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Bucket list experience:

A man cycling down a pathway surrounded by fields.

Last updated: 06 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Annabelle Thorpe

This relatively new trail, developed by local cyclists, follows the route of the Cotswolds Line railway – meaning you can cycle as far as you like, and then conveniently hop on the train back.

The route cobbles together quiet, back-country lanes with off-road stretches, taking you through 75 traffic-light, scenic miles of idyllic countryside, with stops in pretty Cotswold villages including Moreton-in-the-Marsh and Kingham.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: +
When: All year around
Duration: Up to 2 days

Getting there & doing it

The trail runs from Oxford to Worcester, alongside the railway line. There are stations at regular intervals along the cycling route, meaning you can get on or get off as you wish. The full route can be printed or downloaded from the Cycle.travel website.

Cotswolds Country Cycles offer self-led guided tours and can help with bike hire.

If you don’t want to do the whole 75-mile trail (allow 2 days), Sustrans website has a 43-mile route through the best part (it takes about 3.5 hours).  Or for something even shorter, try the 8-mile route between Moreton-in-Marsh and Kingham is easy, flat and takes in the pretty villages of Evenlode and Adlestrop. It includes a lovely stretch of bridleway that snakes past a cricket pitch and through gently wooded countryside.

About halfway along the trail, so good for a stop-over, the Plough at Kingham is a fine gastropub-with-rooms. There are seven cosy bedrooms above the pub if you want to stay the night.

When to do it

The trail can be cycled all year round, but try to avoid the the high summer months (July to August) – even the country lanes become heavy with traffic.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Cotswold House Hotel

Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom (UK)[3.2 miles]

A delightful Regency house hotel with an enchanting garden, situated on Chipping Campden’s postcard-perfect high street.

Official star rating:

Dormy House Hotel & Spa

Broadway, Worcestershire, United Kingdom (UK)[5.6 miles]

An upscale country house hotel that combines traditional Cotswold charm with a world-class spa and three dining options.

Official star rating:

Foxhill Manor

Broadway, Worcestershire, United Kingdom (UK)[6.6 miles]

A small, eight-room manor house that channels a private houseparty vibe, with sumptuous rooms and create-your-own menus at dinner. Children over 12 only.

Official star rating:

Lygon Arms

Broadway, Worcestershire, United Kingdom (UK)[7.8 miles]

The Cotswold’s oldest hotel offers sumptuous bedrooms, one of the region’s grandest dining rooms and cosy, fire-lit lounges. Located in one of the Cotswolds prettiest villages.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

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Hidcote Manor Garden

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Broadway Tower

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