Description
Book SynopsisPacked with routes right across the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this guidebook is all you need to explore the lanes and tracks of this much-loved area on two wheels - off-road on your mountain bike or on-road on your road bike or a bit of both on hybrid/sturdy bike (most routes have an on-road alternative). 21 day routes ranging from 9 to 41 miles are included, illustrated with clear custom-drawn maps and profiles, as well as a 4-day 200km tour which takes in all the Cotswolds' best highlights. Routes are arranged by difficulty, ranging from easy, moderate to challenging, and full information is provided for the novice cyclist on first aid, bike maintenance, gear to take or hire and much more. There are also comprehensive lists of local gear and cycle shops passed along the routes, and information about where to stop for vital refreshment, too. With a good network of quiet lanes and canal paths and dramatic views from the top of the famous limestone escarpment, the Edge, the pretty Cotswold villages are the perfect base for a cycling holiday.
Table of ContentsMap key Overview map Introduction Geology Wildlife, plants and flowers History Art, culture and local festivities Food and drink Getting around When to go Accommodation What to wear What to take Maps Waymarking and access Cycling efficiently How hard are the routes? Using this guide Route 1 Shipston-on-Stour Loop via Brailes Hill Route 2 Shipston-on-Stour Loop via Halford Route 3 Shipton-under-Wychwood Loop via Wychwood Route 4 Bourton-on-the-Water Loop via the Slaughters Route 5 Alderton via Broadway Route 6 Bradford-on-Avon via Bath Two Tunnels Route 7 Bourton-on-the-Water Loop via Great Barrington Route 8 Kemble via Cotswold Water Park Route 9 Kingham Loop via Bruern Abbey Route 10 Batheaston Sting Route 11 Stratford Greenway Loop via Mickleton Route 12 Cirencester Loop via Ampney Crucis Route 13 Filkins Loop via Bibury Route 14 Fairford Loop via Bibury Route 15 Frampton Cotterell Loop via Wickwar Route 16 Stonehouse Loop via Slimbridge Route 17 Stow Loop via Blockley Route 18 Burford Loop via Northleach Route 19 Stroud Loop via Chavenage House Route 20 Cheltenham Loop via Cleeve Hill Route 21 Malmesbury Loop via Tetbury Route 22 Around the Cotswolds Day 1 Stroud to Winchcombe Day 2 Winchcombe to Stow-on-the-Wold Day 3 Stow-on-the-Wold to Cirencester Day 4 Cirencester to Stroud Appendix A Route summary table Appendix B Cycle hire and cycle shops Appendix C Cycles and trains 195 Appendix D First aid for bike and rider 197 Appendix E Other useful information 201
