Cotswolds by Bike

Cotswolds by Bike

tourhub | Walkers' Britain | Cotswolds by Bike | CMR
tourhub | Walkers' Britain | Cotswolds by Bike | CMR tourhub | Walkers' Britain | Cotswolds by Bike | CMR

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 tourhub | Walkers' Britain | Cotswolds by Bike | CMR

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8 Days From

$1630

Cotswolds by Bike

8 Days Starting and ending in Cheltenham, England

Visiting: Cheltenham, Painswick, Stroud, Fampton Mansell, South Cerney, Meysey Hampton, Barnsley, Tetbury, Ashton Keynes, Down Ampney, Bibury, Cirencester, Fairford, Chedworth, Northleach, Notgrove, Windrush Valley, Burford, Bourton on the Water, The Slaughters, Guiting Power, Upper Slaughter, Snowshill, Chipping Campden, Broadway, Hidcote Manor Gardens, Winchcombe

Tour operator:

Walkers' Britain

Tour code:

CMR

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

introductory to moderate

Age range:

14-

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History

Activities:

Cycling, Sightseeing, Walking

From: $1630 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 31-Mar-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating cycling adventure through the picturesque Cotswolds with the "Cotswolds by Bike" tour. This self-guided journey invites you to explore the heart of England, pedaling through charming stone-built villages and across rolling hills. Delight in the quaint beauty of village pubs and historic coaching inns, and visit notable churches in Elkstone, Duntisbourne Rouse, and Daglingworth. Discover the serene Cotswold Water Park and the enchanting Barnsley House Garden. Enjoy a leisurely picnic in Upper Slaughter and tour the classic towns of Snowshill and Chipping Campden. With a choice of easy to moderate routes each day, this tour offers a perfect blend of cultural sightseeing and adventure, all while staying in cozy guesthouses and hotels. Whether you opt for a traditional bike or an E-bike, this unforgettable journey promises a unique glimpse into the idyllic English countryside.

Highlights

  • Cycling through the heart of England.

  • Exploring quaint stone-built villages.

  • Riding across the rolling hills of the Cotswolds.

  • Biking between village pubs and old coaching inns.

  • Visiting the churches at Elkstone, Duntisbourne Rouse, and Daglingworth.

  • Exploring the Cotswold Water Park and Barnsley House Garden.

  • Picnicking in Upper Slaughter.

  • Touring Snowshill and Chipping Campden.

Itinerary

tourhub | Walkers' Britain | Cotswolds by Bike | CMR | Route Map

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Day 1 : Arrive Cheltenham

Location: Cheltenham

Accommodation Name: The Portland Guesthouse

Arrival into Cheltenham
Accommodation: The Portland Guesthouse, thought to have been built in 1836, is a Grade II listed building ideally located in the heart of Cheltenham. The property boasts seven en-suite bedrooms across four floors of the late Georgian building, retaining many of the original features.

Day 2 : Cheltenham to Fampton Mansell

Location: Cheltenham, Painswick, Stroud

Accommodation Name: The Crown Inn

Meals Included: Breakfast

Make your way to the bike shop at Cheltenham Spa Train Station to collect your bikes.
Ride 1: via Elkstone, the Duntisbournes & Daglingworth. Distance = 32 km/19.8 miles or 25.7 km/16 miles.
This lovely ride is uphill at the beginning, but from Elkstone goes through easier, undulating countryside. The ride down the Duntisbourne valley is a treat. The churches at Elkstone, Duntisbourne Rouse & Daglingworth are particularly worth visiting. There are not many pub stops in the middle of the ride; you will need to visit The Green Dragon at Cockleford or the Highwayman on the A417. There are no other shops in Cheltenham.
Ride 2: via Cowley, Sheepscombe, Painswick & Slad. Distance = 49 km/30.4 miles or 44 km/27.3 miles. This is an interesting, varied but hilly ride with attractive countryside and scenery and some famous towns and villages. You visit Painswick an elegant wool town, Slad, the home of Laurie Lee, the famous Cotswold author. Stroud the industrial centre of the valleys and Bisley another beautiful wool town. Although there are several steep hills the destinations are worth the effort.
Accommodation: The Crown Inn is a 16th century stone inn overlooking the beautiful, wooded, Chalford Valley, your accommodation is 4 crowns.

Day 3 : Fampton Mansell to Bibury

Location: Fampton Mansell, South Cerney, Meysey Hampton, Barnsley, Tetbury, Ashton Keynes, Down Ampney, Bibury

Accommodation Name: The Catherine Wheel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Ride 1: via South Cerney & Meysey Hampton. Distance = 35.7 km/22.2 miles or 28.15 km/17.5 milesThis easy ride circles through South Cerney & the Water Park. It passes through several quiet villages & the flat south Cotswolds countryside. It finishes in Barnsley where the church & Barnsley House Garden are worth visiting. Ride 2: via Tetbury, Cherington, Ashton Keynes & Down Ampney. Distance = 53.2 km/33.1 miles. This easy ride visits Tetbury an attractive Wool town, then goes east to Ashton Keynes & the Cotswold Water Park. It goes through several quiet villages south east of Cirencester before going north back into the Cotwolds to the beautiful stone village of Barnsley.Accommodation: For two nights, the Catherine Wheel offers a warm welcome in its family-friendly 15th century Cotswold stone building with a lounge bar, restaurant and garden. If we are unable to book you at the Catherine Wheel, alternative options will be presented.

Day 4 : Bibury: Choice of circular rides

Location: Bibury, Cirencester, Fairford

Accommodation Name: The Catherine Wheel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Ride 1: a short ride to Cirencester Distance = 23.65 km/14.7 miles. This easy ride goes to Cirencester via Welsh Way & Whiteway, & returns via Preston & Ampney
Ride 2: Fairford via the Coln Valley & the Eastleaches. Distance = 50 km/30.6 or 41.85 km/26 miles
This beautiful ride goes down the Coln Valley, which has several typical, pretty, Cotswold villages. The Woollen Mill at Filkins is interesting, & you can buy some real Cotswold souvenirs. Fairford is a good place for tea, & the stained glass windows are a must.

Day 5 : Bibury to Guiting Power

Location: Bibury, Chedworth, Northleach, Notgrove, Windrush Valley, Burford, Bourton on the Water, The Slaughters, Guiting Power

Accommodation Name: Guiting Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast

Ride 1: via Chedworth Roman Villa, Northleach & Notgrove. Distance = 35.5 km/22.1 milies or 26 km/16.4 miles. This is an enjoyable ride over undulating countryside. The Roman Villa is very interesting, and Northleach is an attractive ’wool’ town with a lovely church.
Ride 2: via the Windrush Valley, Burford, Bourton on the Water & the Slaughters.
Distance = 53 km/33 miles or 43.45 km/27 miles. This is an interesting, enjoyable and fairly easy ride. It goes through many picturesque Cotswold villages - Windrush and the Slaughters are particularly delightful. Burford is an attractive town & Bourton a busy tourist centre.
Accommodation: Two nights at the Guiting Guesthouse a tastefully restored 16th century 4 star Cotswold stone farmhouse in the centre of a small and isolated typical Cotswold village that has allowed time to pass it by.

Day 6 : Guiting Power: Choice of circular rides

Location: Guiting Power, Upper Slaughter, Snowshill, Chipping Campden, Broadway, Hidcote Manor Gardens

Accommodation Name: Guiting Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast

Ride 1: A short ride to the Slaughters & Lower Swell. Distance = 23 km/14.3 miles
This undulating ride goes through beautiful countryside & attractive quiet villages. Upper Slaughter is a lovely place to picnic & spend time by the ford on a fine day.
Ride 2: to Snowshill & Chipping Campden via Blockley & Sezincote - with extensions to Broadway & Hidcote Manor Gardens. Distance = 42 km/26.3 miles, 45 km/27.9 miles or 56 km/35 miles
The lovely ride goes across rolling countryside to Snowshill & Chipping Campden - two classic Cotswold towns. It can be extended to visit Broadway & Hidcote Manor Gardens. The ride is quite hilly, & even the minor roads round Chipping Campden get very busy at holiday weekends.

Day 7 : Guiting Power to Cheltenham

Location: Guiting Power, Winchcombe, Northleach, Cheltenham

Meals Included: Breakfast

Ride 1: via Winchcombe & Brockhampton. Distance = 28.6 km/17.8 miles or 27 km/13.5 milesThis ride covers some beautiful countryside, with good views from the hills. It is quite hilly, particularly down into & up from Winchcombe, but it gives you a good knowledge of the Cotswold scarp! Winchcombe is well worth visiting, & it is easy to spend several hours there.Ride 2: via Northleach, Chedworth Roman Villa, Withington & Seven Springs. Distance = 41 km/25.5 miles. This ride goes through beautiful countryside, some attractive villages, and to Northleach - an important ’wool’ town - with an interesting ’wool’ church. The Roman Villa is fascinating.Drop your bikes off at the bike shop before making your way to your overnight accommodation.

Day 8 : Arrangements end after breakfast

Location: Cheltenham

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip concludes in Cheltenham after breakfast.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    7 nights in guesthouses and hotels

  • 7 breakfasts

    Breakfast is included for each day of the tour.

  • 7 nights accommodation in guesthouses and hotels

    Accommodation is provided in guesthouses and hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.

  • Luggage transfer

    One piece of luggage per person is transferred from Inn to Inn, not exceeding 20kg.

  • Digital information pack

    A digital information pack including route notes, maps, and a navigational app is provided.

  • Emergency hotline

    An emergency hotline is available for assistance during the tour.

  • GPX Files

    GPX files are provided for navigation.

  • 6 days bike hire

    Bike hire is included for 6 days, with E-bike hire available on request for an additional supplement.

  • 1x Pannier

    A pannier is included with the bike hire.

What's Not Included

  • Dinners, lunches & beverages

    Meals other than breakfast are not included.

  • Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip

    Travel to the starting point and from the end point of the trip is not included.

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls are not covered.

  • Unscheduled transfers

    Any unscheduled transfers required during the trip are not included.

  • Entrance fees

    Entrance fees to attractions are not included.

  • Solo traveler supplement

    An additional supplement is required for solo travelers or those booking a single room.

  • Guide

    This is a self-guided holiday, so no guide is provided.

  • E-bike hire supplement

    While bike hire is included, there is an additional supplement for E-bike hire.

Accommodation

Enjoy 7 nights in charming guesthouses and hotels, with ensuite facilities and showers. While baths are rare due to space, some accommodations may offer a separate bath room. If the usual hotels are unavailable, alternative options will be provided.

Grading

Easy - Moderate. There is a choice of two routes each day 25 miles (moderate) or 15 miles (easy). *Please note that by UK law, you can ride an electric bike if you’re 14 or over.

Mode of Transport

Collect your bikes from the bike shop at Cheltenham Spa Train Station and return them by 5.30 pm. Travel to and from the start and end points of the trip is not included.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the Cotswolds by Bike tour?

    The tour includes 7 nights in guesthouses and hotels. The accommodations are typically in guesthouses and hotels with ensuite facilities, but if these are not available, alternatives will be used. Rooms generally do not have baths, as they take up a lot of space, but some hotels or guesthouses may have a separate room where a bath is available to guests.

  • Are meals included in the Cotswolds by Bike tour?

    The tour includes 7 breakfasts. Other meals such as dinners, lunches, and beverages are not included in the tour package.

  • Is bike hire included in the Cotswolds by Bike tour?

    Yes, bike hire for 6 days is included in the tour. E-bike hire is also available upon request, but a supplement applies.

  • What support is available during the Cotswolds by Bike tour?

    The tour provides a digital information pack including route notes, maps, and a navigational app. There is also an emergency hotline available for support.

  • Is the Cotswolds by Bike tour guided?

    No, this is a self-guided holiday, so no guide is provided.

  • What is the difficulty level of the Cotswolds by Bike tour?

    The tour is graded as easy to moderate. There is a choice of two routes each day, with distances of 25 miles (moderate) or 15 miles (easy).

  • What happens if I am traveling solo on the Cotswolds by Bike tour?

    A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.

  • What are some of the highlights of the Cotswolds by Bike tour?

    Highlights include cycling through the heart of England, visiting quaint stone-built villages, riding across rolling hills, biking between village pubs and old coaching inns, visiting churches at Elkstone, Duntisbourne Rouse, and Daglingworth, exploring the Cotswold Water Park and Barnsley House Garden, picnicking in Upper Slaughter, and touring Snowshill and Chipping Campden.

  • Self-guided holidays - inclusions

    We have designed our self guided walking and cycling tours to include a number of elements to help you enjoy your holiday more, while leaving out some things to give you more freedom to tailor the trip to your needs and interests. Refer to the Trip Notes for more information on the specific inclusions for each trip. What’s included: - Detailed Route Notes - Accommodation - Luggage transfers - Any scheduled transfers as per Trip Notes - Emergency support - Some meals (mostly breakfasts) What’s NOT included: - Transport to/from start/finish points - Most meals - Any entrance/park fees - Travel insurance - Personal expenses along the way - Unscheduled transfers required during the trip

  • Trip Grading & Preparation

    Match your level of fitness & requirements Please read this information carefully to find out which grade is most suited to your level of fitness and requirements. To make the most of your Walkers' Britain holiday it is essential and your responsibility to choose a trip that is well within your capabilities. All our active holidays are graded and clearly marked in each trip description. All mountains have uphill and downhill sections and by definition walking and cycling demand some effort. However all things are relative, and these grades assume that you are a reasonably active person who enjoys walking or cycling. Few trips are extreme and most allow ample time for sightseeing and enjoying the scenery. If in doubt about the grade of any holiday, please contact us for advice or request the tour dossiers, you can also chat with our team about the right travel insurance for you. Grade 1 – Introductory These trips involve walking for four to five hours per day or cycling for 15-50 km per day at a slow but steady pace. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. Suggested Preparation 30 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (either road cycling or jogging), three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 2 – Introductory to Moderate These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity but including several moderate stages. Grade 3 – Moderate These adventures involve walking for up to six hours per day or cycling for up to 65 km per day, at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested Preparation 45 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (road cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 4 – Moderate to Challenging This trip grading involves a combination of what is described in our Moderate and Challenging levels. The emphasis is on moderate activity but including several challenging stages. Grade 5 – Challenging These active holidays involve walking up to nine hours per day in mountainous terrain with steep ascents and descents, pass crossing & alpine weather conditions, or cycling for up to 80 km per day over undulating terrain, with some steep and sustained hills. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8 kg and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Suggested Preparation 1 hour of aerobic-type exercise five times a week for three to six months leading up to your trip. We also recommend regular hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling.

  • Route notes

    While our tours vary in terms of difficulty, route finding is made simple and convenient with our specially prepared package of maps and route notes. On many of the walks it is easy enough to navigate carefully using the route notes provided with a cursory glance at the map. As holidays reach the higher grades, you will need to take more care and we would expect you to have at least some knowledge of using a compass. Maps for our tours also vary considerably, from up-to-date GPS referenced additions, to old map copies which may still be the only ones obtainable for a particular area. The differences in style, grade and destinations of our tours are features that make them of continual interest and delight to our walkers & cyclists. Each set of route notes can contain the following elements relevant to the route: History and information on the region and the route you are walking. Detailed maps including points of interest and accommodation. Detailed step-by-step descriptions (with pictures) of the route and information on detours/optional additions. Transport timetables and information for getting there and away. Safety information and advice. Contact details of accommodation, transport, local representatives and emergency support. Advice for things to do along the way. Suggestions for dining and self catering.

  • How our self-guided holidays work

    Self guided walking and cycling holidays offer freedom, independence and choice, allowing you to tailor your holidays in the UK & Europe to your interest and travel style. Our detailed Route Notes will contain all of the information you need to plan how you would like to approach each day, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. As you are not limited by the constraints of group travel, you are free to shorten or lengthen your walk as the terrain permits and can even take a day off, although you may need to travel onto your next accommodation by taxi or public transport in order to do so.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

K. Varriano(Tennessee, USA)  

Cotswolds by Bike

23 Jun 2022

I would like to review the Biking the Cotswolds trip that we've just completed: Perfect! Everything worked smoothly from the luggage transfers to the accommodations to the beautiful new bikes that we enjoyed riding. The guest houses were fantastic - comfortable and welcoming - and the hosts fed us fresh and made-to-order breakfasts each day. We especially enjoyed the local pubs, craft beer, and local produce in each community. I did enter all of the routes into a GPS system before we began - really helpful as we were able to avoid pulling out maps and directions while riding. The routes were off the beaten path and included the unmarked Welsh Way (beautiful) and a walking path or two. We were fortunate enough to catch a herd of sheep crossing the road near Chedworth.

A. Worsley(NSW, Australia.)  

Cotswolds by Bike

13 Jun 2019

My daughter and I have just completed a self guided bike trip of the Cotswolds in England. What a fantastic experience, challenge and adventure the 8 days provided.The scenery was breathtaking and the townships we rode through were magnificent.All the accommodation was excellent with luggage always greeting us at our destination.The first day of the ride was a tough ride with hills, challenging the map reading skills and understanding the written directions. A couple of times we had to resort to google maps to find where we were. Thoroughly recommend this adventure and thank you to the team for an efficient and comprehensive booking service.

John V.(Memphis, TN, USA)  

Cotswolds by Bike

29 Jun 2022

My wife and I had an absolutely fabulous time biking in the Cotswolds. The bikes were top notch, nicely outfitted with a roomy bag, a spare tube, pump, and lock. They looked brand new. The luggage service was outstanding. Our bags were always waiting for us when we arrived at the next inn. The inns and guesthouses that we stayed at were lovely. And we so enjoyed eating at the local pubs after a day of riding and exploring. Fresh local food and beer! We are amateur riders at best but didn't find the routes that were suggested too taxing. We did have to walk our bikes up a few hills but didn't mind. We spread the riding out over several hours. There always were things to explore on the routes. We rode in the middle of June and had no rain for the entire six days. Just an absolutely fantastic time!

W. Godwin(Berkeley, United States)  

Cotswolds by Bike

2 Oct 2024

The local support were very organized and communicative. The b&bs were all great. Some routes were a little to busy, but may be no way around it. There were some slightly larger villages that might have been better for our 2 nite stays with more to do after our rides.

D. Grogan(Canada)  

Cotswolds by Bike

10 Jun 2024

The Cotswolds by bicycle was a wonderful experience. They had selected charming B&Bs that had good facilities and pleasant owners. The biking routes were well chosen to have little to essentially no traffic, with minimal time on busy roads. The English countryside and its villages is one of the wonders of the world.

D. Devine(Washington, USA)  

Cotswolds by Bike

21 Oct 2019

I have traveled to Europe on 3 different occasions with this company, each one a self-guided tour and have been very satisfied with the communication of the company to its travelers both before and after the trips. I felt the accommodations were excellent providing a nice blend of hotels, bed & breakfasts to experience the local culture, food & communities. I would highly recommend using them as your next international travel partner!

Alison Calwell(Saint Chinian, France)  

Cotswolds by Bike

2 Jul 2024

The scenery and accommodation were great. However, be warned the number and steepness of hills were underestimated.

J. Rich(Sebastopol, United States)  

Cotswolds by Bike

2 Oct 2024

We rented electric bikes for this trip and had problems with the batteries running out. The first day was over 3000 feet of climbing. We found the roads had too much traffic for our liking. The hotels varied from very nice to below average. The countryside was beautiful and the English people very friendly.

Read all 8 reviews

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Walkers' Britain requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of walkers' britain charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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