Road · United Kingdom
Corston – Biddestone
- 56 km
- 545 m
- Moderate
- Paved
Elevation profile
- 545 m
- 56 km
Route overview
This ride suits cyclists looking for a medium distance route with moderate climbing.
56 km loop from Corston in England with 648 m climbing, passing Bath, Biddestone and Corsham.
Starting from Corston near Bath, the route heads through Newbridge, South and East Twerton, Weston and Bear Flat before crossing Bath at 5 km. Early climbs include a 1.5 km ascent gaining 50 m at 3.3% average, starting shortly after Bath around 5.3 km, followed by a steeper 2.9 km climb gaining 149 m at 5.2% average starting near 9.4 km. The route then runs past Elmhurst Estate and on to Colerne by 16.3 km. After Colerne, more gentle climbs appear near 20.5 km and 23.3 km, each about 1.5 km long with gradients around 3%. Through Castle Combe, Yatton Keynell and Biddestone at 30.2 km, the road includes 33.8 km on minor roads and 7.7 km on quiet streets, with some paths and 5.9 km on main roads without cycle lanes.
Highlights
- Biddestone at 30 km
- Bath city centre at 5 km
- Castle Combe at 23.8 km
- Peak near Truckle Hill at 22.6 km
Along the route
Places passed
Climbs
| Climb | Starts at | Length | Gain | Average | Max | Top |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | 5.3 km | 1.5 km | 50 m | 3.3 % | 5.3 % | 76 m |
| — | 9.4 km | 2.9 km | 149 m | 5.2 % | 9.9 % | 185 m |
| — | 20.5 km | 1.5 km | 45 m | 3 % | 6.5 % | 114 m |
| — | 23.3 km | 1.4 km | 40 m | 2.9 % | 6.1 % | 132 m |
What this ride is like
- Roads
- 61% minor road · 14% quiet street · 9% path · 7% main road
- Main roads
- 5.9 km on main roads without a cycle lane — likely busier
- Fast roads
- 11.5 km on roads with a limit of 80 km/h or more
- Cycle paths
- 2.3 km on cycle paths or roads with a cycle lane
- Main roads used
- Bannerdown Road (3 km), Cross Keys Road (3 km)
- Surface
- Paved throughout
- Gradient
- 23% climbing · 24% descending · 53% flat
- Steep sections
- 3 km over 5% · 0.8 km over 8% · steepest 500 m averages 9.5% at 11.4 km
- Longest descent
- 2.9 km from 43 km, dropping 134 m
Along the way
Food, water and shops
- 0.7 kmToilets · on the route
- 2.6 kmM&S Foodhall · supermarket · 70 m off route
- 4.5 kmGreen Park Bike Station · bike shop · 100 m off route
- 4.8 kmNo. 11 Espresso Bar · café · on the route
- 5.7 kmPulteney Pharmacy · pharmacy · on the route
- 6.1 kmDrinking water · on the route
- 10 kmPremier · convenience store · on the route
- 10 kmDrinking water · on the route
- 16.1 kmThe Fox And Hounds · pub · 280 m off route
- 23.8 kmThe Old Rectory Tea Room · café · 50 m off route
- 25.8 kmToilets · 40 m off route
- 33.7 kmToilets · on the route
- 33.7 kmShaunaks · pharmacy · 320 m off route
- 38.7 kmForage · café · 150 m off route
- 44.6 kmBathford Village Shop & Cafe · café · 50 m off route
- 48.9 kmWalcot Service Station · petrol station · 30 m off route
- 50.8 kmCharlotte Street Car Park · toilets · 150 m off route
- 51.3 kmThe Den · café · 60 m off route
Need to bail out?
- 3.2 km — Oldfield Park (station), 500 m off route
Worth a stop
- 5.2 km — East Gate (attraction)
- 19.9 km — earthworks (archaeological site)
- 34 km — Lady Margaret Hungerford Almshouses and Schoolroom (attraction)
- 45 km — Roman Villa (archaeological site)
- 49.9 km — The Assembly Rooms (attraction)
At the start and finish
- The Brook Bar & Bistro · restaurant · 240 m
- Twerton Local · convenience store · 510 m
- The Lounge · café · 850 m
- The Centurion · pub · 830 m
Practical information
- Paved
- Loop
- 2½–3½ hours riding
- June
- May to Sep — daily highs of 16–21 °C in those months
Know before you go
- 6.1 km without café, shop or water between 10 km and 16.1 km
- 5.9 km on main roads without a cycle lane
- 11.5 km on roads with speed limits 80 km/h or more
- 0.8 km with gradient over 8%, steepest 9.5% at 11.4 km