Cycling along the Great West Way

The Great West Way offers a wealth of landscapes for cyclists of all stripes to explore, from tots trundling along on their first wheels to the next Laura Kenny.

You’ll soon discover that the UK is cycling crazy, so there’ll be no trouble finding your perfect ride... There’s family-friendly woodland paths, long distance cycle routes and downhill mountain bike trails for the daring.

The rural charm of the touring route, including 3 National Landscapes, makes it a dreamy destination for any bike tour. Picture a leisurely Sunday road cycle through sleepy Cotswolds villages or a week-long group adventure from London to Bristol on Route 4.

If you’re visiting from abroad and don’t have your bike in tow there are plenty of places to hire one here including electric bikes, vintage bikes and tandems. There are also some really fun themed bike tours around cycling-friendly cities such as Bristol - one of which includes stopping off at independent eateries to sample their produce. What a satisfying way to take in the sights!

Activities on the Great West Way

There are so many ways to get active along the Great West Way. From kayaking on the River Thames, to cycling across Wiltshire countryside.
Things to do in Bristol

This city of boats, bridges and balloons is full of colourful things to see and do.
Top 10 Scenic Cycle Routes on the Route

Stay active and try cycling along the route. There are an abundance of cycle routes and cycle hires along the Great West Way just waiting for you to explore them.
Canal & River Trust

The beautiful Kennet & Avon Canal (or K&A as its known) flows along 87 miles of the Great West Way. From Bath to Reading, it winds through quintessential rolling Wiltshire hills, bustling towns and even a World Heritage Site. Since 1810, narrowboats have drifted along at four miles an hour, plying their trade from Bristol to London. Today, you'll find a mixture of holiday and live-aboard boaters, all seeking the calm and tranquillity that comes from life on or by the water.
Wiltshire on the Great West Way

Centrally located along the Great West Way, you’ll find the county of Wiltshire. Patchwork fields, chalk plateaux's and irresistibly pretty villages.
The Cotswolds along the Great West Way

Just a couple hours away from London, the Cotswolds National Landscape offers the perfect taste of quintessential England. Featuring honey-coloured limestone villages, rolling farmland and local pubs.