The Avon Cycleway was first launched in 1989 by Avon County Council.
The route is a large circuit around the City of Bristol, taking in several towns and villages.
It conveniently lins to National Route 4, the Bristol & Bath Cycle Path, National Route 41, and other local routes into the city centre.
The Avon Cycleway can be divided into six, smaller sections to reflect the landscapes it passes through:
Hills, a lake and views
Brockley to Saltford via Chew Valley, taking in stone villages, dramatic Pensford viaduct and the stone circles at Stanton Drew. It is very hilly, but with some lovely views.
Railways and industrial heritage
Saltford to Iron Acton, following easy gradients along the Bristol & Bath Railway Path.
Open commons and woodland
Iron Acton to Cromhall, a sparsely populated section of the route with a sense of isolation.
Estuary views
Cromhall via rolling unspoilt countryside and the solid historic small town of Thornbury to Littleton-on–Severn.
Rhynes and small orchards
Littleton-on-Severn to Pill, a mainly flat section skirting Bristol’s industrial edgelands.
Wooded hillsides and a bit of Somerset levels
Pill to Brockley, including Clevedon seafront and its impressive restored Victorian pier.
Would you like more route inspiration? Sign up to our enewsletter.
Please note
We have taken all responsible steps to ensure that these routes are safe and achievable by people with a reasonable level of fitness.
However, all outdoor activities involve a degree of risk.
To the extent permitted by law, Sustrans accepts no responsibility for any accidents or injury resulting from following these routes.
Walking and cycling routes change over time. Weather conditions may also affect path surfaces.
Please use your own judgement when using the routes based upon the weather and the ability, experience and confidence levels of those in your group.