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Cotswold Classic
offered by supplier M08576 (view this supplier profile)
Key Information:
Tour Duration: 8
day(s)
Group Size: 1
- 10
people
Destination(s):
England
Specialty Categories:
Bicycle Touring
Season: January - December
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: Yes
Minimum Per Person Price: 1095 US Dollar (USD)
Maximum Per Person Price: 1380 US Dollar (USD)
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The rolling Cotswold countryside, a glorious patchwork of meadows, fields and woods divided by hedgerows and dry-stone walls, has come to epitomise all that is good about traditional England for many people. Countless delightful little village nestle amongst these green hills, their honey coloured stone cottages, churches and manors merging harmoniously into the landscape.
Peaceful winding lanes lead you through this pastoral scene to many of the well known villages such as Chipping Campden, Stow on the Wold and the Slaughters, also visiting country houses, gardens, farm parks, and fascinating collections and museums. In between you will explore other places off the beaten track where you can really enjoy the plants and wildlife and appreciate the timeless tranquillity of the area. Main Centres - Cheltenham, Moreton in Marsh and Bourton on the Water.
Your Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Settle into your hotel then we will fit you with bikes (if you are hiring one of ours). If you feel like stretching your legs you can explore this elegant Regency spa town visiting the many parks and gardens and taking in the fine architecture. (B).
Day 2: Cheltenham to Moreton in Marsh
Begins with a short transfer from Cheltenham up onto the Cotswolds to avoid starting with a climb. Distance - 23 to 30 miles (37 to 48 km). Terrain - Nice rolling country with a couple of climbs. Features - Ride through the little ford at Sevenhampton then past great views and through hidden valleys to the postcard village of Snowshill. Here the Manor houses a wonderful collection of old objects from traditional farm implements to Samurai armour. Visit the traditional farm breeds at the Cotswold Farm Park, pass the exotic Indian architecture of Sezincote House then freewheel down to Moreton where the wide street is lined with traditional stone buildings and still holds a colourful market every Tuesday. (B).
Day 3: Circuit from Moreton
Distance-18 or 25 miles. Terrain - A few steady hills and some spectacular views. Features - Ride to the northern edge of the Cotswolds visiting the animals at Sleepy Hollow and exploring one of the areas most historic villages, Chipping Campden. Stroll around the glorious gardens at Hidcote Manor or Kiftsgate Court then enjoy lunch in one of the charming pubs in Ilmington. Shipston on Stour was one of the areas wool markets but the brick built inns and merchants’ houses tell of its development as a Georgian coaching town. (B).
Day 4: Moreton to Bourton on the Water
Distance - 18 or 28 miles (29 or 45 km). Terrain - A gentle ride along the valley of the River Evenlode then a steady hill up to Stow. Features - Peaceful lanes wind through quiet villages and lead to wide views across the Oxfordshire countryside. The market town of Stow on the Wold is clustered around a square that once saw up to 20,000 sheep a day. Upper and Lower Slaughter offer a wealth of delightful scenes while Bourton is the areas best known village with a wide variety of attractions from tropical birds to an eccentric Motor Museum, a perfumery and even a perfect scale model of village. (B).
Day 5: Circuit from Bourton
Distance - 21 or 27 miles (34 or 44 km). Terrain - An undulating ride with a longer climb on the way out and another on the way back but nothing very steep. Features - Follow the meandering River Windrush east past lush green water meadows full of wild flowers through Asthall to the little town of Burford. The magnificent High Street rises from the river bank and bears witness to the fine building stone and skilled masons for which this area was renowned in the 17th and 18th centuries. Return through the delightful villages of Little Barrington, Windrush and Sherborne along the other bank of the river. (B).
Day 6: Bourton to Cheltenham
Distance - 25 miles (39 km). Terrain - Some steady climbs but more down hill. Features - Ride to Northleach, a handsome ‘wool’ town with two excellent museums. Continue past the Roman Villa set in beautiful woodland at Chedworth, where the mosaic floors and heating system can still be seen, then visit Withingtons delightful inn before your final whizz down Ham Hill back to Cheltenham. (B).
Day 7: Circuit from Cheltenham
Distance - 21 or 31 miles (34 or 50 km). Terrain - Quite a gentle ride out then one big hill to go over on the way back. Features - Ride along the bottom of the hills to Stanton, often called the perfect Cotswold village. Nearby Stanway is dominated by one of the most romantic Manor Houses in the country with its attendant church and tithe barn. Winchcombe was an important Saxon borough then became a centre of pilgrimage until Henry VIII had the monasteries destroyed. Sudeley Castle was ruined in the Civil Wars then restored in the 19th century as a country house with wonderful gardens. The wide views from the top of Cleeve Hill take in the Malverns, the Forest of Dean and, on a clear day, the mountains of mid Wales. (B).
Day 8: Depart. (B)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price includes bike hire, helmets route pack and backup.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
England
Bicycle Touring
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