Cycling South Gloucestershire 10 Short Leisure Routes Between 3 and 12 Miles 10 Leisure Rides

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Cycling South Gloucestershire 10 short leisure routes between 3 and 12 miles 10 Leisure Rides

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Refer to this key for all route maps

2 Introduction These routes are aimed at all levels of cyclists and their families. Cycling offers a great opportunity to discover new places and views in South Gloucestershire.We hope that you enjoy cycling these routes and that it encourages you to get your bike out more often.

The routes vary in length and difficulty. A grading system has been used to determine the ability level required to cycle these routes. However this is only a guide.

Ability Levels 1 For all users including inexperienced or beginner cyclists. Any hills will be very gentle and any on road cycling will be on quiet roads. 2 For slightly more experienced cyclists or those who may feel a bit more confident. There may be the occasional steep hill (don’t be afraid to get off and push!) and occasional short stretches on busier roads. 3 For the reasonably competent cyclists. The rides will be longer, with some steep hills and with cycling on or alongside busy roads for longer stretches.

The distances given do not take into account any return journey unless the route is circular. The times given to cycle a route may vary depending on fitness level and the number of breaks and stops.

Advice

These routes incorporate off road sections that are shared with pedestrians. Please cycle with consideration for all users. When cycling on the roads take necessary care and if you don’t feel confident on busy sections then get off your bike and push it.

For advice, maps and general information about cycling visit: www.betterbybike.info

3 3 miles Three Brooks Nature Reserve Loop A 0.5 hour 1 1 ability level 10.8 miles Thornbury Loop 2.5-3 hours 2 2 ability level 6.7 miles 2-2.5 hours 3 Emersons Green to Warmley Loop 1 ability level 12 miles 2.5-3 hours 4 Wickwar Loop* 3 ability level 9.3 miles Chipping Sodbury and Yate Loop* 1.5-2 hours 5 A 2 ability level 12.4 miles 2.5-4 hours 6 Marshfield to Bathampton Loop 3 ability level 12.5 miles Severn Beach Loop 2.5-4 hours 7 A 2 ability level 5 miles 1.5-2 hours 8 Aust to Chepstow 2 ability level 6 miles 2-2.5 hours 9 Bristol to Bath Railway Path 1 ability level 4.4 miles 1-1.5 hours 10 Frampton Cotterell to Henfield Loop 1 ability level

Whilst every effort has been made to check that these routes are correct, changes may occur.

* These routes can be joined together via Horton Road 4 A These routes are accessible by train Ride around the north end of Bradley Stoke through the nature reserve and PAGE 6 past the Three Brooks Lake and Community Orchard.

Ride through the rural surroundings of Thornbury, through Oldbury-on-Severn PAGE 7 and Rockhampton.

Starts at the shops in Emersons Green and goes through green areas, and along quiet residential paths, through Mangotsfield to Warmley and back up to PAGE 8 Emersons Green.

Starting at Wickwar the route goes around the Wetmoor Nature Reserve PAGE 10 brushing past Yate and Rangeworthy.

Cycle through the historic town of Chipping Sodbury and neighbouring Yate PAGE 12 and along nearby quiet rural roads.

Although this route is fairly narrow and steep, it offers amazing views of the PAGE 14 countryside and a chance to get away from urban life.

Take a trip alongside the river and experience the local countryside. PAGE 16

Cycle into Wales along the Severn Bridge and enjoy beautiful views and the PAGE 17 historic town of Chepstow.

Enjoy this classic pretty route along the Bristol to Bath Railway Path. Look out PAGE 18 for wildlife along the way.

Take a ride around the pretty and historic village of Frampton PAGE 20 Cotterell and through rural roads towards Henfield.

If you have any comments, suggestions or recommendations about these routes or possible future routes, please let us know on [email protected].

5 33 milesmiles 10.5 hour hour 101 ThreeBradley Brooks Stoke Nature Reserve 11 Abilityability level 2

BRADLEY STOKE

Start

Kxy

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TheDuipisim name iriliquam ‘Bradley vel Stoke’ duis derives euguer -from Bradleyaessit il Brookut aciduiscipis and Stoke nostisl Brook, exercil which flow throughdigniatumsan the area. hent Bradley praesendre Stoke mag was- built aroundnisse dolobore three woodlands; corem num Savage’s dui esequisi Wood, Webb’seuipisci Woodtie modolent and Sherbourne’s pratisi blaortisse Brake whichdipsum form diam, the sum Three nibh Brooks euis doLocal odolent Naturead tisi. Reserve. Lots of different wildlife can be found within the area, including greatTet dolor crested aliquat newts, lute slowmod worms,et ing exer reed buntingsadipsusto and od skylarks.magna facil do blaortisse dipsum diam, sum nibh euis do odolent ad tisi.adipsusto od magna facil do © Crown copyright and database rights 2011 6 Ordnance Survey 100023410 N 33 milesmiles 10.8 miles 10.5 hour hour 2.5 - 3 hours 11 Abilityability level 2 Thornbury Loop 2 ability level

Nupdown Road

Hill Lane Shepperdine Road

The Naite

Foss Lane

Chapel Rd Oldbury - on - Severn Oldbury Lane Pickeldmoor Lane

Lower Kington Road Morton Street Church Rd Butt LaneMorton

Alexandra Way K xy Park Road

Castle St Kington Lane Thornbury Start © Crown copyright and database rights 2011 N Ordnance Survey 100023410

A ride through the edge of Thornbury century up until the 1950/60s. Market Town Centre and out into the days are still held every Thursday and countryside, along mostly wide rural Saturday. Thornbury Castle was built roads and through pretty villages over previous manor buildings. Edward with glimpses of the Severn and Stafford, Duke of Buckinghamshire, finishing back in Thornbury past the started building the existing castle picturesque St Marys church. in 1507. It was not completed until 1521 as Henry VIII had the Duke sentenced Thornbury was a prosperous Medieval to death for high treason. In 1535, town renowned for its cloth industry and Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn stayed in became a market town in the eighteenth the castle. 7 5.36.7 miles miles 1.5-22-2.5 hours hour 3 Emersons Green to Warmley Loop 11 Ability ability level level

Finish Blackhorse Road Emersons Way Badminton Road Westerleigh Road KSuperstore Start xy

Emerson’s Green Emersons Green Lane

ST James Street

xy Cossham Street Mangotsfield Road B4465 Mangotsfield

Downend Rodway Hill

A4174

This route starts at the shops in Emersons Green and goes through green areas, and along quiet residential paths, through Mangotsfield to Warmley and

back up to Emersons Green. A4174 Emersons Green was built during the 1990s on what was once farmland. The area also has a mining history and along the cycle path you will find Church Farm Colliery Engine House. This operated successfully until 1981 Warmley and this striking structure stands Forest Park as a reminder of the area’s history. xy K High Street

B4465 123 miles miles 2-3.51 hour hours 104 BradleyWickwar Stoke Loop 31 abilityAbility level level

B4509 The Downs

B4060 Station Rd Chase Lane

Start

South Moon Ridings Wickwar

Horwood Lane Westend Rd

Bishop’s Hill Frith Lane Wood

Limekiln Road

Hall End Lane B4060 Sodbury Road

Lady’s Limekiln Road Wood

Bury Hill Mapleridge Lane

Tanhouse Lane

Yate Rocks Wickwar Road

Yate 123 miles miles 2-3.51 hour hours 31 abilityAbility level level

Hillesley

Chase Lane

South Moon Ridings

Somerset Monument Hawkesbury Wetmoor Upton Nature Reserve

Hawkesbury Common

King Lane A trip through the rural roads and lanes between Wickwar and Yate. Starting at Wickwar the route goes around the Wetmoor Nature Reserve brushing past Yate and Rangeworthy. Vinney Lane Wickwar was first designated a Conservation Area on 13th January 1973. The village is one of the first four Medieval settlements in South Gloucestershire from the 13th century. The Church of Holy Trinity stands as a focal point on a hilltop overlooking the village and its origins date from the Horton’s bushes Lane 12th century. A railway and 1km long Bushes tunnel were constructed in the village, Horton resulting in a line of circular stone airshafts along the route which are set within the landscape. © Crown copyright and database rights 2011 11 Ordnance Survey 100023410 N 9.3 miles Chipping Sodbury and Yate Loop 1.5-2 hour 5 2 ability level

Bury Hill

Rangeworthy Wickwar Road

Tanhouse Lane Mapleridge Lane Engine Common Lane Common Engine

A xyK Portway Lane Station Road Start Chipping Yate Sodbury

The Common

Rodford Way

Cycle through the historic town of Chipping Sodbury and neighbouring Yate and along © Crown copyright and database rights 2011 nearby quiet rural roads. Ordnance Survey 100023410 N

During the 19th and 20th centuries Gloucestershire. Some properties limestone, coal and celestine (spar) within Chipping Sodbury still own were mined from beneath Yate. parts of Sodbury Common, which This led to the building of Yate dates back to when parts of the Station which was founded by a common made up a park, recorded wealthy collier to transport his coal to in the Doomsday book. This allows Bristol. This was the first railway into owners to keep animals on the Bristol. Chipping Sodbury is one of common during certain times of the 4 original market towns in South the year. 12 9.3 miles 1.5-2 hour 2 ability level 12.4 miles 2.5-4 hour 6 Marshfield to Bathampton Loop 3 ability level

Colerne A420 Marshfield Wood The Warren

Oakford Lane

Orchard Wood

Motcombe Start Wood Marshfield Sheep Fair Lane

Ashwicke Road Ayford Lane Tipper’s K Wood High Street St Martin’s Lane

Coombe Wood

Trull’s Leigh Lane Beek’s Lane Wood

Summerhill Wood

Monkswood

A420 Resr

Bathford

Orchard Steway Lane

Wood Bannerdown Road

London Rd

Batheaston Bathampton Brow Hill Mill Lane Hollies Lane High Street

Ramscombe Lane

Seven Acres Lane Toll Bridge Rd

Solsbury Lane Solsbury free to cyclists Coombe Although this route is fairly narrow Street High Wood and steep, it offers amazing views of the countryside and a chance to get Little away from urban life. Solsbury

Hill Fort Bailbrook Lane

Marshfield was an important market Swainswick Lane town and by 1334 was the 4th most

prosperous town in the area. At the A4 London Rd western end of the village there are some almshouses dating to the 17th A4 Gloucester Road century which have recently been Lower renovated. In the 18th century, further Swainswick development was stimulated by trade in wool, candles and malt. Many of the former malthouses and storage buildings can still be seen. Marshfield is also the home to Marshfield Farm ice cream which can be purchased in the local shops. 15 12.5 miles 2.5-4 hour 7 Severn Beach Loop 2 ability level 8

Chepstow Redwick M4 Castle

Little Green Lane Pilning K Bank Road xyA Church Rd Cross Hands Road Start Severn A403 Severn Road

Beach Govier Way

Station Road

B4055 Wye Valley Link Road A466 Badgers Lane

Easter Farm Lane Compton Over Lane A403 Severn Road

M49 Severn Road Hollywood Lane

Berwick Lane Moorhouse Lane Cribbs Causeway Hallen Hall Wood Hallen Road

Avonmouth Station Rd Knole Lane Filton PassageRd Take a trip alongside the water and experience theCrow localLane countryside. Henbury Road

By the end of the 17th century there were two ferry crossings across the Severn, from New Passage and Old Passage in Aust, the latter of which dates back to the Roman times. The Severn Southmead Road Bridge was opened in 1966 and replaced the ferry crossing from Aust to Beachley. Traffic across the bridge increased and the bridge often had to close due to high winds. The second bridge was built and finished in 1996. © Crown copyright and database rights 2011 16 Ordnance Survey 100023410 N 12.5 miles 5 miles 2.5-4 hour 1.5 -2 hour 2 ability level 8 Aust to Chepstow 2 ability level

Chepstow Castle xy

Finish xy Sedbury AK

Chepstow

xy Bulwark Road

Wye Valley Link Road A466

Bulwark

Over Lane

Beachley

Cycle into Wales along the Severn Bridge and M48 enjoyAvonmouth beautiful views and the historic town of Chepstow. K The Chepstow Town Gate originally dates back to the late 13th century. It has had many different functions including prison, local constable quarters, guard room, Aust Southmead Road workshop and museum. Passage Road It now houses the Town Council. Start Other sights include The Port Wall, Chepstow Racecourse and Chepstow Castle which is set on cliffs Severn Road overlooking the River Wye and dates back to 1067. A403 N The castle is open the public daily throughout the year. © Crown copyright and database rights 2011 Ordnance Survey 100023410 17 6 miles 2-2.5 hour 9 Bristol to Bath Railway Path 1 Ability level

xy Start Willsbridge BittonK Station K K Cherry Garden Road Upton Cheyney

Golden Valley LaneBitton High Street Brewery Hill A431 Bath Road Swineford K

Keynsham Kelston Saltford

Enjoy this classic pretty route along the Bristol to Bath Railway Path. Look out for wildlife along the way.

The Bristol to Bath Railway Path was constructed between 1979 and 1986 and follows the former A4 Bath Road Midland Railway. Avon Valley Railway restored Bitton Station after it fell into disrepair when Midland Railway closed in 1971. New track was laid and now locomotives, wagons and a picnic Corston area can be found here. The path also leads to the Bristol Road Avon Valley Country Park where families can enjoy the beautiful countryside and learn more about the Newton St Loe local wildlife. N 18 © Crown copyright and database rights 2011 Ordnance Survey 100023410 6 miles 2-2.5 hour 1 Ability level

Lansdown

Kelston

A431 Bath Road

Kelston Road Weston RoadRoyal Victoria Park Newbridge Road xy

Newbridge CombeHill Park Bristol Road Lower Bristol Road Park Lane Upper Bristol Rd Newton Bath St Loe Finish 19 4.4 miles Frampton Cotterell to Henfield Loop 1-1.5 hour 10 1 ability level

Start Bristol Road

Church Road K Frampton End

Frampton Badminton Road Cotterell Woodend Road Lower Stone Close Coalpit Heath

Beesmoor Road

Park Lane

Blackberry Brake

Ham Hill

Serridge Lane Ram Hill Henfield Road

xy Take a ride around the pretty and Bitterwell historic village of Frampton Ram Hill Lake Cotterell and through rural roads towards Henfield. Henfield Cooks Lane Frampton Cotterell started as a small Westerleigh Road farming village but with the discovery of coal beneath the settlement, it soon became an industry village. With the plentiful coal and an abundance of rabbit fur, in the 16th century the hatting industry began in Frampton Cotterell. Two factories were constructed in the village and the buildings can still be seen today.

Inspiration to start cycling!

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Cycle rides across Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire

Information on local bike repair shops

Information on where to find public cycle pumps

Cycle to work schemes

22 Cycling North Somerset Portishead public art path

Flying Lucy Glendinning

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