Cotswolds Active

12th August 2016

The Rio Olympics is inspiring us to try out new sports and get active! Here in the Cotswolds we’ve got so many great activities to try, as featured in our new Cotswolds Active video.

Why not give one of these a try next time you visit?

Pedal power

If you want to be the next Chris Froome, the Cotswolds has the perfect terrain for challenging yourself, with some impressive climbs and winding descents.  However, cyclists of all levels will find something to enjoy in the Cotswolds, with miles of quiet country lanes and rolling hills to explore.

You don’t even need to bring your own bike, as Cotswolds Cycle Hire offer quality cycles delivered to you at your accommodation, or to a local train station.

There are also various companies offering cycling tours, ranging from small group guided tours with Cotswolds Adventures to self-guided itineraries which include luggage transfers to your accommodation from The Carter Company.

You can also try Cotswolds Electric Bike Tours – you’ll cruise up those hills with minimal effort and be rewarded with some stunning views.

Explore on foot

Explore the Cotswolds on foot, with hundreds of miles of footpaths, including the iconic 100 mile Cotswold Way. The terrain couldn’t be more perfect for walking, with rolling hills, river valleys, woodland, meadows and fields.

A great place to start is a Walkers are Welcome town. These provide a good base for a walking holiday or day walk, with excellent local walking information, well-marked paths and places to get food and drink to give you energy for your walks! Try Charlbury, Dursley, Longborough, Stroud or Winchcombe.

Make a splash

The Cotswolds offers a lot more than walking and cycling. You may be surprised to know that there are 150 lakes spread over 40 square miles in Cotswold Water Park. Activities on offer include canoeing, kayaking, wakeboarding, waterskiing, windsurfing and open water swimming. Kids will love the inflatable rides or zorbing at Country Country Park. There’s even a beach there!

Take a leap

Overlooking the lakes is aerial adventure centre, Head4Heights. There are lots of different climbing, jumping and swinging challenges including the leap of faith, which involves climbing a 13 metre pole, standing on top of a wobbling platform and leaping through the air to grasp a suspended trapeze bar!