Mountain biking is one of the most exhilarating activities in the Cotswolds. Whether you’re a mountain biking pro or new to off-road cycling, if you’re looking for a guided mountain biking route or you’d rather go solo, the Cotswolds is a perfect place for your mountain biking holiday.
Many of our Cotswold restaurants are nearby, where you can enjoy a delicious meal created from the freshest seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Why not wash it down with a pint of our award-winning Butcombe beer?
Places To Eat Near Cotswold Mountain Biking Trails
Mountain biking can be a lot of fun, and for those who don’t have their own bike, there are many places in the Cotswolds where you can hire everything you need and head to the hills.
After a tiring day of mountain biking, stop by one of our welcoming Cotswold restaurants and enjoy a delicious meal, prepared with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
The Bear Inn
Right on the edge of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you’ll find The Bear Inn. Enjoy modern twists on pub classics in a historic pub with traditional features, rustic furnishings, a pleasant beer garden and a roaring open fire. After working up an appetite while mountain biking, try our Baked Camembert, Butcombe Original beer-battered fish and chips or, if you are visiting on a Sunday, Cirencester’s finest roast.
The Beckford Inn
If you’re a fan of beer-battered fish and chips, love a classic Sunday roast (with all the trimmings, of course), or you consider yourself a beer connoisseur, stop by The Beckford Inn for a delicious meal at the on-site restaurant and a friendly atmosphere. Ideal for a break after mountain biking, exploring the Gloucestershire countryside, or after a spot of shopping in Cheltenham – go on, you deserve it!
The Prince Of Burford
The Prince Of Burford gastropub is situated right on the edge of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and near to many of the Cotswolds mountain biking locations. Treat yourself to their famous Butcombe Original beer-battered fish and chips, Cotswold burger, or decadent vegetarian pumpkin and ricotta tortelloni. Pair any of these delicious meals with a selection of award-winning Butcombe beer behind the bar.
The Fleet
Overlooking the River Avon, there’s not many views as spectacular as at The Fleet Inn. Enjoy a delicious alfresco classic pub meal in ambience, with the babbling sounds of the river mere metres away, and a pint of award-winning Butcombe beer in your hand – the perfect way to spend an evening after an exhausting day of mountain biking.
The Royal Oak
The Royal Oak gastropub in Prestbury is nestled between the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Cheltenham Racecourse, making it the perfect place to rest after a tiring time mountain biking. It boasts log fires, a dog-friendly snug bar and dining room with high quality pub food and excellent real ale. Choose from a selection of locally-sourced pub classics with modern twists, with options for kids, vegans, vegetarians, and other dietary requirements.
The Victoria Arms
The Victoria Arms restaurant in Old Marston is a traditional pub on the banks of the River Cherwell, serving locally-sourced food and award-winning Butcombe beer. With tranquil riverside garden views, it’s the perfect place for a hearty meal, a few pints, or cosy pitstop while exploring the local countryside or to relax after a day of mountain biking.
Cotswold Mountain Biking Preparation
It’s best to first consider your experience level with cycling before you book your mountain biking holiday.
There’s a range of cycling routes around the Cotswolds to suit all levels, some mostly flat, and others over various different terrains.
Next, think about how long you want your route to be, and whether you’d prefer a circular route – where the start and finish points are the same – or whether you’d like a more linear route.
Then you should consider whether you want to bring your own mountain bike – if you have one – or if you’d rather hire a mountain bike in the Cotswolds.
Finally, you’ll need to research whether you’d like a guided mountain bike ride or you’d prefer to go it alone.
Cotswold Mountain Biking Routes For Beginners
Here are a few easy cycling routes in the Cotswolds that are relatively flat – ideal for mountain biking beginners:
Intermediate Cotswold Mountain Biking Routes
Here are some nearby medium difficulty cycling routes in and around the Cotswolds that are ideal for mid-level mountain bikers, with some hills and tricky terrains:
Cotswold Mountain Biking Routes For Experienced Riders
These mountain biking routes in the Cotswolds are best for experienced mountain bikers, with lots of climbs and descents, and rough terrain:
