COTSWOLDS - The Cotswolds are situated in the heart of Central England, less than two hour's drive west of London. Popular with both the English themselves and visitors from all over the world, the Cotswolds are well known for gentle hillsides ('wolds'), sleepy villages and for being so 'typically English'. We provide quality b&b lodging and the riding offers options for varied levels.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrival Day
Day 1 is very flexible depending on time of arrival as we have 7 different routes from here which can include a visit to the National Trust's "Hidcote Manor Garden" situated close by. Chipping Campden is medieval wool town and described in many Tourist Guides as "the most beautiful village street in all England". Chipping Campden is ideal to spend a pleasurable evening with its varied restaurants, pubs and hotels. Dinner on your own.
Day 2 | Loop trip back to Stratford-upon-Avon
Cycle to Stratford-upon-Avon passing by the well known National Trust Hidcote Manor Garden and Kiftsgate Court Garden. A cycling path takes you to the center of Stratford-upon-Avon. Visit Holy Trinity Church where William Shakespeare is buried, his birthplace and Ann Hathaway's cottage, the childhood home of Shakespear's wife. John Harvard, founder of Harvard University, was born here too. Return to Chipping Campden. Night in B&B. (B)
Day 3 | Ride to Winchcombe
Leaving Chipping Campden following the escarpment passing Broadway Tower Country Park and arriving in Snowshill. Snowshill is a very pretty village and it also has National Trust Snowshill Manor to explore with its collection of bygones. Arrive in the small unspoilt medieval town of Winchcombe where you stay for your next two nights. Winchcombe is home to Sudeley Castle dating from 1441 complete with Elizabethan Garden – well worth a visit! (B)
Day 4 | Loop ride back to Winchcombe
From Winchcombe discover Stanway village with its Jacobean Manor House and neighboring village of Stanton tucked at the bottom of the hill and then travel into Worcestershire to Elmley Castle with its "black and white" cottages. Cycle around Bredon Hill (all the way or part - the choice is yours). Pass by Beckford Silk Mill and watch silk printing - (a very good tea room as well!) and on to Overbury (a village still owned by the Holland-Martin family and where the telephone boxes are painted green). A leisurely easy paced ride back to Winchcombe. (B)
Day 5 | Ride to Northleach
Leaving Winchcombe you cycle past Belas Knap a Stone Age burial mound or long barrow dating from 2500 BC. Cycling along the ridge of the Cotswolds and into the beautiful Coln Valley passing Chedworth Roman Villa with its well preserved mosaic flooring and bath suites. Your final destination is Northleach a Middle Ages "Wool Town", where you will spend two nights. (B)
Day 6 | Loop ride back to Northleach
A circular excursion from Northleach will take you to Bibury where the river Coln runs through the main street with Arlington Row cottages to one side, stand on the bridge and watch the trout swim past! Further on to the lovely old town of Burford on the edge of Oxfordshire. Burford has an impressive main street lined with a series of fine old houses. Leaving Oxfordshire behind travel along the Windrush valley with its collection of pretty villages and back into Northleach. (B)
Day 7 | Short Ride and Departure
Depending on your chosen time of departure you may, if you wish, cycle to North Cerney and onto the Roman town of Cirencester, finishing back in Northleach.. We will then collect you and your luggage and return you to the railway station at Moreton-in-Marsh for your onward journey. (B)
Details
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
Dates: Any date April-October, 2007
Accommodation: [Virtual Hotel Tour] 6 nights in charming B&B guesthouses
Bike: Hybrids, - 24 speed 'Dawes' English Touring/Hybrid bike complete with day pannier, toolkit and helmet with additional mileage options, mostly flat to rolling terrain; comes with full mechanical backup (except flats).
Trip includes: - 6 nights in B&B Quality accommodation, central location, with private bathroom and full 'English' breakfast, bike rental, luggage transfer, local emergency support, transfers from and delivery to our local railway station (1.40 hrs. from London Paddington a little longer if you are travelling from London Heathrow or Gatwick), route maps, route cue sheets, travel planning services. Price is per person based upon double occupancy.
Other Notes: triples and quads are occassionally available, please inquire at the time of booking. Child rates are available, equipment limited.
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