A cycle ride amongst the industrial and idyllic trails from Chepstow to Severn Beach, Pilning, Avonmouth Docks and ending at the beach of Clevedon Bay.
I delayed this ride by a week because of the threat of storms, the next weekend there were more threats of storms and the clouds seem to be saying that coming from the west.
We set off from Chepstow in South Wales, briefly crossing the border to England to Beachley and then back to head over the Severn Bridge to enter England for a second time.
Heading south along the cost to Severn Beach we take a brief detour to visit one of the least used railway stations in the United Kingdom, Pilning. I’ve passed through Pilning on trains many times, in fact my train may have even stopped there once but these days there are now only two trains a week, both on a Saturday. This makes it’s quite a stark lonely place. It has the elements of an abandoned station while still being active. Helped by being on the London to Swansea high speed railway line.
We head back to the coast and head south passing the Prince of Wales Bridge and through the highly industrial and active Avonmouth Docks. A thin trail exists winding through the heavy industry hidden by a few yards to trees and carpeted with green grass. It’s amazing cycling through here that it exists at all; though sadly spoilt a bit in some sections by fly tipping.
The weather changed and became burning hot and once we are through the dry and dusty roads of the docks we head over the Avonmouth Bridge and enter the idyllic lane for several miles to Clevedon. We also briefly follow the trail along the disused Portishead Railway line that has been out of passenger use since the 60s and close to all traffic since the early 80s. Work had meant to start on reopening the line by 2024 but this has been delayed further with work supposedly starting this year, 2025. From what we see little seems to have started.
I would have liked to have been able to stay longer in Clevedon and have a proper explore but this particular day, while planned, where my ride would end was being decided as I went along. Ending in Clevedon meant finding a railway station to get home and the nearest was Yatton several miles away. So I left shortly after filming to ensure I was able to get home to my village in Wales.
I enjoyed this ride, discovering trails in the most unlikely places but it’s not a trail I would recommend above some others. Its mildly challenging in places and the long roads through he bustling heavy weight traffic in the docklands isn’t for everyone, even though it does have it’s own stark beauty. Clevedon was busy but had a feeling of beach holidays from years gone by.
I hope you enjoy this ride with a difference.
Timecodes
0:00:00 – Introduction
0:02:17 – Arriving at Chepstow
0:03:00 – Cycling to Beachley
0:07:55 – Views of the Severn Bridge
0:13:00 – Cycling the Severn Bridge
0:20:52 – Aust to Severn Beach
0:26:36 – Cycle to Pilning Railway Station
0:29:34 – Pilning Railway Station
0:34:46 – Severn Beach
0:38:13 – Avonmouth Industrial Trail
0:50:24 – Avonmouth Bridge
0:53:37 – Portishead Disused Railway
0:57:59 – Portbury Disused Railway Station
0:59:33 – The Lane to Clevedon
1:07:09 – Arriving at Clevedon
1:12:05 – End Credits
1:14:00 – Bonus Footage
18 Comments
I must admit that I had ignored this video because the title confused me – only after a few hours did I look at who posted it and started watching!
Lots of great content as always – the summer plant growth is making some cycle paths quite difficult! And that builders rubble that has been dumped is REALLY frustrating
I have the same (or a similar) simple computer as you on the handlebars of my Brompton. I notice at time-stamp 15:50 that you have a non-standard bracket for the computer, which conserves room on your handlebars. Can you tell me the brand/model of bracket?
another lovely chilled ride vlog – nice route and the background music was perfect! thanks
How lucky we are to be able to get out and enjoy the lovely countryside on our bikes! Loved the video, a pleasure to watch as always, thankyou!
Not picturesque, but interesting to see the trails taking you round the backend of Britain. I like city railways for the same reason – you get to look behind the scenes.
Lovely cinematography.
Interesting video pity about the fly tipping I've seen it on some of the mtb trails around Rudy, Fair play you cover some miles on your trips ,Like the drone footage 👍Safe travels Madison
Another mesmerising video from you. I should have gone shopping an hour ago, but I've been glued to the screen. Blessings.
Another wonderful video Madison – which brings me onto something else! As well as enjoying your rides i have also loved watching the rock hopper performing. I love it to the extent that i have just bought my very own rock hopper. Thank you Madison and thank you👍
Great video. I've ridden part of that in reverse, from Clevedon to the Avonmouth bridge. It's a strange mix of country lanes and empty trails weaving around the motorway and industrial car lots. That looked a scary pass at 28:50 ! In fact a lot of the driving looked a bit sketchy. Glad you managed to stay safe.
Was in the Netherlands a few weeks ago, incredible cycling infrastructure as well as practically no litter……….How many miles did you clock up?
Another great one Madison! Took me back to when I used to visit Clevedon as a kid… well, I was dragged there really, to go see relations who lived there then. Loved the music as always – you ought to release an album – especially the piano pieces. 👍
Up to your normal high standard. Have you bought a front light? that area always reminds me of going on holiday with my parents and my big sister we used to drive them up the wall by singing the theme song to Fireball XL5 !!! giving my age away!!!. Keep Safe Madison and keep em coming xxxxxxxxxxx
A very different type of ride this time, but interesting nonetheless. Such a shame the flytippers have added yet another hazard for cyclists. Clevedon is a great destination for a bit of old world seaside town charm. If you find yourself with more time on your next visit, the13 mile new(ish) Pier to Pier Way to Weston super Mare connects the two with reasonably light traffic roads (depending on season) and some gravel and you can even go further south on the 7.6 mile Brean Down Way. Stations at Weston and Burnham (Highbridge)
Thanks for another brilliant video, love the drone footage certainly puts a different perspective on the scenery.
The fly tipping certainly puts a blot on the landscape please keep up the good work.
Was not aware of this area. But in saying that I did do a bus trip to Weston Super Mare as a child before we emigrated. Believe that is close to where you rode. Interesting and informative video as usual Madison. Keep up the great work!
Wheeeeh! 🤩
So glad to see you back madison….. Loved that ride, a real mixture of industry and countryside….often overlooked as I for one have passed that area, usually on the motorways that direct that area of the world… fascinating to see what there is around there… Thankyou for sharing your experience.
Thank you very much, once again a very interesting video. I watched it in one sitting…