Cycle the Cotswolds
Cycle the Cotswolds
Cycle the Cotswolds
4 Days Starting and ending in Moreton-in-Marsh GL56, UK
Visiting: Cotswolds, Moreton-in-Marsh
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BMLT
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Physical rating:
Medium
Age range:
15-99 years
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Immerse yourself in the scenery that earns the Cotswold the classification of an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ from the saddle of a bicycle. This four-day Intrepid Cycling experience offers a comfortable, yet active way to discover a much-loved part of Britain that has inspired travellers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Base yourself in the charming market town of Moreton-in-Marsh and cycle your way past picture-perfect stone villages and rolling green fields, up challenging hills and thrilling descents. You’ll also pass ancient buildings and iconic battlefields yet have the comfort and security of returning to the same accommodation each evening.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Cotswolds - Moreton-In-Marsh
Location: Cotswolds, Moreton-in-Marsh
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals Included: No Meals
Welcome to the Cotswolds and the charming market town of Moreton-in-Marsh. Today is arrival day and there are no activities planned until a welcome meeting at 6pm. Unpack your bags and make yourself comfortable, safe in the knowledge that you will spend the next three nights in the same accommodation, with no need to repack until you leave. As one of the principal market towns in the northern Cotswolds and set on the crossroads of the ancient Fosse Way Roman road, historic Moreton-in-Marsh is the perfect base for this adventure but for a more gentle introduction you may like to simply wander the many shops, restaurants and tea rooms that dot the town. Be sure to pay a visit to the 16th century Curfew Tower or perhaps the nearby Batsford Arboretum and Chastleton House, one of the finest Jacobean houses in England. After the group meeting there’s the option of heading out for a meal to get to know your fellow travellers and leader.
Accommodation
Guesthouse (1 night)
Optional Activities
Batsford Arboretum - GBP9
Chastleton House - GBP11
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
There is no included cycling today.
Day 2 : Cotswolds Cycling
Location: Cotswolds
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast
After filling up on breakfast this morning, you’ll have a bike fitting and short test ride to make sure everything is working properly. Today is the first of your loop rides out of Moreton as you head north out across the rolling terrain of the beautiful Evenlode Valley. Your first coffee (or tea) stop of the day is the charming town of Shipton-on-Stour and you’ll have time to admire the many historic former coaching inns that line the main street. It is also home of the first full-scale distillery in the Cotswolds. Leave town and start the steady climb through rolling fields before dropping down past the stunning Hidcote Gardens. If there is time you may wish to pay them a visit before riding on to the small village of Ebrington. Perhaps enjoy a lunch at the award-winning Ebrington Arms, voted the UK’s number one pub by the Sunday Times – the food is perfect for the hungry cyclist. From here it's a straight shot back to Moreton-on-Marsh and a chance to put your feet up for the day.
Accommodation
Guesthouse (1 night)
Optional Activities
Hidcote Gardens - GBP8
Meals Included
Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s riding distance is approximately 45 kilometres/28 miles, undulating with approx 350 metres/1150ft of elevation gain.
Day 3 : Cotswolds Cycling
Location: Cotswolds
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today features a longer ride as you head out on an eastern loop of the Cotswolds. Your first destination for the day is the picture-perfect market town of Chipping Campden, known as one of the most beautiful towns in the UK. Cycle past history in this well-preserved town, with honey-coloured limestone buildings dating back to the 14th Century lining its elegant High Street. Be sure to keep a keen eye out for the iconic 400-year-old Century Market Hall. From here start the long climb past the iconic Cotswolds landmark of Broadway Tower up to Snowshill. On a clear day you can see all the way to Wales and across 16 counties! After you get your breath back enjoy a freewheeling 7 mile descent along narrow tree-lined roads into the Windrush Valley and the charming village of Guiting Power. Enjoy a moment to take in the attractive stone buildings and quiet streets and perhaps refuel at the local café – home to the best Victoria Sponge we’ve ever tasted – before jumping back in the saddle and riding on to Bourton-on-the-Water. Set on the tranquil River Windrush, historic Bourton-on-the-Water is known as 'the Venice of the Cotswolds' and frequently voted one of the prettiest villages in England. From here follow the River Eye north to the charming twin villages of Lower and Upper Slaughter (collectively known as 'the Slaughters'). Despite the ominous sounding name, derived from old English 'Slohtre', meaning 'Muddy place', these twin villages were untouched for over a century and are the epitome of the Cotswolds’ village charm. Continue to the delightful market town of Stow-in-the-Wold, the highest of the Cotswold towns. Along the way you will cycle along the same paths as the combatants of the First English Civil War. The Battle of Stow-on-the-Wold (1646) was the final battle of the Civil War and saw the total destruction of the last Royalist field army. While there is little evidence of the battle, it remains a haunting place. Afterward continue north through classic rolling Cotswold scenery before returning to Moreton for a relaxing evening.
Accommodation
Guesthouse (1 night)
Optional Activities
Broadway Tower - GBP8
Meals Included
Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s riding distance is approximately 64 kilometres/40 miles, undulating with approx 600 metres/2000ft of elevation gain.
Day 4 : Cotswolds Cycling
Location: Cotswolds
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your last day's ride is easier but no less picturesque as you start early and head south across the rolling Cotswolds back to Stow-on-the-Wold before continuing past the Rissingtons, once an RAF base home to the Red Arrows, as well as a beautiful collection of stone houses and cottages. Enjoy a well-earned 8-mile descent before turning your handlebars north and cycling back through the pretty Evenlode valley as you wind your way along small hedge-lined country roads towards the lovely communities of Churchill, Kingham and the small, privately owned village of Daylesford. Perhaps stop off for a quick refreshment before continuing on through Adlestrop, inspiration for Edward Thomas' 1914 poem of the same name. From here it’s just a flat 5 mile ride back to Moreton-on-Marsh, where your Cotswolds cycling adventure comes to an end.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s riding distance is approximately 58 kilometres/36 miles, undulating with approx 530 metres/1750ft of elevation gain.
Please note that accommodation is not included tonight so you will need to arrive at breakfast with your main bags already packed. These can be left at the guesthouse. If you require additional accommodation (or want to reserve your room for the main part of the day) please enquire at time of booking.
What's Included
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Meals
3 breakfasts
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Accommodation
Guesthouse (3 nights)
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Transport
Bicycle (e-bike option available, subject to availability)
What's Not Included
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International Travel
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Tipping and Gratuities
Transport
- Bicycle (e-bike option available , subject to availability)
Accommodation
- Guesthouse (3 nights)
Check out our Q&As
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes if aged 15+ and accompanied by an adult
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are international flights included in this tour?
No
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes, except optional activities
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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COVID Protection
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and other Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination remains a requirement. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information of your chosen tour for more details.