Mountain Biking In The Cotswolds: A Variety Of Routes
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.
Bring your own bike or rent one from a local mountain biking specialist, and head to the hills!
Everything You Need To Know About Off-Road Biking In The Cotswolds
After an energetic day of mountain biking, pay a visit to The Bear Inn to see what award-winning Butcombe beers we have available, before choosing something from our delicious, seasonal food menus.
Before You Start Mountain Biking
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.
Happy mountain biking!
Easy Mountain Biking Routes In And Around The Cotswolds
Here are a few easy cycling routes in the Cotswolds that are relatively flat – ideal for mountain biking beginners:
- Winchcombe to Sudeley Castle – 45 minutes, 2 miles
- Mill Field Circular – 45 minutes, 1.8 miles
- Berkley to Gloucester – 4 hours, 28 miles
- Stroud to Nailsworth – 1.5 hours, 4.8 miles
Intermediate Mountain Biking Routes In The Cotswolds
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:
- Cirencester to Stroud – 4.5 hours, 31 miles
- Cirencester Circular – 4.5 hours, 30 miles
- Gloucester to Winchcombe – 4 hours, 28 miles
- Winchcombe Circular – 4 hours, 28 miles
- Burford East Circular – 5 hours, 33 miles
- Burford West Circular – 4 hours, 29 miles
- Burford to Cirencester – 3.5 hours, 26 miles
- Nailsworth Circular – 4.5 hours, 30 miles
- Nailsworth to Berkley – 4 hours – 27 miles
Hard Mountain Biking Routes In The Cotswolds
These mountain biking routes in the Cotswolds are best for experienced mountain bikers, with lots of climbs and descents, and rough terrain:
- Winchcombe to Burford – 5.5 hours, 34 miles
- Berkley to Painswick – 4.5 hours, 30 miles
- Berkley Circular – 5 hours, 33 miles
- Painswick to Winchcombe – 6 hours, 38 miles
- Painswick Circular – 3.5 hours, 25 miles
Where To Stay For A Mountain Biking Trip In The Cotswolds
Serving delicious, seasonal pub food and award-winning Butcombe beer, The Bear Inn is the perfect place to stop for a drink or meal before or after a day of mountain biking in the Cotswolds.
Come and see see what award-winning Butcombe beers we have available, alongside our extensive range of cocktails and wines.
If you would prefer to stay the night, you can view our Cotswold hotels here.
