Why bring your bike to the Cotswolds?

The Cotswolds district offers some of the best cycling in England, with rolling hills, quiet lanes, and picturesque villages – not forgetting pubs and tea rooms for refuelling yourself. For short relaxed rides with family, more challenging long distance routes or mud-splattering off-road adventures: this region has it all.

Our village of Broadway makes an ideal base for a cycling holiday in the Cotswolds. You can explore this beautiful area in your own way and your own time, with the satisfaction of being self-sufficient for transport.

The Cotswolds has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) since 1966, giving it protected status and ensuring relatively controlled development, so thankfully it’s now a fantastic destination for cycling: well-supplied with quiet country lanes and few major roads to worry about.

The landscape is varied – expect gentle climbs, scenic valleys, and peaceful woodlands. Solo or together with friends/family you can explore the countryside at your own pace, stopping as you wish to enjoy the sights, have a picnic or grab a bite to eat in one of the characterful villages along the way.

Is Broadway a good base for a cycling holiday in the Cotswolds?

Broadway village is in the quieter North Cotswolds, with gorgeous neighbours Chipping Campden, Snowshill, Stanton and Stanway nearby making great destinations for a ride. The small roads between them are fairly level and usually not busy.

If you’re a serious cyclist there are hill challenges and further-afield destinations from the doorstep too.

Broadway is full of character, with honey-stone cottages, independent shops, and many excellent places to shop for snacks to take on your trip. After a day of cycling, the village provides an easy yet stylish place to relax and unwind, with a cluster of great cafés, pubs and restaurants to choose from.

Our self-catering rental property Cotswolds Place is a characterful 17th Century apartment for up to 4 guests sleeping in 2 stylish double bedrooms. Being right on the Cotswold Way, with a bike shed in the secure garden, it really does make an ideal base for two-wheeled adventures.

Recommended cycling routes around Broadway

1. Loops from Broadway by Komoot

• Length: various from 17 to 30 miles
• Required climb: various up to 1100 feet

Komoot has a very useful website with maps, weather and lots of useful information for several loop routes out of Broadway – from your own front door when you stay at Cotswolds Place.

2. Moreton-in-Marsh Circular

• Length: 35 miles
• Required climb: 1775 feet

Also starting in Broadway, head along country roads to Snowshill and its stunning Cotswolds Lavender fields – in bloom during late Spring and Summer – then to Lower and Upper Slaughter via Guiting Power. Past the Slaughters, two of just the most gorgeous villages in the area, head on towards historic Stow-on-the-Wold and loop to Morton-in-Marsh. Then northwest to the beautiful 14th-century market town of Chipping Campden, from which it’s around 30 mins ride back to Broadway.

3. The Cotswold Water Park

• Length: as little as you like
• Required climb: zero

Approximately 30 minutes’ drive from Broadway the Cotswold Water Park has over 150 lakes and miles of trails. The flat landscape is an easy choice for cyclists of all ages and abilities. It has some some great off road opportunities and so makes an ideal place for a family cycling adventure. The Cotswold Lakes Trust has various car parks around the area but why not start your journey at the Cotswold Water Park Visitor Centre where you can pick up a map and set off from there on your ride. Off-road routes lead to hidden beaches and wildlife habitats, making it a unique spot if you’re looking to combine cycling with nature for the children.

If you don’t have bikes it’s possible to hire them from the operators within the Cotswold Water Park.

4. The Cotswold Riders Way

• Length: 187 miles

For mountain bikers, the newly mapped Cotswold Riders Way offers a stunning and lengthy circular trail around the Cotswolds. This route links many of the iconic Cotswold landscapes and villages giving riders a unique perspective on the area. It passes along Broadway’s High Street, steps away from your front door – and bike storage in the garden – when you stay at Cotswolds Place.  

Expect an off-road bias with a focus on traffic-free bridleways and byways. The short sections on A roads are mostly crossings. 

Choosing a section of track makes off-road cycling a great way to explore the Cotswolds. You can cover a fair bit of ground in a ride and still find the secret places inaccessible to cars. It’s great fun and you don’t have to be super-fit: many riders like to walk up the steep and or muddy bits!

Off road riders are a relatively recent arrival in the British countryside, so please be considerate of other users, slow down, give way and be friendly.

Do check the Mountain Biking Code of Conduct and the Countryside Code for Cyclists. Following these codes will help your rides to be well-received and enjoyable.

Bike hire

If you don’t bring your own bike/s, it’s possible to hire from TY Cycles in Chipping Norton, who offer free drop off/pick up from Broadway for 2 or more bikes. If you prefer to drive and start your riding at Chipping Norton then you might choose one of their recommended loops starting from outside the shop.

After your ride

Once you’ve finished your adventure, the village offers plenty of places to relax and refuel. Famous Broadway Deli, next door to Cotswolds Place, serves fresh, locally-sourced food in a relaxed setting, while the Lygon Arms Hotel across the road is a treat for high-tea or dinner. Several other great cafés and restaurants are steps away, but if you’re knackered and staying with us, a hot bath then your feet up with a favourite drink (just the way you like it) might be the way to go!

General advice for a cycling holiday in the Cotswolds

• Plan your route: Route signage isn’t always great, so it’s a good idea to bring a map or use a GPS to make sure you don’t get lost, especially if you’re tackling more remote or off-road trails.
• Dress in layers: The weather can change quickly in the Cotswolds, so it’s best to wear layers that you can adjust depending on the temperature.
• Carry a repair kit: Flat tyres and other small issues can happen, so make sure to carry a basic puncture repair kit and pump.
• Be mindful of traffic: Many roads in the Cotswolds are winding and narrow, so be aware of traffic and always cycle responsibly.
• Check the trails: For mountain biking, make sure the trails you want to ride are suitable for your skill level, and remember to always respect the environment and other trail users.

Do you have questions?

A Cotswolds cycling holiday is a fantastic way to experience the spirit and beauty of the region, whether you’re on a road, mountain or child’s bike. From quiet country lanes and scenic routes to more rugged off-road trails, there really is something for everyone.

Broadway’s an excellent base for your cycling adventure, offering all conveniences needed plus stunning architecture – and a very special place to stay on the High Street!