Cotswold Bike Hike

Arrive Cheltenham. Stay overnight 

A: Linear route (cycling) from Cheltenham to Moreton-in-Marsh (Full route: 30 miles / 48 km | Short Route: 23 miles / 37 km)  

Our team will meet your clients at their hotel at 9.30am (unless otherwise arranged) with the bikes and tour pack, ready to start the day. The day begins with a short transfer from Cheltenham to the start of the route in The Cotswolds to begin the ride to Moreton-in-Marsh. Ride through a selection of local Cotswold villages past picture postcard views to the delightful village of Snowshill, before continuing your journey to Moreton. On the way, take in the delightful Manor House at Snowshill and explore its wonderful collection of historic artefacts. Then say hello to the traditional farm breeds at The Cotswold Wildlife Park or visit the Indian architecture of Sezincote House. 

Stay overnight in Moreton-in-Marsh. Luggage will be transferred. 

B: Circular route (walking) from Moreton-in-Marsh via Batsford (Full route: 6.75 miles / 10 km | No Short Route)  

The village of Blockley is one of the jewels of the Cotswolds that is often overlooked. The little stream that runs through it once supported a dozen mills that were used for all manner of industry from flour milling to silk weaving. The delightful old buildings, ponds and streams now offer wonderful opportunities for creative gardeners. At Batsford there is gardening on a much larger scale with an Arboretum inspired by the mountain sides of Asia Minor and a Falconry Centre running regular demonstrations. The cottages, church and 14th century tithe barn at Bourton on the Hill make a wonderful and very English scene. 

Stay overnight in Moreton-in-Marsh. No luggage transfer required. 

C: Linear route (cycling) from Moreton-in-Marsh to Bourton-on-the-Water (Full route: 25.5 miles / 41 km | Short route: 18 miles / 29 km) 

Cycling past the River Evenlode, day four will take you from Moreton in Marsh to Bourton on the Water via traditional Cotswold villages such as Stow-on-the-Wold and Upper Slaughter. Bourton-on-the-Water offers a unique country experience, with a range of attractions providing something for everyone. 

Stay overnight in Bourton-on-the-Water. Luggage will be transferred. 

D: Circular route (walking) from Bourton-on-the-Water (Full route: 11 miles / 17 km | Short Route: 8 miles / 12 km) 

A walk over rolling hills through mixed farmland takes you up to Cold Ashton. Here you can rest in a traditional English pub before strolling on to Naunton where pretty stone cottages nestle in a valley surrounded by sheep, pleasant countryside and horse racing gallops. Follow the River Windrush down through lush meadows and woods past a lost medieval village back to Bourton. 

Stay overnight in Bourton-on-the-Water. No luggage transfer required. 

E: Linear route (cycling) from Bourton-on-the-Water to Cirencester (Full route: 25 miles / 40 km | No short route) 

This cycle route includes a visit to Northleach, an old market town, and Bibury, the most beautiful village in England according to artist William Morris, before continuing on to the old market town of Cirencester. 

OR 

Please note, on the four, five- or six-night tour, this route is replaced with a direct route to Cheltenham.  

Stay overnight in Cirencester or Cheltenham. Luggage will be transferred. 

F: Circular route (walking) from Cirencester (Full route: 12 miles / 19km | Middle Route 10 / 16km | Short Route: 2.5 miles / 4km)  

Enjoy a walking circuit from Cirencester via the gorgeous village of Coates near to Cirencester Park, part of the Bathurst Estate. Continue past The Tunnel House, opened in 1783 to provide accommodation and refreshments for some of the 2-300 navvies who worked on the Thames and Severn Canal and particularly on the Sapperton Tunnel whose south-eastern portal you will have just crossed. Walk past the source of the River Thames and along the Thames Path to Ewen and on to the Roman Amphitheatre before returning to Cirencester.  

Stay overnight in Cirencester. No luggage transfer required.  

G: Linear route from Cirencester to Cheltenham (Full route: 25 miles / 40 km | No Short Route)  

Cycle from Cirencester to Cheltenham and visit many of the pretty Cotswold Villages. Don’t forget to visit the Roman Villa at Chedworth! This is the most complete villa in Britain with mosaic floors, bath houses and heating system all on display in their original settings. There is also a collection of artefacts in the museum and an interesting visitor centre. 

Stay overnight in Cheltenham. Luggage will be transferred. 

H: A circular walk from Cheltenham via Leckhampton and Seven Springs (Full route: 12 miles / 19 km | Short Route: 8 miles / 13km)  

 Hike out of Cheltenham to the top of Leckhampton Hill, where you will be rewarded by some superb views of the Severn Vale and Cheltenham as well as some interesting historical sites. Continue on through the village of Coberley where you will then find the church of St. Giles. Its unexpected setting and grand monuments tells a long history of the village that now stands. The walk will also take you to Seven Springs, the disputed source of the River Thames.  

Stay overnight in Cheltenham. No luggage transfer required. 

I: Circular route (cycling) from Cheltenham via Stanton (Full route: 32 miles / 51km | Short Route 21 miles / 34km)  

Enjoy cycling from Cheltenham and take in a number of Cotswold villages including Stanton also known as 'the perfect village', Stanway with its romantic manor house, tithe barn and fountain and Winchcombe, with the historic Sudeley Castle where Katherine Parr is buried. Please note, that for tours with two people or less, if the trains are running, this day will start with a heritage steam train ride to Broadway in the morning. On days when the trains aren’t running, or if there are more than two clients, then the route changes slightly to enable full cycling. Trains run throughout the summer, every day except Monday and Friday at the moment. 

Stay overnight in Cheltenham. No luggage transfer required

Key Details:

• The 7 day, 6 night holiday will include A B C D E (to Cheltenham)
• The 8 day, 7 night holiday will include A B C D E (to Cheltenham) with the option of H or I (your choice) 
• The 9 day, 8 night holiday will be routed A B C D E (to Cheltenham) H I 
• The 10 day, 9 night holiday will be routed A B C D E (to Cirencester) F G with the option of H or I (client choice) 
• The 11 day, 10 night holiday will be routed A B C D E F G H I 
• This tour starts and finishes in the town of Cheltenham Spa
• This is a Bike Hike tour and consists of circular walks and place to place rides.

During your Cotswold Bike Hike tour you will enjoy:

• Englands Largest "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty" (ANOB)
• The Cotswolds Way
• Regency Cheltenham
• The Holst Museum
• The Wilson
• Bourton on the Water
• Sezincote House
• Stow on the Wold
• Honey coloured stone buildings
• The stunning Cotswold landscapes

Getting to the Cotswolds

By Rail: Great Western Railway operates regular connections to London with approximately hourly Cheltenham Spa to Swindon services which extend to through to Didcot Parkway, Reading & London Paddington. 

By Car: If clients are coming by car you need to inform us as the B&B accommodation we use have very limited parking and it will require pre-booking.  

Cheltenham can be easily accessed via major UK roads and motorways. Cheltenham's direct approach is via Junction 11 of the M5, follow signs for the town centre. 

For more information on getting to the Cotswolds please visit The Cotswolds website.