Cycle Routes in the Cotswolds

Here are a selection of cycle routes in and around Northleach in the Cotswolds. They have been carefully created by Far Peak Cycle Hire & Activity Centre for all ages and abilities to enjoy.

With so much to explore, you can get anywhere in the Cotswolds without ever riding on a major road. Miles and miles of traffic free cycling and good off road tracks year round in a beautiful setting. Check out some suggestions below. All routes can be downloaded to your mobile phone too!

Bibury Offroad Circuit

Explore this offroad circuit taking in the Cotswold villages of Bibury, Hatherop and Quenington - look out for The Keepers Arms for suitable refreshments!

• Distance: 26 miles
• Duration: 3-4 hrs
• Difficulty: Moderate - 5/10

More details of the Bibury Offroad Loop courtesy of Far Peak Cycle Hire

The Coln Valley Loop

A lovely little route exploring the beautiful Coln Valley to the Scenic Village of Bibury, where you can stop off at the pub, dip your feet in the stream of catch your lunch at the Trout Farm!  Then the route heads up hill on a dirt track before finding another quiet country lane to Eastington.  A short detour takes you to the Nation Trust site - Lodge Park.  Then cross country back to Far Peak.

An ideal half day ride!

• Distance: 14 miles
• Duration: 2-3 hrs
• Difficulty: Easy - 2/10

More details of the Coln Valley Loop courtesy of Far Peak Cycle Hire

The Coln & Leach Valley Loop

A quiet, beautiful route, sampling many of villages the Cotswolds are famous for.  Places to enjoy are Barnsley, Quenington, Eastleach, Southrop and Bibury.

A full days ride, but well worth it!

• Distance: 32 miles
• Duration: 4-5 hrs
• Difficulty: Moderate - 4/10

More details of the Coln & Leach Valley Loop courtesy of Far Peak Cycle Hire

Far Peak to Bourton-on-the-Water

With plenty to see and do in Bourton-on-the-Water, it is well worth the ride and definitely better than gunning up the Fosseway! A picturesque ride with some super downhills (and uphills) but not too long.

Bourton-on-the-Water is a very popular tourist destination with many places to eat and drink, as well as a range of gift shops. It's very picturesque with the shallow river Windrush running through the village - why not pop in to Birdland Park & Gardens or the Cotswold Motoring Museum to make your day out in the Cotswolds even more enjoyable.

• Distance: 8.5 miles
• Duration: 1-2 hrs
• Difficulty: Fairly easy - 4/10

More details of the Far Peak to Bourton-on-the-Water route courtesy of Far Peak Cycle Hire

The Guiting Power Loop

A bit of a long cycle ride with a few difficult hills so children may find this a little too much.

Taking in the picturesque Cotswold villages of Turkdean, Notgrove, Naunton, Hazelton and Guiting Power, you will find some of the finest Cotswold scenery to enjoy. There are a few Cotswold pubs on route including the Black Horse and Hollow Botton - both serving Donnington Ales.

• Distance: 26 miles
• Duration: 4-5 hrs
• Difficulty: Moderate - 7/10

More details of the Guiting Power Loop courtesy of Far Peak Cycle Hire

Northleach Offroad Circuit

A bit of a hilly cycle route, but such a great opportunity to explore this beautiful part of the Cotswolds. Again, there are some great watering holes to frequent along the way, including the Puesdown Inn near Hazelton and The Plough at Cold Aston.

• Distance: 17 miles
• Duration: 2/3 hrs
• Difficulty: Moderate to fairly difficult - 6/10

More details of the Northleach Offroad Circuit courtesy of Far Peak Cycle Hire

Roman Villa Loop

A lovely hilly but rewarding route around Chedworth Woods and visiting the Roman Villa on the way. Take extra care crossing the A429 Fosseway but the rewards are some fantastic pubs, stunning views and some super wildlife to spot on route. 

• Distance: 14-15 miles
• Duration: 3/4 hrs
• Difficulty: Moderate to fairly difficult - 6/10

More details of the Roman Villa Loop courtesy of Far Peak Cycle Hire

Windrush Valley Pub Run

Explore the wonderful Cotswold landscape with a full day cycle ride taking in the Cotswold village of Great Rissington, market town of Burford, located on the eastern fringes of the Cotswolds, before heading back to Northleach and the Far Peak Activity Centre.

As the name of this cycle route suggests, you may find a pub or two along the way for a well earned rest and some refreshments...!

• Distance: 32 miles
• Duration: 5/6 hrs
• Difficulty: Moderate - 5/10

More details of the Windrush Valley Pub Run courtesy of Far Peak Cycle Hire