GPS Cycle and Walking Routes

Cotswolds Cycle Routes

Use the links to view full route information including elevation profiles, interactive maps and GPS downloads.
You can also view an overview map of all the routes in the using the Cotswolds Cycle Map>>

Route NamePhotoDistanceDescription
Bath to Midsomer Norton17 miles (27 km)This ride follows National Cycle routes 4, 24 and 48 through some lovely Somerset scenery. View Full Details>>
Broadway Tower Country Park5 miles (7.5 km)Enjoy fabulous views of the Cotswolds AONB in this beautiful park in Broadway, Worcestershire. This 5 mile circular walk takes you up to the focal point of the park at the 65ft high Broadway Tower. The tower was the brainchild of Capability Brown and designed by James Wyatt in 1794 in the form of a Saxon castle. It is the second highest point in the Cotswolds so there are wonderful views as far as the Welsh Mountains in one direction and Buckinghamshire in the other. From the top of the tower, on a clear day, as many as 16 English counties can be identified. The park is also home to a herd of Red Deer and includes several peaceful woodland trails.
The circular trail starts from the Fish Hill car park, just to the north east of the tower, at a postcode of WR12 7LD for your sat navs. From here you can pick up the Cotswolds Way National Trail to take you south up to the tower before exploring the woodland and country trail around the wider park.
The Cotswold Way provides and opportunity for continuing your walking in the area. The nearby Chipping Campden is a good option or you could visit the delightful Snowshill village and manor house. Our 10 mile Cotswold Way Circular Walk from Chipping Campden uses a lovely section of the national trail to visit the tower and nearby Dover's Hill. View Full Details>>
Cirencester to Moreton-in-Marsh30 miles (48 km)This ride takes you along National Cycle Route 48 through the beautiful Costwolds district. You start near the tourist information centre in Cirencester and head along minor roads to the lovely Bourton-on-the-Water - Venice of the Cotswolds and the perfect place to stop for some refreshments. From here you continue to Stow-on-the Wold, another lovely village in the region before the final stretch takes you into Moreton-in-Marsh, finishing at the train station. View Full Details>>
Cirencester to Stroud22 miles (35 km)Follow National Cycle routes National Cycle Route 48 and 45 through the beautiful Cotswolds region on this attractive route which takes you close to the source of the River Thames. The route starts near the abbey grounds in Cirencester and follows National Cycle Route 48 to Kemble where you will join National Cycle Route 45. The route continues on the Thames path and minor roads through the Cotswolds to Nailsworth where an off road path takes you into Stroud finishing near the River Frome. View Full Details>>
Claude Duval Bridleroute63 miles (102 km)This shared walking and cycle path runs from Quainton, near Aylesbury in Oxfordshire to Great Barrington in the Cotswolds.
This route is named after the well-known local highwayman, Claude Duval. It starts at Quainton and passes Stratton Audley, Bicester and Bucknell before crossing the Oxford Canal near Woodstock. The route then heads towards Chipping Norton and then Spelsbury where you join the River Evenlode for a short waterside stretch to Ascott d'Oyley. You then head onto Great Barrington via Fifield. View Full Details>>
Cotswold Line68 miles (109 km)This cycle route runs from Worcester to Long Hanborough, just outside Oxford. View Full Details>>
Gloucester and Sharpness Canal16 miles (26 km)Enjoy cycling and walking along the towpath of this lovely canal in Gloucestershire. The whole of the route is suitable for walkers while cyclists can enjoy several sections as well. National Cycle Route 41 of the National Cycle Network runs along the canal from Gloucester Docks to the outskirts of the city. There's also another section from Frampton on Severn to Shepherd's Patch.
The canal runs from Gloucester Docks to Sharpness with wonderful views of the Severn Estuary, the Forest of Dean and the Cotswolds. Route highlights include Gloucester Docks with its variety of shops, leisure facilities, marina and fascinating Gloucester Waterways Museum. You will also pass the wonderful Slimbridge Wetland Centre where you can see thousands of migrant birds. The route finishes at the dock of Sharpness Port which was opened in 1874.
The canal links nicely with the River Severn in several places so you have the option of picking up the Severn Way and continuing your walk. View Full Details>>
Haresfield Beacon5 miles (7.5 km)Enjoy woodland trails and wonderful views over the Severn Vale and the Cotswolds on this circular walk near Stroud. There are miles of walking and cycling trails on which to explore the large estate. On the way you will pass wildflower meadows, an Iron Age hill fort and the Bronze Age Long Barrow of Haresfield Beacon.
This walk starts at the car park and follows the Cotswold Way National Trail through Standish Wood. You pass the Long Barrow and Standish Quarry before heading through the countryside to Oxlynch. The path then passes Vinegar Hill and Ring Hill before reaching the topograph where you can enjoy splendid views. From the topograph it is a short walk back to the car park and the finish point.
The area is superb for interesting flora and fauna. Look out for bluebells in Standish woods and orchids and butterflies in the limestone grasslands. You may also see buzzards and kestrels from the viewpoints.
The whole of this route is for walkers but much of it is suitable for mountain bikers too.
If you would like to continue your walking in this beautiful area then you could head south of Stroud and visit Rodborough Common and Woodchester Park for more great walking trails. You could also pick the Cotswold Canals Walk and enjoy waterside walking along the Stroudwater canal through Stroud. View Full Details>>
National Cycle Route 4876 miles (123 km)This signed Sustrans cycle route runs from Tetbury to Moreton-in-Marsh and Southam. View Full Details>>
Oxford to Milton Keynes42 miles (67 km)Starting in the historic University town of Oxford follow National Cycle Route 51 from Oxford to Milton Keynes via Bicester.
This ride takes you through the lovely scenery of the Cotswolds along quiet country roads and some traffic free paths.
The run into Milton Keynes is particularly attractive, passing Furzton Lake and Teardrop lakes on a leisurely off road stretch before finishing near the train station. View Full Details>>
Pittville Park1 miles (2 km)Enjoy a short waterside walk or cycle around this pretty park in Cheltenham. In the park you will find aviaries , small areas of woodland and three lakes with waterside paths. You will also pass the impressive Grade I listed Pittville Pump Room. Built in 1825 it is the last and largest of the spa buildings to be built in Cheltenham. There are also play areas for children, a boat house and cafe. Cyclists can cycle around the two western lakes so it's a nice option for anyone looking for a safe family ride in the town. View Full Details>>
Stroud Valleys Trail6 miles (9 km)This route runs from Stonehouse to Nailsworth following a disused railway line. The route is traffic free with splendid views of the Cotswolds and makes for a pleasant afternoon's cycling or walking particularly for families.
Click here for more information on this route.
You can further explore the area by following our walk to King's Stanley on the Stroud Canal. View Full Details>>
Swindon to Cirencester19 miles (30 km)This route follows National Cycle Route 45 from Wiltshire to Gloucestershire taking you through a lovely part of the Cotswolds. The route starts in Swindon Old Town and follows an off road cycle path into the countryside. A dismantled railway line takes you to Cricklade before more off road paths take you through Cotswold Water Park - the UK's largest water park with 133 numbered lakes.
An on road section then takes you into the finish point in Cirencester near the abbey grounds. View Full Details>>

Your Submitted Routes

Route NameDistanceDifficulty
Cotswold Way for Road Bikes85 miles (136 km)***