What better way to discover the Cotswolds than on a cycling trip?
My partner and I have been exploring the Cotswolds during a 3 days cycling trip over the bank holiday weekend in August. Before going I spent a bit of time searching online cycling roads, the best places to visits, if the roads are safe to cycle and what would be a good itinerary for 3 days cycling. You may find this useful if you're looking for a little adventure away from busy London surrounded by nice countryside, sheep, small villages with beautiful white stone houses and willing to pedal up and down.
Day 1
Oxford to Burton on the water - 28.5 miles = 45 km
Saturday morning we took the train from London Paddington to Oxford arriving around 9am. From Oxford we cycled to Burton on the water where we had lunch from the bakery along the little river.
Burton on the Water
Burton on the Water to Evenlode stopping at Stow on the Wold - 7.5 miles = 11.2 km
From there we went to Evenlode little village much quieter where our accommodation was. We had a really good dinner at the pub The Fox at Oddington 15 minutes cycling from Evenlode.
Evenlode
Day 2
Evenlode to Chipping Camden stopping at Moreton in Marsh - 9.4 miles = 15 km
From day 2 we were in the heart of the Cotswolds and the road was very nice and quiet.
Cheapest sandwiches in Shipping Camden
Chipping Camden to Cirencester - 29.9 miles = 48 km
My favourite part of the trip because it was the wilder part with less towns, less cars, less people and more sheep!
Day 3
Cirencester to Oxford - 34.8 miles = 55 km
Not as nice as the rest of the trip but knowing the nice lunch waiting for us at the end motivated us. We went straight to the Vaults and Garden sourcing local, organic and ethically produced goods and ingredients surrounded by Oxford college.
Cirencester
Vaults and Garden in Oxford
TOTAL 108 miles = 174 km
Tips
We have followed google map cycling direction all the way and the road were nice and safe except between Cirencester and Oxford we had a dangerous part on the road A420. If we were to do it again we would took smaller roads even if longer because it is much nicer and safer.
Be well equipped, wind and rain jacket, bike lights, inner tube, repair kit, cycling trouser.
Are you fit enough? We are doing regular exercises but never done more than a few hours day trip on a bike. We were pausing frequently and taking our time.
We booked accommodation too late, Cotswolds are popular in summer so book as early as possible. Same for the restaurants at dinner better to book before your trip.
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