Cycling is one of the best ways to get cardio exercise into your daily routine without it feeling too much like a workout but Bristol’s hilly nature can put people off getting on their bikes. A person living in the city took to the platform Reddit to ask others where they would recommend pedaling to avoid the arduous gradients,
In the post, the Reddit user said: “I am currently incredibly unfit and have been trying to cycle more. I have gotten used to cycling in a very flat city, so Bristol has been very different, so I was wondering if anyone knows of any cycle routes/paths in Bristol / Bath (live in east Bristol) that aren't too hilly so I can ease myself into it?”
They further explained how they knew of the Bristol to Bath railway path but that they now wanted to 'switch it up'. And the comments section definitely didn’t disappoint as many shared routes they themselves love or know about.
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One Reddit user said: “The Pill/Portway loop is ideal and is mostly flat and easy, very scenic of the Avon gorge both ways. One way along the main A4 Portway cycle path, over the M5 Avonmouth bridge and back through the Pill and Leigh Woods cycle path (and or vice versa) about 12-13 miles in total”
A second suggested: “If you’ve exhausted the Bristol to Bath, I’d recommend Festival Way which goes out west from the centre of Bristol, through the bottom of Ashton Court, towards Long Ashton and out to Nailsea. There’s a bike path practically all the way, barring a few very small streets through housing estates. It’s just under 10 miles each way.”
A third wrote: “Along The Portway and all the way to Severn Beach is quite flat. Also there's the path alongside the Avon at Conham”
While some suggested specific routes, others shared ways they find cycle routes around the city. Some of the suggested tools to find routes include: OS Maps, Cycle Travel Maps and an app called Komoot which allows you to plan and share your routes as well as follow routes shared by others.
A user, who suggested the Komoot app, said: "I've found the Komoot app is good for planning cycles/walks/hikes."
While a second, who encouraged the OP to 'not completely avoid hills', said: "Don’t avoid hills entirely. Komoot is good for planning. Try to find some easy gradients with a few short but steep hills thrown in. Soon you will be flying up them."
Whether you’re a big cycling fan or want to get out for a bit of exercise, these suggestions may help you find a new and exciting adventure.
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