Cycling in Wiltshire

Off-road cycling is the ideal way to explore Wiltshire’s glorious countryside. It is easy to see why so much of the county is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - rolling hills with spectacular views, peaceful wooded river valleys and prehistoric sites abound.

The network of well-maintained routes allows you to enjoy the peace of ‘off-roading’ at your own pace and in harmony with the countryside. Friendly country pubs and village shops are never far away and can supply all your daily needs. Many of Wiltshire’s attractions and most scenic towns and villages (such as Longleat, Stourhead, Lacock and Marlborough) are accessible from the Wiltshire Cycleway, which connects many of the off-road routes. Away from the high profile attractions, you can be sure that your peace will not be disturbed by crowds of other cyclists; Wiltshire’s magnificent countryside remains a largely undiscovered secret.

Wiltshire has a wide variety of accommodation available for the cyclist, from campsites to hotels. Accommodation guides are available from Tourist Information Centres throughout the County.

Mountain Bike Code of Conduct

Rights of Way

  • Bridleways: open to cyclists, but you must give way to walkers and horse-riders
  • Byeways: usually unsurfaced tracks open to cyclists. As well as walkers and horse riders, you may meet occasional vehicles which also have right of access.
  • Public footpaths: no right to cycle exists.
  • Look out for waymarking arrows - blue for bridleways, red for byways and yellow for footpaths.

Safety

  • Ensure that your bike is in good working order
  • You are required by law to use front and rear lights after dark
  • Always tell someone where you are going
  • Learn to apply the basic principles of first aid
  • Reflective materials on your clothes or bike can save your life
  • Ride under control downhill
  • Always wear a helmet
  • Particular care should be taken on unstable or wet surfaces
  • Remember to take refreshments, puncture repair kit, tool kit, first-aid kit and identification (in case of accident).
  • Always follow the Highway Code
  • Give way to walkers and horse-riders

Wiltshire Off-Road routes and guides

For National Cycle routes in Wiltshire and for free cycle maps, visit the Sustrans website

The Wiltshire Cycleway Free

Comprehensive leaflet with details of the Wiltshire Cycleway, a 160-mile route supplemented by a network of shorter loops. Contains information on everything from leisurely afternoon rides to long-distance routes. Easy to use, with excellent AA mapping.

To obtain a copy contact your local Tourist information Centre

The Kennet and Avon Towpath Cycle Routes

Cycling is permitted along the entire length of the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath, except for a short section approximately 600 metres long near Woolhampton, is free and does not require a permit.

The Kennet and Avon Cycle Route is an 84-mile mainly traffic-free cycle route between Reading and Bath, which passes through Wiltshire’s beautiful countryside. The cycle route follows National Cycle Network Route 4, the full length of which extends from London to St. David’s on the Pembrokeshire coast. Along the central section of the canal between Marsh Benham and Devizes in Wiltshire, the towpath is less suitable for cycling and cyclists can continue between these points following the Route 4 signs on quiet roads before rejoining the canal towpath east of Devizes. A number of shorter routes using the towpath have also been devised.

For further information call British Waterways on 01452 318000 or visit the Waterscape website.

Contact Details

Email: StrategicLandscape@wiltshire.gov.uk
Telephone: 01225 713314
Fax: 01225 713437
Postal Address:
Strategic Landscape Team
Economic Development Planning and Housing
Wiltshire Council
County Hall
Trowbridge
Wiltshire
BA14 8JD

Last updated: 30 November 2009