Cycling the Cotswolds

Cycling in the Cotswolds

Whether you want to spend a day or a week exploring, cycling is a great way to see the wonderful scenery and distinctive character of the Cotswolds. England's best cycling routes aren't always the hardest ones - the routes in the Cotswolds range from the gentler slopes of the South Cotswolds to the sharper escarpments of the North. These varieties in terrain give every level of cyclist a chance to enjoy the extensive network of tracks and lanes. And of course, there are many options for that hearty pub lunch you'll need after your morning's cycling.

Looking for a cycling holiday in the Cotswolds?

Check your nearest Tourist Information Centre for more maps and ideas, or check our accommodation section for ideas for your stay in the Cotswolds.

Accommodation

Tourist Information Centres

National Cycle Network in the Cotswolds

National Route 45 of the National Cycle Network runs between Stonehouse, Stroud, Nailsworth and Cirencester.

Downloadable maps - Cotswold Cycling Routes

Six pocket foldaway Cycle Maps (produced by Cotswold District Council, the Gloucestershire Rural Transport Partnership & the Department for Transport) are available to download below. The routes vary in difficulty and also include details of attractions and refreshments.

Chipping Campden to Moreton in Marsh

1.1 Mb

A varied and interesting 30 mile circular ride
through some of the best landscape in the north of
the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Cirencester, Fairford and Northleach

948 Kb

This route offers a chance to experience the
stunning Cotswold villages known locally as the
‘String of Pearls’ and offers a rewarding way of
discovering some of the loveliest quietly nestled
villages.
It is a very attractive route and is relatively easy for the less experienced cyclist, with only a few short stretches of hills.

Duntisbournes, Frampton Mansell, Kemble, Cotswold Water Park, Cirencester

1023 Kb

Lovely quiet and very gentle route around
Cirencester, taking in the Cotswold Water Park,
Kemble, and the attractive villages of Shorncote,
Ewen, Tarlton, Sapperton, Frampton Mansell,
Duntisbourne Abbots, and Daglingworth.

Lower Swell, Notgrove, Turkdean, Sherborne, Windrush and Great Rissington

1 Mb

This is an interesting and fairly varied route that could be done as two separate rides, either starting at popular tourist destination of Bourton-on-the-Water or at nearby Lower Slaughter.

South West Cotswolds, Tetbury, Sherston, Malmesbury and Kemble

991 Kb

This ride is geared more towards the more
experienced cyclists given the distances involved.
(It will take approximately 5.5 hours for a non long
distance rider and is 35 miles long).

Winchcombe, Guiting Power (Turkdean and Hazleton) and Brockhampton

925 Kb

This is a hilly route that takes in varied scenery,
with the option of visiting the historic market town
of Winchcombe, Sudeley Castle, Belas Knap and
several unspoilt Cotswold villages as well as a
number of other places of interest.

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