4 Pretty Cycling Routes in the Cotswolds

Cycling is a great way to explore the historic villages and rolling landscapes of the Cotswold Hills, Britain’s largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It’s super easy to get about by bike, with many country lanes and quiet B roads criss-crossing the area.

I recently spent 4 days cycling in the Cotswolds. I based myself in the charming market town of Moreton-in-Marsh, one of the most popular locations in the northern Cotswolds. It’s set on the crossroads of the ancient Fosse Way Roman road, making it the perfect base from which to explore the area.

I spent my 4 days cycling through the quaint villages and rolling green fields of what must be one of the most quintessentially English places in England. Although most of my routes included a few tough climbs, I was rewarded with stunning views wherever I went. The climbs provided the perfect excuse to indulge in copious guilt-free tearoom goodies and pub lunches along the way – of which there were many!

1. Broadway and Snowshill

Distance: 52km | Time: 4-5 hours | Map: Click here

On my first day of cycling in the Cotswolds, I headed out to explore to the west of Moreton-in-Marsh. There were some small climbs into Batsford and Draycott, before a ride down scenic Fish Hill and into Broadway. There was a path alongside the road all the way down Fish Hill, so I thankfully didn’t have to join the traffic beside me.

My first stop was Broadway Tower, one of the Cotswolds’ most iconic landmarks. The entrance fee was £12, which I thought was a tad expensive and so chose not to go up to the tower itself, but I did do the short walk around it. The Broadway Tower Walk follows a small stretch of the 100-mile Cotswold Way, showcasing magical views across the Severn Valley.

Back on the bike, there was then a long climb up to Snowshill. It was a challenging ascent, and I’ll admit that my thighs gave out before I reached the top. The climb was worth it, though, as I was treated to epic views from the top. Apparently, you can see all the way across to Wales on a clear day!

After I’d gotten my breath back, I was able to enjoy a freewheeling 7-mile descent along picturesque tree-lined roads into the charming village of Guiting Power. I stopped here for a coffee, before continuing onto Bourton-on-the-Hill and back to Moreton-in-Marsh.

2. Chipping Campden and Stratford-upon-Avon

Distance: 38km | Time: 2-3 hours | Map: Click here

The first destination of the day was the picture-perfect Chipping Campden, renowned to be one of the most beautiful towns in the UK. The honey-hued limestone buildings were delightful to see and I couldn’t resist stopping for a cream tea at the adorable Bantam Tea Rooms.

Today’s mission, though, was to visit Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

Once I arrived in the village of Long Marston, I was able to join a Greenway that continued all the way into Stratford-Upon-Avon. The Greenway is a traffic-free and well-surfaced path excellent for cyclists, so I was able to pick up the pace and arrived at Stratford-upon-Avon in no time.

Once there, I enjoyed a picnic on the banks of the River Avon, before heading off to visit Shakespeare’s childhood home. It was strange to see a modern high street interrupted by such a relic – the old home looked out of place amongst the shops and ice-cream stalls, but it was very interesting to see.

After I’d wandered around Stratford-upon-Avon for a couple of hours, I headed back to Moreton-in-Marsh the same way I came.

3. Bourton-on-the-Water, The Slaughters and Stow-on-the-Wold

Distance: 48km | Time: 3-4 hours | Map: Click here

Set on the tranquil River Windrush, historic Bourton-on-the-Water is often voted as one of the prettiest villages in England. After I spent some time enjoying the scenery here and had eaten lunch by the water, I followed the River Eye north to the twin villages of Lower Slaughter and Upper Slaughter (collectively known as ‘The Slaughters’). The Slaughters were quintessentially English, characterised by rows of pretty cottages lining the river.

From The Slaughters, I continued on to Stow-on-the-Wold, a bustling town with lots of places to eat and drink. The climb into Stow-on-the-Wold was quite tough, so I stopped for a coffee break on the high street at the charming Lucy’s Tearoom.

From Stow-on-the-Wold, I followed the designated cycle route back to Moreton-in-Marsh, via Broadwell and Evenlode. The route took me through a scenic forested area and the Evenlode Valley, where you could see for miles across the rolling countryside.

It was late afternoon by the time I was following Evenlode Road back to Moreton-in-Marsh, and the sun was just beginning to set. There’s something about the way the late afternoon sun hits the Cotswolds’ honey-coloured cottages that just has to be witnessed. It is utterly, utterly wonderful.

4. Shipston-on-Stour and the Brailes

Distance: 43km | Time: 3-4 hours | Map: Click here

I woke up to rain today, so put on my raincoat and set off, hoping the showers would soon pass.

From Moreton-in-Marsh, the route took me north-east via quiet country lanes to Shipston-on-Stour. As I arrived, the rain became very heavy, so I decided to have a second breakfast at a pub called The George Townhouse. I stayed here for a while, before accepting that I would simply be cycling in the rain today.

I cycled east to Upper Brailes, up to Winderton and into Lower Brailes. It was a fairly hilly ride with frequent undulations, but the patchwork fields and small villages were beautiful, even in the rain.

The skies cleared a little during the second half of the day – much to be my delight – and I followed the route along many more scenic lanes and over the River Stour. I rode through lots of villages over the course of the afternoon, including Whichford, Stourton, Cherington, Little Wolford and Great Wolford. Seriously, the Cotswolds knows how to do pretty villages!

Many lanes, many fields, and many, many sheep kept me company on the lanes back towards Moreton-in-Marsh.

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