West Cotswolds Weekend cycle tour

Summary:
A classic West Cotswolds cycling weekend based in the historic market town of Cirencester – the ‘Capital of the Cotswolds’. Rolling countryside, honey-coloured villages and lively market towns set the scene for two days of rewarding riding. With café stops, cultural highlights and plenty of scenic lanes, this tour combines gentle adventure with time to explore one of England’s most picturesque landscapes.
Distances: 32 miles Saturday & 30 miles Sunday
Terrain: Rolling English countryside.
Path/Road: Quiet roads and off-road cycle paths. All bikes are suitable.
Physical difficulty: Moderate Saturday and Sunday. Cycling at a manageable pace for 3.5 hours Saturday & 3 hours Sunday. Everyone will be assisted but you must be competent on a bike.
Duration: Friday night to Sunday evening.
Accommodation:
Staying in a Premier Inn Hotel in the beautiful town of Cirencester.
Cost: £205pp, based on 2 people sharing a twin room (£50 single supplement).
Itinerary:
Friday:
Check in to the hotel and head to a nearby pub for meet, greet and socialise.
Saturday:
After a hearty breakfast, we’ll set off from Cirencester through classic Cotswolds scenery towards Painswick. You’ll pass through picture-book villages lined with golden stone cottages and rolling farmlands.
We stop at The Arts Café Painswick for morning refreshments. A perfect spot to refuel while enjoying the creative, village atmosphere. Painswick, often called “The Queen of the Cotswolds”, is known for its beautifully preserved architecture and ancient churchyard of 99 yew trees. You’ll have time to wander its narrow streets.
From there a flowing descent takes us into the Stroud valleys, following scenic roads dotted with old wool mills — a reminder of the area’s textile heritage.
We’ll stop to browse at ‘The Malthouse Collective’, a vibrant space showcasing local crafts, makers and independent shops. It is officially the largest Antiques centre in the Cotswolds!
Lunch is taken at a café in Stroud town centre and you’ll have time to browse its independent shops before we begin our return journey. The ride back to Cirencester mainly follows the Thames and Severn Canal tow path, rounding off a rewarding day in the saddle.
Back in Cirencester, unwind with a well-earned dinner at a nearby restaurant and perhaps a drink under the old market’s arches.
Sunday:
Today’s route heads east of Cirencester, weaving through open countryside and quiet villages.
After breakfast, we set off towards the Classic Car Hub, a perfect stop for elevenses. Enjoy the great cafe while browsing an impressive collection of vintage and classic cars set in a stylish space.
From here, the route continues through some of the Cotswolds’ most photographed scenery. We pass through Bibury, following the River Coln and soaking up the timeless village views. A stop at the Bibury Trout Farm gives time to explore the riverside setting and enjoy a relaxed break.
The afternoon ride carries us on to Fairford, where we stop at a local café for lunch and a chance to explore the town, known for its beautiful church.
After lunch, we make our way back to Cirencester via peaceful lanes and Roman roads, returning to the hotel in the mid-afternoon to share stories and say our goodbyes.
Bike hire:
We can arrange – £30 for the weekend.
Included:
2 nights accommodation.
2 breakfasts.
2 days fully guided cycling.
Basic tool kit carried to undertake minor repairs.
Accident insurance cover.
Trained first aider.
Refund policy:
Contact us to cancel 2 weeks before event 100% refund, 1 week 50%, 2 days 25%, < 2 days 0%.