Loops to and from Bristol
I’ve described four loops from Bristol to the Avon Cycleway and back. Do let me know if you know of any other good loops.
Clevedon Loop
From Princes Bridge, take the cyclepath through Spike Island and across past the Create Centre to the Pill path.
Up and over the Avon M5 bridge and through Portbury, past the Black Horse pub, to Clevedon along the Avon Cycleway. The loop takes a diversion to the Clevedon waterfront before returning to the cycleway, passing through Brockley and Felton and returning to Bristol via Barrow Gurney and Long Ashton.
Commons Loop
Assley, Hareley, Hawkesbury and Inglestone Commons are ancient landscape features which have survived unchanged for a millennium. They have a typical settlement pattern with small groups of cottages and farms around the edges. They are managed traditionally, farmed by local farmers who have grazing rights.
Informative website about the commons – including history, management and wildlife.
Easter Compton and Thornbury Loop
After taking in Bristol’s industrial heartland, rolling landscape takes you through attractive villages, with views of the Estuary. Go out through Avon Gorge on the Portway shared path to join the main routes and return from the heights of Milbury Heath via the ‘Filton Link’ including the Old Gloucester Rd.
Note: There are signs pointing from the Portway into Shirehampton at Park Road. To avoid Shirehampton town, we suggest that you continue on the upgraded path all the way along the Portway to the motorway bridge before crossing over at the lights onto West Town Road.
Pensford Saltford Loop
A fairly hilly ride through the hills and valleys south of Bristol, taking in Chew Valley lake and going under the mighty Pensford Viaduct. Leaving Bristol via the Festival Way and returning via the Railway Path, with plenty of opportunities to break your journey at inviting pubs and cafes.