Tag Archive: bike

September 8, 2021

Travelling corner: Bristol by bike (part 4)

It’s not so easy to cycle when it’s windy, or it’s raining or snowing (of yes, we did cycle in the snow this year, what an experience!). But, even then, cycling is my favourite means of transport J In the last several months, we repeated many of our previous bike trips, but we also managed to (re-)discover a few new cycling paths. Today, I’m taking you on three bike trips in / around Bristol. Come and join me!

Ashton Court

We accidentally discovered this cycling path and we’re so glad we did, as it’s an excellent short-cut to Ashton Court. If cycling from Shirehampton, we first cycle along Portway Road and then we turn right onto the small bridge, which I think is called Plimsoll Bridge, to reach Bedminster. There, we go under the large bridge and then follow the number 33 cycle path.

Aust

First, we need to cycle to Severn Beach along the number 41 cycle route (or you can go by train) & then head along the main road towards Aust. We cycled there in winter and back then the cycling path from Severn Beach to Aust was closed. I think it’s open now, so we plan to re-cycle this route in summer. In Aust, there is a small beach with impressive cliffs above. Aust is famous for fossils and rock formations.

Blaise Castle

Blaise Castle can be approached from many different directions. We usually cycle from Shirehampton along the number 41 cycle route. However, Blaise Castle can be also approached from Combe Dingle. We can cycle there on the main road from Shirehampton then go via Sylvian Way and Dingle Road.

These are three great locations to visit by bike. Where do you enjoy cycling to in/around Bristol? Please let me know in the comments below. 

Comments: 0
CATEGORY:
,
July 1, 2020

Travelling corner: Bristol by bike (part 3), with a secret beach (shhh!)

In my humble opinion, Bristol is not the easiest place to cycle, as it’s quite hilly. The bike trips I want to recommend today are not too challenging but some stamina will be needed to complete them 🙂 I usually cycle with my family at weekends and we use a bike attachment for my older daughter, 5.5 yo (when it’s not too demanding, she rides on her own), and a bike seat for the toddler, 18 mths. My previous blog posts on bike trips can be read here and here. Today is part 3. OK, off we go! 3 bike trips are coming:

Shirehampton-Pill-Leigh Woods (route no 26)

The cycling route is beautiful and it’s not very difficult, but it takes a bit of time to reach the destination. You will meet many cyclists, runners and walkers on the way, as it’s a popular recreational route. There are a few woods’ entries, so you can decide when you wish to have a break, enjoy some forest-bathing, walk by the stream or have a little picnic on a tree trunk.

Shirehampton-Clevedon

From Shirehampton, go towards Portishead (follow directions as here) and once you pass Portishead, continue cycling towards Clevedon. Head from Weston-in-Gordano to Walton-in-Gordano then turn right towards Clevedon Golf Club (B3124) and then continue cycling straight-ahead until you reach the pier and the sea-front (and Clevedon Marine Lake which is a bit further away).

Shirehampton-Ladye Bay

There’s a secret beach that was once recommended to me by a dear friend. Only the informed know where to go, so here are the directions: From Shirehampton go via Portishead towards Clevedon (as in the Shirehampton-Clevedon route above). Then, after turning right to Clevedon Golf Club (B3124), turn right again to Bay Road. Enjoy a splash in the waves!

These are the bike routes I enjoyed recently, do let me know which cycling routes are your favourite / recently discovered. Leave your comment down below.

Kinga Macalla

Comments: 0
CATEGORY:
October 23, 2019

Travelling corner: Bristol by bike (part 2)

In my humble opinion, Bristol is not the easiest place to cycle, as it’s quite hilly, but the bike trips I want to recommend today are not too challenging, they’re definitely family-friendly 🙂 I usually cycle with my family at weekends and we use a bike trailer for our two daughters who enjoy observing the world from there (or have a short nap, why not?!). My previous blog post on bike trips can be read here and today is part 2. OK, off we go! 3 bike trips are coming:

Shirehampton-Severn Beach (route no 41)

It’s a fairly easy ride, not too long. However, I highly recommended going on this bike trip on Sunday, as otherwise many lorries cross the route. It is always (at least in my case) windy in Severn Beach, so be prepared to have a break with your hair everywhere. Having said this, I do enjoy this cycling route, especially two moments; when you’re going among the trees and then the bridge view.

Shirehampton-Pill-Bristol Centre (route no 26)

I so wanted to go cycling on the other side of the river Avon (as I had looked at it many times from the train window) and this summer I finally fulfilled this desire! The cycling route is beautiful and it’s not very difficult, but I think it takes a bit longer to reach the centre than on the previous route. You will meet many cyclists, runners and walkers on the way, as it’s a popular way to enjoy one’s weekend, with the views of Clifton Suspension Bridge or the River Avon.

Shirehampton-Bristol Centre-Bedminster/Southville (Portway Road)

The cycling route goes along Portway Road which runs from Shirehapton to Bristol centre. There is a pavement, so the ride is comfortable, however, it’s sinusoidally up and down, so it takes some stamina to get to the centre. If you wish to go to Bedminster/Southville, then turn right on the small bridge, which I think it’s called Plimsoll Bridge. I usually go this way if I quickly need to reach the above destinations.

These are my favourite, most-used bike trips. Do let me know which cycling routes are your favourites. Leave your comment down below.

Kinga Macalla

Comments: 0
CATEGORY:
August 21, 2019

Travelling corner: Bristol by bike (part 1)

In my humble opinion, Bristol is not the easiest place to cycle as it’s quite hilly, but the bike trips I want to recommend today are not too challenging – they’re definitely family-friendly 🙂 I usually cycle with my family at weekends and we use a bike trailer for our two daughters who enjoy observing the world from there (or having short naps, why not?!). I planned to include more bike trips in this blog post, but my post-partum stamina is still weak (another blog post with more bike trips is coming this autumn). OK, off we go! 3 bike trips are coming:

Blaise Castle (cycling route no 41)

It’s a fantastic place for the whole family. You can picnic there or have some serious fun on the playgrounds. How to get there by bike? We usually cycle from Shirehampton by cycling route no 41. The cycling route can be found just behind the Nova primary school. Later, you’ll pass the city farm in Lawrence Weston where you can have a short break (if you fancy doing so!). Once you’ve reached the street, turn left and then again left and up. It’s a bit hilly for the last few meters, but then you can race down on your way back!

Lamplighter’s walk

This is a short bike trip. You start by the Lamplighters Pub (there is a small sandpit playground behind it), turn left and cycle by the side of the River Avon. Nice views and a good place to have a picnic (you’ll find a picnic table in the middle of the route).

Portishead (cycling route no 26)

This’s my favourite! It’s long (for me!, cca 1,5 hrs one way), sometimes hilly, with some beautiful and wild nature. You start in Shirehampton at Lower High Street, you go towards Avonmouth and then turn left to go to the M5 motorway. Once off the M5, turn right and follow the cycling route no 26 to Portishead. In Portishead, you can relax in the park, have a walk around the marina or go swimming in the indoor or open-air swimming pools (aka lido).

What are your favourite cycling routes in Bristol? Let me know in the comments below.

Kinga Macalla

Comments: 0
CATEGORY: