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Region: The Cotswolds
Trip Type: Road Cycling
Accommodation: Deluxe
Max Group Size: 12
Confirmed: When 3 Traveller(s) Book
Deposit From: £498.75 £498.75

Grading:

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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.

Need a bike? See our bike hire page for details.

Trip Highlights

Without worrying about directions, ride along rural byways and bridleways through the pastoral beauty of the English countryside.
Immerse yourself in the culture and history of the region, visiting beautiful stone villages full of classic Cotswold architecture.
Stay in traditional coaching inns and cosy characterful pubs full of English charm.

Day by Day Itinerary

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. (L, D)

Ride details: 57.5 km/36 miles | 630 m/2,066 ft elevation gain

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. (B, L)

Ride details: 74 km/46 miles | 620 m/2,035 ft elevation gain

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. (B, L)

Ride details: 74 km/46 miles | 610 m/ 2000 ft elevation gain

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. (B, L, D)

Ride details: 62 km/39 miles | 875 m/ 2880 ft elevation gain

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. (B, L, D)

Ride details: 83 km/52 miles | 591 m/ 1942 ft elevation gain (long route) | 57 km/36 miles | 384 m/ 1260 ft elevation gain (short route)

Day 6 - Homeward Bound

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

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Road Cycling

The Cotswolds

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Trip Dates & Prices

Trip Dates for 2024	Availability	Status	Price	Book
21st Apr - 26th Apr 2024	12 place(s) left	UNCONFIRMED	£1,995	Book Now
7th Jul - 12th Jul 2024	12 place(s) left	UNCONFIRMED	£1,995	Book Now
8th Sep - 13th Sep 2024	12 place(s) left	UNCONFIRMED	£1,995	Book Now

Trip Details

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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

Trip 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 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 / Bringing Your Own Bike Read More

Bike Hire

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

Bring Your Own Bike

You are also more than welcome to bring your own bike.

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.

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 prefered departure date and we'll take care of the rest.

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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.

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Meet Your Guide

Joanna Lockwood
8th Sep - 13th Sep 2024

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Difficulty Grades Explained

Blue Graded Road Cycling Holidays 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.

Compare road cycling grades

Wilderness Scotland

The Cotswolds

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