There is no better way to discover the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty than by cycling through the rolling hills, luscious forests and quaint towns & villages. Discover our favourite routes below for cycling in the Cotswolds.
Our 5 favourite Cotswolds cycle routes:
1: Cotswold Line Explorer: Charlbury
Difficulty: Medium | Total time: 3-4 hours | Distance: 16 miles
The Cotswold Line Explorer route to Charlbury will take you past the beautiful village of Kingham, through the ancient woodland of Wychwood and all the way to Charlbury. With plenty of pubs and shops to stop off at in the neighbouring villages of Charlbury, Chadlington, Kingham and Churchill, this route is perfect for cyclists looking to enjoy both the comforts of civilisation, whilst exploring some typically English (and stunning) countryside.
Top tip: Book a table at The Bull Inn in Charlbury and enjoy pub classics from Fish & Chips to Pie Of The Day, the perfect way to refuel after a long bike ride.
2: Cotswold Line Explorer: Moreton-in-Marsh
Difficulty: Medium | Total time: 3-4 hours | Distance: 19 miles
This circular route will take you from Kingham, through Chastleton, Barton-on-the-Heath, Great Wolford and Todenham to Moreton-in-Marsh and back. With many attractions en route, such as The National Trust Site of Chastleton House and the Rollright Stones, this route is perfect for those looking those with an interest in the history of this Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Long Compton roughly marks the halfway point of this route making it the perfect pit stop to enjoy perusing the local shops and scenery.
Top tip: Stop off at the organic farm shop in Daylesford and enjoy the culinary delights of the cafe whilst picking up some goodies to take home.
3: Burford & The Windrush Valley
Difficulty: Medium-Difficult | Total time: 5-6 hours | Distance: 26 miles
This Burford & The Windrush Valley route starts off just outside of the Cotswolds village of Bledington. By taking this route you’ll get an opportunity to experience some truly delightful Cotswold towns such as Milton-under-Wychwood, Shipton-under-Wychwood, Little Barrington and Upper Rissington, not forgetting the infamous town of Burford.
Top tip: Stop off at Sherborne Estate to enjoy this 17th century National Trust, equipped with a sculpture trail and restored water meadows
4: Bourton-on-the-Water, Bulls & Beer
Difficulty: Medium | Total time: 5-6 hours | Distance: 26 miles
Our 4th route, “Bourton-on-the-Water, Bulls & Beer”, is the perfect way to experience some of our favourite Cotswold attractions and museums, including Cotswold Farm Park. From Foscot to Bourton-on-the-Water, Upper Slaughter to Condicote and Broadwell to Bledington, this route is perfect for covering a lot of distance, whilst enjoying all of the cafes, shops and points of interest along the way.
Top tip: Whilst there are many culinary delights in Bourton-on-the-Water, why not consider taking a picnic? The unriavelled views and tranquillity of the River Windrush makes for the perfect lunchtime dining location
5: Kingham Circular Route
Difficulty: Easy-Medium | Total time: 2-3 hours |Distance: 10 miles
There are plenty of pitstops on the Kingham Circular Route including The King’s Head Inn in Bledington, the Horse & Groom in Upper Oddington and The Fox Inn in Lower Oddington. All of these fabulous pubs make this the perfect cycle ride for foodies and those who enjoy drinking with the friendly locals.
Top tip: Give yourself time to spend half an hour or so in each of the villages. With stores selling cards and confectionary to sausage rolls and local honey, you won’t want to miss out!
Information gathered from Oxfordshire Cotswolds