dossier

ITINERARY

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DAY 1: CHELTENHAM CIRCULAR RIDES

Ride 1: a short ride to Churchdown Hill. Distance = 13.4 miles

This is a gently undulating, easy ride until you get to Churchdown and the steep hill to St. Bartholomew's Church; but it is worth the push up the hill - it's peaceful, and there is a good view over the vale.

Ride 2: to Deerhurst and Wainlodes via Boddington and Churchdown. Distance = 29.4 miles.

This is a fairly flat and easy ride but because part of it is in the area between Gloucester and Cheltenham even the unclassified roads can be busy; the quietest area of the ride is to the west of the A38. Deerhurst is well worth visiting for its Saxon churches and Wainlodes for its magnificent view of the river Severn.

DAY 2: CHELTENHAM TO FRAMPTON MANSELL

Ride 1: via Elkstone, the Duntisbournes & Daglingworth. Distance = 19.8 or 16 miles.

This lovely ride is uphill at the beginning, but from Elkstone goes through easier, undulating countryside. The ride down the Duntisbourne valley is a treat. The churches at Elkstone, Duntisbourne Rouse & Daglingworth are particularly worth visiting. There are not many pub stops in the middle of the ride; you will need to visit The Green Dragon at Cockleford or the Highwayman on the A417. There are no shops other than in Cheltenham.

Ride 2: via Cowley, Sheepscombe, Painswick & Slad.  Distance = 30.4 or 27.3 miles

This is an interesting, varied but hilly ride with attractive countryside and scenery and some famous towns and villages. You visit Painswick an elegant wool town, Slad, the home of Laurie Lee, the famous Cotswold author, Stroud the industrial center of the valleys and Bisley another beautiful wool town. Although there are several steep hills the destinations are worth the effort.

DAY 3: FRAMPTON MANSELL TO BIBURY  

Ride 1: via South Cerney & Meysey Hampton. Distance = 22.2 or 17.5 miles

This easy ride circles through South Cerney & the Water Park. It passes through several quiet villages & the flat south Cotswolds countryside. It finishes in Barnsley where the church & Barnsley House Garden are worth visiting.

Ride 2: via Tetbury, Cherington, Ashton Keynes & Down Ampney  Distance = 33.1 miles

This easy ride visits Tetbury an attractive Wool town, then goes east to Ashton Keynes & the Cotswold Water Park. It goes through several quiet villages south east of Cirencester before going north back into the Cotwolds to the beautiful stone village of Barnsley.

DAY 4: BIBURY CIRCULAR RIDES

Ride 1: a short ride to Cirencester  Distance = 14.7 miles

This easy ride goes to Cirencester via Welsh Way & Whiteway, & returns via Preston & Ampney

Ride 2 Fairford via the Coln Valley & the Eastleaches.  Distance = 30.6 or 26 miles

This beautiful ride goes down the Coln Valley which has several typical, pretty, Cotswold villages. The Woollen Mill at Filkins is interesting, & you can buy some real Cotswold souvenirs. Fairford is a good place for tea, & the stained glass windows are a must.

DAY 5: BIBURY TO GUITING POWER

Ride 1: via Chedworth Roman Villa, Northleach & Notgrove.  Distance = 22.1 or 16.4 miles

This is an enjoyable ride over undulating countryside. The Roman Villa is very interesting, and Northleach is an attractive 'wool' town with a lovely church.

Ride 2: via the Windrush Valley, Burford, Bourton on the Water & the Slaughters.  Distance = 33 or 27 miles

This is an interesting, enjoyable and fairly easy ride. It goes through many picturesque Cotswold villages - Windrush and the Slaughters are particularly delightful. Burford is an attractive town & Bourton a busy tourist center.

DAY 6: GUITING POWER CIRCULAR RIDES

Ride 1: A short ride to the Slaughters & Lower Swell  Distance = 14.3 miles

This undulating ride goes through beautiful countryside & attractive quiet villages. Upper Slaughter is a lovely place to picnic & spend time by the ford on a fine day.

Ride 2: to Snowshill & Chipping Campden via Blockley & Sezincote - with extensions to Broadway & Hidcote Manor Gardens. Distance = 26.3, 27.9 or 35 miles

The lovely ride goes across rolling countryside to Snowshill & Chipping Campden - two classic Cotswold towns. It can be extended to visit Broadway & Hidcote Manor Gardens. The ride is quite hilly, & even the minor roads round Chipping Campden get very busy at holiday weekends.

DAY 7: GUITING POWER TO CHELTENHAM

Ride 1: via Winchcombe & Brockhampton  Distance - 17.8 or 13.5 miles

This ride covers some beautiful countryside, with good views from the hills. It is quite hilly, particularly down into & up from Winchcombe, but it gives you a good knowledge of the Cotswold scarp! Winchcombe is well worth visiting, & it is easy to spend several hours there.

Ride 2: via Northleach, Chedworth Roman Villa, Withington & Seven Springs.  Distance = 25.5 miles

This ride goes through beautiful countryside, some attractive villages, and to Northleach - an important 'wool' town - with an interesting 'wool' church. The Roman Villa is fascinating.

DAY 8: Depart after breakfast.