Standard Tour
Luxury Tour
The Cotswolds Classic Cycling Tour
DISTANCE
20 – 30 miles (32 – 48 km) per day
DURATION
4 or 5 nights
DIFFICULTY
Easy to Moderate
Accommodation
Selected B&B Accommodation
Travel Information
Price
£695
Cotswold Bike Tour Overview
This self-guided Cotswold cycling tour takes you through some of the most interesting places in this incomparable corner of England. In four days of Cotswold cycling, you will see quaint villages built from quintessential Cotswolds yellow limestone, tranquil woods reminiscent of fairytales, and sweeping views of valleys and rolling pastures. Cycling in the Cotswolds offers a connection with nature and insight into countryside living like nothing else. Enjoy the fresh air and indulge in the slow life as you explore this untouched region on two wheels.
Cycling the Cotswolds requires a suitable bike and equipment. If you are bringing your own bike, it should be a Hybrid or Mountain Bike with at least 21 gears. Please ensure that your bike is adequately maintained and insured.
If hiring a bike, repair kits, and helmets are included in the price of the bike hire. The bikes for this trip are high-quality UK-manufactured hybrid ‘Trek’ bikes with Shimano 21speed gears, front and rear V-breaks and fitted mudguards and bottle holders.
Tour Highlights
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Visit Broadway Tower and uncover its rich history, stretching from the 16th century to the Cold War era. With a museum, guided tours, outdoor activities, a traditional Cotswold Fayre, and unique shopping opportunities, Broadway Tower is a must-see destination for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in the local heritage.
Steeped in over 1,000 years of history, Sudeley Castle is a fascinating journey through England’s past, from its Norman origins to its Tudor connections, including the final resting place of Katherine Parr, Henry VIII’s last wife.
Explore the romantic bridges of Bourton-on-the-Water as you wander from the motor and toy museum, to the equestrian centre, Birdland Park and Gardens, and Hawkstone brewery.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Chipping Campden
Arrive at Chipping Campden for overnight. A market town since 1185, Chipping Campden is brimming with history. Take in the heritage of the area as you wander the town and it’s incredible architecture. Admire the Almshouses, the Market Hall, St James’ Church and the High Street as you settle into the heart of the Cotswolds. Your route notes and maps will await you at your accommodation.
Day 2: Chipping Campden to Winchcombe (20 miles/32 km)
Leave Chipping Campden and follow a route of typical Cotswold countryside hills and woodland dotted with charming villages built from signature Cotswold yellow limestone. Visit Broadway Tower; Snowshill with its fascinating museum; and the quintessential Cotswold villages of Stanway and Stanton. Arrive at the ancient Saxon village of Winchcombe, home to Sudeley Castle and its rich Tudor history, for overnight.
Day 3: Winchcombe to Bourton-on-the-Water (22 miles/35 km)
Leave Winchcombe along quiet countryside back roads and pass the sleepy villages of Guiting Power and Stow-on-the-Wold. Descend to Lower Slaughter and the River Eye that winds through its picturesque streets before continuing to Bourton-on-the-Water, where you stay for the next two nights.
Day 4: Bourton-on-the-Water to Coln St. Aldwyns and back to Bourton-on-the-Water (30 miles/48 km)
This circular route boasts a range of unsung but gorgeous villages along the River Windrush. Nestled in the unspoilt Coln River Valley, find Coln St. Aldwyns. Pass Chedworth Roman Villa before returning to Bourton-on-the-Water for overnight.
Day 5: Bourton-on-the-Water to Chipping Campden (28 miles/45 km)
Head for Adlestrop, immortalised in the poem by Edward Thomas and then follow quiet lanes to Moreton-in-Marsh where you can either rendez-vous at the railway station to collect your luggage OR continue on to Chipping Campden for overnight.
Day 6: Departure
Departure after breakfast.
Map
The Cotswolds Classic Cycling Tour follows one of the most picturesque Cotswold cycling routes, traversing rolling hills and valleys, quiet woodland, and charming countryside villages. The route begins in Chipping Campden, and passes through Winchcombe, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Coln St. Aldwyns before returning to Chipping Campden.
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Accommodation
Accommodation has been hand-picked to provide guests with an authentic Cotswolds experience.
Though accommodation may vary from tour to tour, we gravitate towards a selection of quintessential English countryside stays. Some favourites when it comes to our Classic Cotswolds Cycling Tour include:
The Volunteer Inn at Chipping Campden
The White Hart Inn at Winchcombe
The Lansdowne Inn at Bourton-on-the-Water
All of our selected B&Bs, Inns, and Hotels will give you a warm welcome with a hearty breakfast for you in the morning to set you off on your day’s walk.
Distance
Total: 72-100 miles (115-160 km)
Duration: 3 or 4 cycling days
Average daily mileage: 25 miles (40 km)
Longest day: 30 miles (48 km)
Shortest day: 20 miles (32 km
Duration
4 or 5 nights
3 or 5 days cycling
Easy to Moderate
There are no prolonged or large altitude gains along this route and terrain is generally not too rugged, making this tour accommodating for most levels of fitness and cycling experience. You’ll cycle primarily on dirt paths through fields, with some stretches of tarmac, and occasional rocky paths.
Highest elevation gain in one day: 1537 ft (468 m)
Average daily elevation gain: 1403 ft (427 m)
Travel Information
Best time to go: March – September
Arriving By Train:
The Cotswolds are at the heart of the British rail network. Direct trains travel from London Paddington Station to Moreton-in-Marsh frequently.
Arriving By Plane:
Nearest airport: Birmingham Airport (54.1km).
Other nearby airports: Bristol Airport (97.6km), London Heathrow: (164km).
From London Heathrow, you can take the Heathrow Express train directly to London Paddington from where you can take a direct train to Moreton-in-Marsh.
Arriving By Car:
Note that there is some limited on-road parking with no restrictions in the village. Accommodation will often not permit you to leave your car for the duration, or may charge a fee. There is a long-stay car park at the train station.
Private Transfer:
We are happy to arrange private transfers to your starting accommodation.
Please contact us for further details.
Price
£695 pp
Two people sharing a room
B&B accommodation with a private bathroom
£770 for 5 nights
Pricing includes:
Accommodation
Luggage transfers each cycling day
Route notes and maps
Local back-up on call
Bike hire:
£140
£20 per day for additional days
Panniers are available at extra cost
You must be able to do basic bike maintenance including puncture repairs
Optional extras:
E-Bike Hire: £35.00 per day;
Please contact us to enquire about the single supplement for this tour if you plan on traveling alone.
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