Explore the Cotswolds by bike
Cycling is very popular in the Cotswolds – there is a huge variety of country lanes and scenic routes to explore. Please remember that when road cycling, you are sharing the road with drivers…whilst the quiet country lanes are some of the prettiest routes, they can be narrow with plenty of twists and turns. Please be aware that a car (or tractor) may be just around any corner, and please always wear a helmet.
Cotswold cycle routes
From Kemble Station, near Cirencester
The Infant Thames (10 miles)
An easy ride through quiet villages into the Cotswold Water Park, passing country pubs, parks.
Passes close to the source of the magnificent River Thames.
Trains, Boats & Planes (16 miles)
This easy 16-mile ride takes you to one of the wonders of the canal-building age – the Sapperton Tunnel.
Tetbury & Westonbirt (20 or 30 miles)
Medium or hard ride through Cotswold villages, past churches and pubs, visiting the old market town of Tetbury.
An additional loop visits the world famous Westonbirt Arboretum. .
From Kingham Station, West Oxfordshire
Sarsden Circuit (6.5 miles)
An easy ride through the Evenlode Valley passing quiet Cotswold border country villages, churches and pubs.
A short climb into Churchill.
Bruern to Foxholes Nature Reserve (14 miles)
A delightful short tour through Cotswold border villages, passing the site of an ancient abbey, and visiting Foxhills Nature Reserve famed for its spectacular spring bluebells, abundant birdlife and fabulous fungi. Quiet lanes and few gradients.
Charlbury and Wychwood Forest (16 miles)
A medium distance ride on quiet lanes passing through the ancient Wychwood Forest area and past a restored Cotswold sheepwash. Catch the train back or return via Chadlington.
Moreton-in-Marsh and the Rollright Stones (28 miles or 19 miles if return from Moreton to Kemble by train)
A great route up over Chastleton Barrow passing Chastleton House then the Rollright Stones.
Catch the train back or return gently along the Evenlode Valley visiting Evenlode and Adlestrop. A few climbs.
Ancient Stones & Old Manors (19 miles)
A chance to visit both Chastleton House, the Rollright Stones and drop in on Chipping Norton.
Great views from Kingham Hill and Chastleton Camp – but that means a few climbs!
Burford & The Windrush Valley (26 miles)
A classic Cotswolds tour across wold and along valley. Explore Widford Church and the histories of the Fettiplaces,
the Mitford Sisters, and the Levellers! Some steady climbs, great views and well deserved descents.
Bourton, Bulls & Beer (26 miles)
An interesting day ride visiting the Cotswold Farm Park via Bourton-on-the Water, the Venice of the Cotswolds.
There are plenty of pubs and features on route including the Donnington Brewery. Mostly quiet lanes but some hills.
Wildlife, Hillforts & Halls (39 miles)
A long day ride for the cycling enthusiast, up and over the Evenlode Valley passing historic houses and villages and dropping into the Windrush Valley to visit Cotswold Wildlife Park. Quiet country lanes but some climbs along the way.
Cotswold Cycle Way
These routes are currently only available as GPS files which can be downloaded for use with GPX viewer apps.
Chipping Campden to Tetbury (40.36 miles, 794m ascent) [View route]
Linear signposted scenic route from Chipping Campden via Broadway Tower, Snowshill, Brockhampton, Severnhampton, Andoversford, Withington, Colesbourne, Winstone and Cherington to Tetbury.
Kiddington to Minster Lovell (13.65 miles, 290m ascent) [View route]
Linear signposted route from the village of Kiddington near Woodstock via Charlbury and Leafield to the picturesque village of Minster Lovell. Reputedly the region’s most haunted village, Minster Lovell is perhaps best known the ruins of its 15th century hall.
Tewkesbury to Northleach (24.11 miles, 367m ascent)
Tewkesbury to Kiddington (54.46 miles, 883m ascent )
Cotswold Loop (72.91 miles, 1185m ascent).