Of all the historical counties in the UK, Wiltshire is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful. From rolling green hills to modern restaurants and bars, there’s something for just about anyone. One of the more common activities here is cycling, but how popular is it really? And are some places better than others to ride? Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about Wiltshire and bike riding.
Activities in Wiltshire
Apart from the stunning views and opportunities to explore the real world, Wiltshire also offers an abundance of scenic cycling routes to explore in the vibrant summer sun in the UK. Cycling has been trending as an activity for tourists’ and in fact this rise in popularity is seen in the growing variety of cycling and racing themed games online. For example, Street Racer, found among the best selection of online slots in the UK, is centred around car street racing and increased in popularity due to the enhanced game features and graphics felt by players namely the hand trembling on the shifter and the other one grasping the wheel followed by the engine vibrating under the hood.
Cycling routes
Of all the common activities in Wiltshire, you might not envision cycling as one of the top hobbies. This would be a mistake, however, as the area has many cycling routes and events to keep novice and expert cyclists alike happy. In this article, we’ll explore the best places to cycle in Wiltshire and what makes them special.
If you enjoy cycling, Wiltshire is an excellent place to visit. From ancient monuments to stunning landscapes, there is a lot to see for the budding cyclist. But which routes are the best? In this section, we’ll take a look at our favourite locations to cycle in Wiltshire.
Salisbury to Stonehenge
One of the most popular cycling routes in Wiltshire is, hands down, Salisbury to Stonehenge. This route takes cyclists through roughly 27 kilometres of countryside heading out, with a total trip distance of 43.5 kilometres with the trip back. This translates to a cycling time of roughly two hours one way or three-and-a-half hours with a return trip.
As you might imagine, this particular route can be quite taxing. We recommend it for experienced cyclists only – beginners should work their way up to this long-distance trip. It is a stunning route, however, and most definitely worth the time.
Kennet and Avon Canal
For a longer trip, you might enjoy the roughly 132 kilometres from Kennet to Avon Canal. Taking riders from lazy country lanes in Wiltshire to the busy city streets of Bath, the route is anything but monotonous. Don’t be intimidated by the distance between Avon Canal and Kennet, either, as while it is a long-distance ride, it’s not a difficult one. The terrain largely skirts around hills rather than over them, so it’s fairly easy cycling all the way through.
If you’re interested in a multi-day trip with incredible scenery and even opportunities for some tourism, this path might be the ideal option for you.
Cotswold Lakes
Set along the borders of Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, Cotswold Lakes is one of the most impressive geographic locales in the county. The area has many cycling routes, with our favourite spanning from The Gateway on Spine Road East to lazy paths around the six lakes in the area.
Our favourite aspect of this route is just how adaptable it is. If you’re looking for a challenge, you can take some of the more winding paths in the area. Cyclists more interested in a relaxing trip, on the other hand, can stick closer to the outskirts and enjoy a picnic along the way. Regardless of how far you want to cycle or how difficult you want the path to be, Cotswold Lakes likely has the perfect route for you.
The Chalke and Wylye Valleys
If old-fashioned charm fits your cycling preferences, then this route through the Chalke Valley and Wylye Valley is one of the more underrated in the area. It takes players along the River Wylye to the winding Chalke Valley. Riders can enjoy stunning chalk streams the entire way, making this a particularly picturesque route to take.
The route’s exact distance varies widely depending on the route you take, so there’s something for both intermediate and advanced riders as well as beginners.
Which Wiltshire cycling route is your favourite? There are many, many more to explore beyond the four we’ve outlined in this article, so don’t be afraid to do some exploring! Let us know where you like to cycle below.
