Self-Guided Cotswolds Cycling Tour – 5 Days
2018 5-day self-guided bike tour itinerary
Day 1
After the train journey from London Paddington (a 1.5 hour journey by train) we will fit you up with your bikes and head straight into the Cotswolds. You will visit the iconic Chipping Campden, the beautiful American inspired gardens at Hidcote, with the option of lunch in the best pub in England (Sunday Times) before heading back to the hotel in the afternoon.
For those who want to bike further you can head for Stratford and ride down a disused railway line right into the heart of Stratford itself. The route then returns to the market town of Moreton-in-Marsh for the evening. In Stratford you visit the birthplace of Shakespeare, home to the Royal Shakespeare Company and its theatre. If you would like to see a production at the RSC we can organise this for you (bookings need to be made in advance however).
Mileage: 22-38 miles
Day 2
The tour then winds its way through the picturesque countryside of the Cotswolds, taking in some of the most well-known towns and villages including Bourton-on-the-Water, The Slaughters, Snowshill and the majestic Broadway Tower. For lunch you can stop at the gardens at Snowshill Manor before heading back to the Manor in Moreton in Marsh.
Mileage: 20-33 miles
Day 3
Cycle from Moreton-in-Marsh through the beautiful Cotswolds to the country home of Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace, a World Heritage Site. The morning is a downhill ride of approx. 20 miles, through gently rolling countryside. On arrival at Blenheim guests there is ample time to explore the historical house and beautiful gardens. The afternoon ride takes us to the stunning Burford, the Gateway to the Cotswolds.
Mileage: 23-38 miles
Day 4
Head through the Cotswolds to the beautiful town of Bampton, home to the hit show Downton Abbey (it is the village where all the outside filming is shot) then on to the home of William Morris, founder of the Arts and Crafts movement. There is an option, with a small charge, to take guests to Oxford by bus in the afternoon for a good look round the historical university town, returning to Burford in the evening.
Mileage: 16-32 miles
Day 5
Travel from Burford towards the stunning White Horse Hill and the Ridgeway where the biking will end after lunch in the White Horse pub in Woolstone. We will then transport guests to a mainline station or back to Oxford by mid-afternoon.
Mileage: 15 -25 miles
Accommodation
Guests stay in the best 4* hotels in the Cotswolds region, with unbeatable settings, wonderful accommodation and stunning food – just see Trip Advisor. Further options are available for those who want to stay in a country cottage location or in a selection of hand-picked bed and breakfasts or pubs.
Support and Equipment
Bike as much or as little as you like, a support vehicle is with the guided tours at all times and a daily “bailout” option on the self-guided tours ensures guests only need to bike the miles that suit them.
Our guides and mechanics will fix all major equipment issues and get you back on the road as soon as possible.
With a fleet of bikes from Giant and flat bar, drop bar, road, hybrid and e-bike options all bike types are catered for. Helmets as standard, just bring your shoes and pedals, if you have them, and away you go.
