One of the Cotswolds greatest secrets is how good the area is for mountain biking.
The network of good tracks designated as byways and bridleways makes mountain
biking one of the best ways to discover the area.
You will need a bike that is sturdy enough to handle off road conditions, a road bike would be unlikely to survive. Please wear a helmet and you may want to consider sunglasses to protect your eyes from insects in the summer. Be aware of changing conditions. Off road riding is much easier in frozen or dry conditions than when there is wet mud, but not necessarily more fun!
Riding a bicycle is permitted on public roads (not motorways!), byways, restricted byways and bridleways but not footpaths. Rights of access aside, off road cyclists are a relatively recent arrival in the countryside, please be considerate of other users. As the access rights are the same these rides also lend themselves to giving horse riders some great rides.
The Cotswolds Conservation Board has come up with 6 routes that can definitely be recommended (click on route number to get map and information) :-
Route 1 - encompassing Chedworth, Withington, Compton Abdale, and Yanworth
Route 2 - including Ascott, Whichford, Cherington, Upper Brailes, Lower Brailes and Winderton
Route 3 - encompassing Aldsworth, Bibury and Ablington
Route 4 - including Northleach, Turkdean, Cold Aston, Notgrove, Hazleton, Compton Abdale and Yanworth
Route 5 - Includes Snowshill, Buckland, Laverton, Stanton and Stanway
Route 6 - encompasses Didmarton, Tresham, Hawkesbury Upton and Little Badminton
Cycling Holidays
the swan inn swinbrook
Bicycle Holidays in the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is a wonderful places to explore on a bike, cycling along the many quiet, beautiful country lanes and bridle paths with the lovely countryside, striking local scenery and ancient pretty villages.
We are therefore thrilled to offer a special bicycle hire service for guests during your stay at The Swan Inn, Swinbrook. Whether cycling with partners, friends, family or colleagues every discipline of cycling is catered for with quality mountain, hybrid and child hire bikes including Trek, Giant, Ridgeback branded bikes.
Cycles can be supplied for individuals or for parties of all sizes, whether it be a single day or a weeks hire and with just 12 hours notice, cycles can be delivered to The Swan Inn and collected at a time convienient to you at no extra charge. Each hire day is a 24 hour period, giving you miles more time to enjoy cycling.
Contact us for details of exclusive offers or if you require help planning a bespoke event for families, friends or corporate groups including individual or party accommodation and dining packages.
Address
Tel
E-mail
Website
The Swan Inn,
Swinbrook, Near Burford, Oxon, OX18 4DY
The Carter Company - Gentle Cycling and Walking Holidays
The Red House, College Road, Aston Clinto, Buckinghamshire HP22 5EZ.
Tel: +44 (0)1296 631671.
Self-guided and guided cycling and walking holidays in the Cotswolds starting from Oxford, Chipping Campden and Stratford. Unique routes and boutique accommodation; tailor-made options available.
Compass Holidays
Cheltenham Spa Railway Station, Queens Road, Cheltenham GL51 8NP.
Tel: +44 (0)1242 250642.
Compass Holidays specialise in walking and cycling short breaks and holidays around the UK including a range of itineraries in the Cotswolds.
Pedal England
Pedal House,
33 Acre End Street,
Eynsham,
Oxford,
OX29 4PF.
Tel: +44 (0)1865 880726.
Pedal England provides Bike tours of two to ten days starting from London or Oxford which include the Cotswolds and surrounding area of Bath, Oxford, Churchill’s Blenheim Palace and Shakespeare’s Stratford.
2 Wheel Treks
Ridge House, 44 Summerlands, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 7BP Tel: +44(0)1483 271212
Offering a variety of cycle holiday packages in the Cotswolds.
History on your Handlebars, Tel: +44 (0) 1249 30013
From the medieval village of Lacock in Wiltshire, cycle tours are organised to the Cotswolds, Bath and the Kennet and Avon Canal.
