Cotswolds town, with peacocks parading the High Street and Poldark film locations to explore, while Bradford on Avon has a canalside culture all of its own. Find out more about this and other sections of the cycleway here.

Thames Valley 
There’s something very satisfying about travelling from a busy city to tranquil countryside under your own steam. This meandering 90-mile route follows the River Thames out of London via Richmond Park and Hampton Court, and onwards to Windsor and Eton. If you want to go further you can continue onto Reading and the university city of Oxford via a mixture of rural lanes, bridleways and tracks, but some parts can be challenging. The whole thing makes a memorable weekend trip. Good to know: The Thames Valley is not to be confused with the Thames Path, which is a walking trail unsuitable for bikes. 

Malmesbury and the Fosse Way 
Ride like the Romans on this route which takes you along part of the Fosse Way, an ambitious Roman road that once traversed England from the south west to the north east. This pleasing stretch is less than 10 miles long and takes in lush green farmland and Malmesbury - another of those gorgeous, golden Cotswolds towns. Get off your bike to explore the town’s 12th-century gothic abbey, as well as the Abbey House Gardens where you can see thousands of roses and tulips in bloom.
Top tip: For a posh country house stay (and post-ride pampering session) check into Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa.

Kennet & Avon Cycle Route 
Flow along with the Kennet & Avon Canal from Bath to Reading. The 85-mile cycle route is packed with amazing attractions, incredible countryside and an abundance of wildlife. Highlights along the way include Bradford on Avon’s Tithe Barn, the Pewsey White Horse and the dramatic flight of locks at Caen Hill. For a day ride that’s not overly challenging, the Bath to Devizes section (22 miles) is almost completely traffic-free.
Top tip: If you start in Reading and finish in the spa city of Bath you can treat yourself to a hot soak at Thermae Bath Spa. 

Route 4 
This National Cycle Network route can take you the entire length of the Great West Way, and beyond, making it a fine option for a charity challenge or an unforgettable solo adventure. (In total, from Greenwich, London to Fishguard, Wales it’s an epic 432 miles). If you’d like to do the Great West Way the slow way, start with lots of London sightseeing, from the London Eye to Kew Gardens. Then gradually make your way to Bristol via Windsor, Reading and Bath with lots of overnight stays in cute bike-friendly B&Bs. If you’re in no rush, there’s some spectacular sites to see as you go. Visit Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace, Eton College, Bath Abbey and all the quirky places in between. 

Avon Valley Explore  
This moderate, 28-mile ride takes in some of the Great West Way’s most magical ancient sites. Starting in the pretty village of Pewsey, it follows the River Avon south, through the Vale of the White Horse, via Stonehenge, Woodhenge, Old Sarum Castle and Salisbury Cathedral. Amesbury and Marlborough are 2 small towns within easy reach of the route, both good for pottering and overnight stays. 

Vale of Pewsey
Located in the heart of Wiltshire and surrounded by North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Vale of Pewsey offers plenty of cycling routes across its picturesque landscape. With 4 off road and on road routes as well as the Pewsey Vale Circular Ride, be sure to capture breath-taking views as you embark on a journey discovering historic destinations and well-known landmarks along the way.

Wendover Woods 
For a family-friendly woodland ride, head to Wendover Woods, just a short trip north of the Great West Way in the Chilterns AONB. The leafy 8-mile trail winds its way around the woodland via an Iron Age hill fort, wildlife hides, picnic spots and some lovely viewpoints. Good to know: If you want a wilder ride, get a day pass for Aston Hill Bike Park, which has lots of exhilarating downhill mountain bike trails, cross country loops and more. 

For some altnerative ideas of things to do on your Great West Way journey, visit our See & Do and Explore pages.