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| Cruising the Cotswolds

Road Cycling

The Cotswolds


Deposit From: £591£591
Region: Cotswolds
Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
Confirmed: When 3 Travellers Book

Next Departure: 7th - 12th Jul 2024
Accommodation: Deluxe

Grading:

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All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

    From: £2,295 View Prices & Dates

    Trip Overview

    Created by: Chris Page


    The region of the Cotswolds in central southwest England is the country’s largest area of outstanding natural beauty. A landscape of rolling green fields, honey-coloured hamlets and ancient deciduous woodland – it is quintessentially English in both scenery and charm. With an expert guide, explore the Cotswolds by bike, riding from Oxford to Bath.

    Ride along the quiet country lanes and leafy bridleways that link idyllic stone villages, pedalling between castles and cathedrals, grand manor houses and traditional coaching inns. As yellow wagtails hop around the hooves of horses and the high, wavering call of lapwings break upon the evening air, enjoy delicious local food and warm hospitality in one of the most treasured destinations in the UK.

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    Day by Day
    Itinerary

    Day 1 – Oxford to Moreton-in-Marsh Read More

    Day 1

    Oxford to Moreton-in-Marsh

    Arrive in Oxford this morning and meet your Wilderness guide. After a short scenic transfer, enjoy a lovely picnic lunch as you chat about the week ahead. This afternoon, ride from Combe to Moreton-in-Marsh, a pretty market town in the north of the Cotswolds. On your way, visit an ancient stone circle which dates back over 4,000 years, learning about the history and folklore of the King’s Men and the Whispering Knights. Later, roll into your accommodation, a former 16th century coaching inn, with time to relax and enjoy a drink before dinner.

    Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
    Ride Details: 58 km / 36 miles | 630 m / 2,067 ft

    Day 2 – Shakespeare Country Read More

    Day 2

    Shakespeare Country

    After breakfast, head out on a beautiful circular ride. Listen out for the bright, trilling call of skylarks as you pedal past rolling green fields and in and out of pretty villages. Stop for a coffee and cake before arriving in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace and burial ground of William Shakespeare. Enjoy some free time wandering around the bustling market town visiting the playwright’s childhood home and popping into some of the boutique and artisan shops that jostle for space on the historic central streets. Return to your lovely hotel later this afternoon and relax after a well-spent day in the saddle.

    Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
    Ride Details: 74 km / 46 miles | 620 m / 2,034 ft

    Day 3 – Cycling to Cirencester Read More

    Day 3

    Cycling to Cirencester

    Pedal out from your hotel this morning to enjoy a day spent exploring with your knowledgeable guide. Bike along peaceful lanes and visit villages distinct in their golden hues of Cotswold stone. Visit Bourton-on-the-Water (often ranked as one of the prettiest villages in the UK), which bestrides the River Windrush. Its many low-arched bridges have given it the affectionate nickname the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds.’ Enjoy a well-earned lunch in a charming traditional pub, afterwards riding to the vibrant town of Cirencester. Relax within the grounds of St. Mary’s Abbey before settling into your boutique hotel in the heart of this quintessential Cotswold town.

    Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
    Ride Details: 74 km / 46 miles | 610 m / 2,001 ft

    Day 4 – Exploring Coln Valley Read More

    Day 4

    Exploring Coln Valley

    As the soft dawn mist fades from the fields, clip in and head out into the silky morning light. Pedal through old woodland full of twisted ash and ancient oak. Listen to the steady melody of whirring wheels as you weave along lanes flanked by meadows sprinkled with wildflowers. Break for a late morning coffee at a cafe, shop and showroom built on a historical RAF Command Base and dedicated to a brilliant collection of classic cars. Ride through the lush greenery of Coln Valley, stopping for lunch before looping back around to arrive with a crunch of gravel at your hotel for dinner.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    Ride Details: 62 km / 39 miles | 875 m / 2,871 ft

    Day 5 – Pedalling to Bath Read More

    Day 5

    Pedalling to Bath

    There are two options for your ride today, with a longer and shorter route, depending on how your legs feel. With the aim to arrive in Bath later this afternoon, wind your way towards Tetbury, enjoying the far-reaching views and beautiful craftsmanship of the rolling stone walls characteristic of the Cotswolds. Stop for a picnic lunch, tucking into a spread of fresh seasonal produce, including a variety of local cheese and chutneys. Arrive together in the architecturally stunning city of Bath. Enjoy dinner this evening, celebrating the end of your adventure with good food, good drink and good company.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    Ride Details: 83 km / 52 miles | 591 m / 1,939 ft
    Shorter Alternative: 57 km / 35 miles | 384 m / 1,260 ft

    Day 6 – Homeward Bound Read More

    Day 6

    Homeward Bound

    After breakfast, transfer to the train station to begin your journey home.

    Meals Included: Breakfast

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    Road Cycling
    The Cotswolds

    To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:

    Fields marked with * are mandatory

    The phone number field is not required but if you would like us to give you a call to help find the trip for you, then enter your telephone number including the country code.

    Trip Dates & Prices

    All payments taken in local currency GBP

    Trip Dates for 2024AvailabilityStatusPriceBook
    7th Jul - 12th Jul 202412 place(s) leftAvailable £2,295Book Now
    8th Sep - 13th Sep 202412 place(s) leftAvailable £2,295Book Now

    Make This Trip Private

    Fancy this trip just for your group? Get together with family and friends spend quality time exploring wild places. A private trip allows you to benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides but with the advantage of the flexibility to tailor the days to your group. Make the trip more or less challenging depending on your experience or choose to add in some optional extras like castle or distillery visits depending on your interests. The price of a private trip will depend on the number of travellers in your group. Let us know your preferred departure date and we'll take care of the rest.

    Enquire Now
    X
    Road Cycling
    The Cotswolds

    For private departure enquiries, please complete the form below:

    Trip Details

    Accommodation Read More

    This trip features some of the best small boutique hotels and food in the Cotswolds, all hand-picked by us. Accommodation is in a choice of double or twin rooms with ensuite facilities.

    Single Rooms

    There is no supplement charged to solo travellers, however, you will be required to share a room with another person of the same sex. If you request a double room for single occupancy, a supplement of £485 is charged.

    Due to the nature of the accommodations we use, single supplements are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis.

    Meals Read More

    Breakfast is provided each morning at your accommodation. Lunch each day will be either a wilderness picnic or a collected deli lunch. Drinks and snacks are provided throughout the day as you require. Most evening meals are included on this itinerary, and we have the flexibility to take evening meals in local restaurants or pubs. Based on our knowledge and experience, we will visit the best places to eat along the route.

    On this trip, we generally eat dinner as a group however, if you would like to make alternative arrangements, you are free to do so. Your guide will have an evening off during this trip where they do not eat with the group, this will likely be on day three. They will recommend options for dinner that evening and will help you make any necessary reservations. Included dinners are two courses as standard.

    Inclusions Read More
    • 6 nights accommodation in boutique hotels
    • All meals during the trip, from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 6
      (Meals included indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
    • The services of an experienced and knowledgeable guides/driver throughout
    • All transport throughout the trip starting in Oxford and finishing in Bath
    • Entrance to sites as stated in the itinerary
    Grading Read More

    Blue Graded 4-6

    Blue graded trips are suitable for people with a good level of bike fitness, who regularly enjoy cycling and may have joined a multi-day cycle holiday before.

    Distances each day will be between 35 – 45 miles, cycling at around 12/13mph. Each day will be rolling and hilly terrain and there will be notable climbs most days. Some of these will be more testing and some riders may opt to push or ride in the support vehicle. Some climbs are also followed by exciting descents. We will be in the saddle for 5 – 7 hours each day plus the odd longer day. There is also time each day for breaks and lunches, plus some visits to sites of interest.

    Travel - Arrival and Departure Read More

    You will be met by your Wilderness England Guide at Oxford Station at 11:00 on Day 1 of your trip. The trip will conclude at Bath Spa train station at 10:00 on the final day of the trip.

    For advice on getting to and from England, please our travel advice page.

    Bike Hire / Bring Your Own Bike Read More
    Bike Hire

    We have an excellent fleet of bikes available to hire – including road bikes and E-bikes.
    Find Out More

    Bring Your Own Bike

    You are also more than welcome to bring your own bike. You are also more than welcome to bring your own bike. If you’re bringing your E-bike along for the trip, please ensure it has a removable battery. Due to limitations around charging, E-bikes with non-removable batteries cannot be accommodated.

    If you choose to do so, please ensure it’s in excellent working condition and has been recently serviced – either by you or by a reputable bike shop.

    In addition, please bring the following:

    • Multi-tool, including a chain tool
    • Mini pump and/or CO2 canisters
    • Two spare tubes and a puncture repair kit

    Because we will need to load your bike onto one of our trailers, please ensure that:

    • Your rear wheel is clear of any obstructions; including lights, mudguard or panniers
    • Your tyres are no wider than 45mm

    Due to the nature of our trips, we are unfortunately unable to carry bike boxes or bags with us, so please make prior arrangements if necessary.

    If you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our friendly and knowledgable sales team are always delighted to answer any queries you may have.

    Speak to an Expert

    Jane Gillies

    Our friendly office team hail from across the world but share a passion for the outdoor and wild spaces of the UK and Ireland. We are committed to providing you with the best customer service and are more than happy to chat through options and provide help and advice. Get in touch to find your perfect adventure.

    Ask Jane a Question

    Difficulty Grades Explained

    Blue Graded 4-6

    Blue graded trips are suitable for people with a good level of bike fitness, who regularly enjoy cycling and may have joined a multi-day cycle holiday before.

    Distances each day will be between 35 – 45 miles, cycling at around 12/13mph. Each day will be rolling and hilly terrain and there will be notable climbs most days. Some of these will be more testing and some riders may opt to push or ride in the support vehicle. Some climbs are also followed by exciting descents. We will be in the saddle for 5 – 7 hours each day plus the odd longer day. There is also time each day for breaks and lunches, plus some visits to sites of interest.

    Find Out More

    Our holidays reviewed
    in your own words

    This trip was amazing, we got to see so much of the 5 countries in so little time. The sites and locations that were mapped out were perfect. A rest day in Dublin is the perfect city to explore and find good food. The guides were knowledgeable and thoughtful, and made the trip very easy, all we had to do was bike and show up to dinner! Absolutely awesome experience.

    Daniel Patton
    Road Cycling - The Five Countries Tour
    Reviewed on 29/08/2022

    Rated 4.95 out of 5 based on 1,084 reviews

    Read More Reviews
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