A Karouac inspired road trip, to discover the adventures that lie within arm’s reach of the M4.
For those dreaming of adventures (soon possible!) and staring up to the hills, as they drive past ridgeways, footpaths and lakes, we’ve picked out our favourite must-see spots for biking, hiking, swimming and more – all just off of the M4!
Our Top 5 Adventures and Beauty Spots easily accessible from the M4
1. The White Horses
- A journey to discover the famous White Horses carved in chalk and dotted along the Ridgeway. From the most famous and Neolithic White Horse at Uffington is 110 meters long, and which has sat overlooking the Thames Valley for over 3,000 years, to the modern-day Broad Town horse, just outside of Wootton Bassett. These Wiltshire White Horses form a beautiful walking trail between the 8 still visible.
2. Lambourn Morning Gallops
If you prefer your horses alive and kicking, why not rise early to watch the Lambourn horses on their morning gallops. With the sun rising behind them, stop and watch the professionals at work training their beautiful mounts!
3. Swimming, Paddling, Splashing, Sunbathing
For some swimming, paddling, splashing and sunbathing there is no-where better than the Cotswolds Country Water Park and Beach. Nestled within the Cotswolds Lakes, this inland paddling beach has all of the watersports activities you could possible want – fancy a splash on your way home, or a day out with your friends and family? Then this is the place for you, and just a short hop off the main road so you’ll be there before you know it!
4. Highclere Castle aka Downton Abbey
Ever wondered what Downton Abbey really looks like? Just off the M4 lies the stunning Highclere Castle! Open to the public from July this year and home to the Crawley’s and Downton Abbey, you can take a tour of the incredible innerworkings of this famous household or walk through the estate’s beautiful gardens or 1000 acre parklands.
5. World Heritage City of Bath
And who could drive the M4 without a visit to the World Heritage City of Bath. That’s right, the WHOLE city has been declared a World Heritage Site. This beautiful small city is nestled in the rolling Cotswold hills and surrounded by lazy rivers and canals – perfect for biking, hiking, and paddling! While you’re there, why not visit the incredibly preserved Roman Baths and dive into the city’s fascinating heritage.
Our walking, biking and paddling tours visit all of these incredible places, so if you are looking for a longer escape to the country, adventuring on your doorstep, why not take a look at our weekend and week-long trips throughout the Cotswolds and beyond:
Here are a few of our favourites:
7 Day Self-Guided Walking Tour – The Ridgeway National Trail: Return to nature on this 7 day long distance walk following the Ridgeway National Trail, Britain’s oldest road; a route used for at least 5,000 years, by travellers, herdsmen and soldiers. Walk along the Ridgeway National Trail, across nearly 90 miles of glorious countryside and spectacular views, returning you to nature, away from the crowds, through ancient landscapes, secluded valleys and woodland.
Cotswolds Multi Activity Adventure Weekend: Our Multi Activity Adventure Weekends are for like-minded active people who embrace weekends and want to get stuck into some great activities. You’ll go home with a glow having made the most of your long weekend, full of morning swims, days outdoors, evenings around the firepit with home-cooked food and a great group around you! We’ve made this trip hassle free – providing all the equipment you will need; just bring yourself, some active wear, and some swim kit, and you’ll be ready to go!
Conquer the Cotswolds – 3 Day Cycling Tour: Not for the faint-hearted! Cycle 80 miles a day for three days (shorter/longer routes available!) on this epic challenge which takes you on a full circuit around Cotswolds ‘Golden Triangle’ of Oxford, Stratford and Bath. This cycle tour will take you out from Oxford to the northern tip of the Cotswolds hills near Stratford, all the way down to the escarpment’s southernmost tip in Bath, before heading back to Oxford again.
Head over to our Instagram for some more great cycling, walking and paddling inspiration throughout England.