Cycling

Open countryside with sweeping views, hidden valleys with shaded lanes, woods, stone walls and wildflowers: varied cycling, perfect cycling! The terrain is best described as gentle and rolling, so that any hills are rewarded with a freewheel afterwards. Quaint villages and old stone inns offer frequent and welcome opportunities to take a well-earned (or unearned!) break for food and drink.

Maps and guides

So many quiet country lanes and secluded bridleways mean that the relevant Landranger OS map is all you need to devise your own route. For those who prefer a route to follow there are a number of free downloadable cycle rides, including a selection of circular rides from Kingham railway station for those coming by train. There is also the new Cotswold Line Cycle Route, which shadows the railway line all the way from Oxford to Worcester using quiet lanes and occasional off-road tracks, so that you can cycle as far as you like and catch the train back again.

Cycle hire and repairs

• TY Cycles offer cycle hire with free collection and delivery and only ask for 12 hours notice. What could be easier - bikes delivered and collected from your accommodation!
• Cotswold Woollen Weavers in Filkins also have some bicycles for hire for an hourly rate.

There are also a number of places offering bike repair and sales (see below).

Cycling holidays

There is no better way to see the Oxfordshire Cotswolds than by bike. 

• Windrush Cycle Tours, based in Kingham, offer short breaks and guided cycle tours including bike hire, sat nav and accommodation at the Mill House Hotel, as well as longer 6 day guided cycling tours of the Cotswolds.
• The Carter Company offer gentle cycling and walking holidays throughout the area. Trips can be self guided or guided with hand picked, quality accommodation, bikes and luggage transfers included.

Rights of Way

Oxfordshire County Council are responsible for local rights of way and the countryside section of their website includes a page on using public rights of way responsibly and a useful interactive countryside access map.