The best cycling routes in the Cotswolds
Best Cycling Routes in the Cotswolds
Cotswolds holidays were made for countryside adventures and cream teas in honey-hued villages – and there’s no better way to see the region than by bike. Cycling is a brilliant way to explore at your own pace, while boosting your wellbeing. Studies show that time on two wheels not only benefits your heart, but can also strengthen your immune system, improve your mood and even help you sleep better.
Covering an area of around 800 square miles, all of it designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, The Cotswolds has a cycling route for every ability and age. From steady spins to more strenuous challenges, here are some of the best routes to incorporate into your next stay.
And now, with our brand-new fleet of bikes at Lower Mill Estate, exploring has never been easier. Whether you’re after a leisurely family ride or a challenging road loop, you can hire one of our high-quality bikes and set off right from your front door – no need to bring your own kit.
The family-friendly one
Lower Mill Estate is home to miles of unspoiled nature reserves, carefully designed to reconnect families with nature. Our clearly marked cycling trails make it easy to take in the scenery and even spot resident wildlife such as the Eurasian beaver.
The Yellow Trail, the longest at 5 kilometres, covers all four corners of the Estate. Along the way, kids will love the pond-dipping area to hunt for mini beasts and the Miss Mouse Bike Trail, designed for little ones taking their first steps into off-road cycling.
The casual one
Life in The Cotswolds moves at a gentle pace and a casual bike ride is the perfect way to embrace it. One of a number of options is the route through the charming village of Bourton-on-the-Water, on through Upper and Lower Slaughter and beyond.
If you have time, weave in a visit to Daylesford Organic Farm – one of the UK’s finest farm shops and home to a Michelin Green Star restaurant!
Prefer to stay closer to the Estate? Try the Lake Tour Loop – a scenic 17-mile ride around the Cotswold Water Park. Expect coffee stops, shimmering lake views and quiet byways. The route includes some B-roads, but our hire bikes are more than capable of handling its mix of lanes and gravel.
The challenging ones
For seasoned cyclists, The Cotswolds offers miles of quiet country lanes, rolling hills and wide open skies. From Lower Mill Estate, you can head towards Bath for a mix of flat stretches and hillier climbs.
For a great time trial, try the 10-mile figure-of-eight loop through nearby villages. Or set off from the historic market town of Cirencester (just a few miles from the Estate) for a 31-mile ride to Stroud, passing highlights such as Westonbirt Arboretum and Chavenage House. Time your trip for a Saturday and finish with lunch at the Stroud Farmers’ Market.
The expert ones
If you’re chasing a bigger challenge, our 74-mile route will test your stamina while rewarding you with some of the most scenic roads in The Cotswolds. You’ll pass through picturesque towns and villages, with plenty of opportunities for a well-earned cake stop.
And for the ultimate endurance test, the Kemble Round is a self-guided gravel route stretching 100 miles with over 10,000ft of climbing. It’s a tough but unforgettable way to see the countryside – and the Leisure & Wellness Club back at Lower Mill Estate will feel even more heavenly afterwards.
Ready to ride?
With our brand-new bike fleet now available to hire, plus trails for all ages and abilities right from your doorstep, your next Cotswolds adventure is waiting.
