5 Days & 4 Nights

4.4

Cycling in the Heart of the Cotswolds Short Break

Pedal through the quintessential Cotswold countryside, a jewel of England
Observe changing light reflect off honey-coloured cottages and green hills
Experience delicious gourmet food in cosy local pubs and restaurants
Wander through the exceptional gardens at Sezincote and Stanway

This short cycling break in the Cotswolds takes you down quiet country routes and hedgerowed lanes and past honey-coloured stone houses and gloriously blossoming and colourful gardens. This quintessentially picture perfect area has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Stay in the thriving market town of Moreton-on-Marsh, cycle through the Brailes an area mentioned in the Domesday Book, glide through Upper and Lower Slaughter as you see the countryside of Warwickshire. During this self-guided cycling tour every day has a highlight, from the discovery of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments, to the romantic water gardens at Sezincote.

From £599.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive in Moreton-on-Marsh

Today you will arrive in Moreton-on-Marsh located at the head of the beautiful Evenlode Valley. This thriving market town has just one main street which is lined with shops and galleries.

Perhaps you would like to arrive on a Tuesday as this is when Moreton-on-Marsh is host to the largest open-air street market in the Cotswolds. Also of interest is the White Hart Royal Hotel, a former manor house that sheltered King Charles I during the Civil War.

For dinner tonight there are plenty of restaurants from which to choose.

Overnight Moreton-in-Marsh

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Redesdale Arms | Hotel

Redesdale Arms Hotel is a 17th-century coaching house which has a contemporary decor with stylish bedrooms and you can enjoy log fires in the winter and a patio garden in the summer. The rooms are spread between the original main house, dating back to 1650, and to the rear of the building in the original stable block or courtyard. Two of their rooms feature whirlpool baths and many have spacious walk-in showers. All the rooms are equipped with a TV and new king-size beds. The restaurant has an AA Rosette award and the menu boasts good quality produce including local game and vegetables, and Cornish seafood.

Swan Inn | Inn

The Swan Inn is a Grade II listed part Georgian building in traditional Cotswold Stone. All rooms are en-suite with a shower and all with TV, hair dryer, complimentary mineral water and Tea / Coffee making facilities are provided. You can relax in the lounge bar / restaurant and enjoy a drink or coffee a glass of wine from the carefully selected wine list.

The Manor House Hotel | Hotel

"The luxurious four-star Manor House Hotel is a charming 16th-century Cotswold retreat where you can unwind, enjoy great food and drink, and soak up a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Each room has its own character and style, with lovely views to match. Rooms come with flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee facilities, and en-suite bathrooms stocked with complimentary Molton Brown products.

Day 2 Cycle loop through the Brailes 27 miles / 43.5 km

Today’s loop takes you to the west of Moreton-on-Marsh and through Upper and Lower Brailes situated in the county of Warwickshire and in the northern part of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Expect some hilly terrain today as the Brailes are surrounded by small hills. Brailes derives from a Saxon word for wood, and in the Domesday book was described as an important manor. You then cycle through more pretty villages with stone farms, cottages and gardens overflowing with flowers en route.

Overnight Moreton-in-Marsh

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Redesdale Arms | Hotel

Swan Inn | Inn

The Manor House Hotel | Hotel

Day 3 Cycle to Broadway via Upper and Lower Slaughter 23 miles / 37 km

Todays route takes you through some of the most iconic Cotswold countryside and villages. Upon leaving Moreton-on-Marsh your route takes you close to Sezincote House, built with an Indian influence, and inspiration for the architect of the Brighton Pavilion. The house is set within a romantic water garden and it is definitely worth stopping to stroll through the house and gardens.

Continue on until you reach the twin villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter. The name is derived from the old English “slohtre”, which means a muddy place. The epitome of Cotswold charm,these villages should not be missed and you will enjoy spending time here exploring.

After this visit you now concentrate on getting some miles under your belt. The route to Broadway takes you through undulating countryside and to Snowshill. Here, if you have time, it is worth stopping at Snowshill House and its Arts and Crafts style terraced gardens.

Overnight Broadway

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

The Olive Branch Guest House | Bed and breakfast

Olive Branch, a grade II listed building, has been trading as a Guest House for nearly 70 years. It has the reputation of being a warm and friendly, family run 'home from home' with many guests returning year after year. All rooms have colour TV, tea/coffee making facilities, and hair dryers. Wifi is also available. The owner's comfortable lounge is available for you to relax in after a day’s walking. Breakfast is served in the Cotswold stone dining room with Inglenook fireplace and original flagstone floor. You will be treated to the delights of Pam’s home baking and David’s delicious English breakfast.

Russell’s of Broadway | Hotel

Russell’s is one of the chicest places to stay and eat in Broadway, it's situated in the former showroom of Sir Gordon Russell’s furniture. Above the restaurant are seven individually designed bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms, luxury bedlinen and air conditioning. Flat screen televisions, broadband internet access and original architectural features all combine to create a supremely comfortable experience.

Broadway Hotel | Hotel

The Broadway Hotel, served over 400 years ago as a rural retreat still offers a feeling of tranquillity to be enjoyed by today’s visitors. The bedrooms are individually furnished, warm and inviting, with attention to detail in every bedroom. Each of the nineteen guest rooms have a flat-screen TV, beverage tray, hairdryer and en-suite bathrooms generously stocked with complimentary Molton Brown products. The Tattersalls Brasserie is in the beautiful new Atrium, the elegant, light filled brasserie offers an extensive a la carte menu with a good selection of fresh and seasonal dishes along with a choice of 31 day dry aged free range steaks.

Day 4 Broadway loop via Stanway House & Gardens 29 miles / 47 km

The route today takes you on a loop to the south and west of Broadway. Head out of town to the west and along pretty country lanes to Elmley Castle, a small village and where the ruins of the castle remain. Continue through the charming villages of Ashton under Hill, Alderton and Gretton.

Just south of Broadway is Stanway, a scenic village and where it is worth stopping to see Stanway Manor House and Gardens. Explore this outstanding Jacobean Manor House and the 18th century water gardens, the finest in all of England.

Arrive back in Broadway for your final evening. With plenty of restaurants and pubs to choose from, perhaps you would like to have a final dinner and a toast to celebrate your week of wonderful cycling.

Overnight Broadway

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

The Olive Branch Guest House | Bed and breakfast

Russell’s of Broadway | Hotel

Broadway Hotel | Hotel

Day 5 Onward Travel

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 6kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 6kg is equivalent to 4.5 ham and cheese sandwiches from the store. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.

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Other Information

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Is it for me?

If you want to take a long weekend and cycle through some of the Cotswold’s most iconic countryside and pretty villages at your own pace, stopping to explore en route, then this tour is for you. Also enjoy the local cuisine in the many gourmet pubs and restaurants and visit some of the area’s most amazing manor houses and incredible gardens. With only one change of accommodation you’ll have more time for relaxation and discovery of the area.

Trip Type:

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Leisure Cycling | Leisure Cycling

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers, Families with Teens

The minimum age for this tour is: 16 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Short Break

Grade & Terrain

You will need to have a fairly good fitness level to fully enjoy this trip. Although the Cotswolds generally is not very hilly there will be some gentle inclines and declines at times. Most of the cycling on this tour is along quiet country roads and through the rural and very pretty countryside, towns and villages. At times you will have to ride along busier main roads in order to link the routes, or perhaps access another smaller road. Roads will also get busier as you enter and leave towns, especially at Moreton-on-Marsh.

Accommodation & Meals What's Included

Included

4 Nights in B&B's and guesthouses
4 Breakfasts
Baggage transfer
Taxi transfer from Broadway to Moreton-in-Marsh on day 5
Information pack
Access to route notes, detailed maps, and GPS tracks in the Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app
24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office

Excluded

Travel to / from Moreton-in-Marsh
Bike rental (Standard Hybrid or E Bike)
Lunches, dinners, drinks & snacks
Personal equipment
Travel insurance (required)

Extras

Additional nights along the route
Bike hire

When to go Travel & Transfers

Getting to the Start

This tour starts and finishes in Moreton-in-Marsh. The best way of getting to Moreton-in-Marsh is by train. There is a direct train from London Paddington Station which takes about one and a half hours. If you fly into London Heathrow, you can then take the Heathrow Express train to London Paddington and from here a train to Moreton-in Marsh. You may fly into any of the other London Airports, such as London Gatwick, make your way by bus or train into central London and then to London Paddington.

It is also possible to fly into Birmingham Airport when travelling to Moreton-in-Marsh with a journey time between 1.5 and 3 hours by public transport, usually a train via Worcester. Birmingham has flights from many UK, European and international destinations.

You can find further information about train times and schedules on the National Rail website.

It is also possible to drive to Moreton-in-Marsh. On-street parking is available however there is no secure parking.

Getting from the End

From Moreton-in-Marsh, there is a direct train from London Paddington Station which takes about one and a half hours. If you fly from London Heathrow, you can take the Heathrow Express train from London Paddington.

It is also possible to fly from Birmingham Airport, with a journey time between 1.5 and 3 hours by public transport, usually a train via Worcester. Birmingham has flights to many UK, European and international destinations.

You can find further information about train times and schedules on the National Rail website.

Baggage Transfer

Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person. Please ensure that you do not bring more than one bag of 20kg as if this occurs, the luggage transfer company will ask you to pay an additional fee for an extra bag which they will provide (£8) plus a charge of £6.00 per day for moving the extra bag. This additional payment, should it be necessary, needs to be made locally to the driver and in cash. We ask that all bags are ready for 9am and if not an additional supplement may also be payable locally to ensure that we can get your luggage to its destination on time.

If you are travelling from far afield and do have more than one bag it is possible to arrange for the extra luggage to be stored whilst you are on the tour for a fee of £25 per bag. These additional bags would be picked up from your accommodation at the start point of your tour and dropped off wherever you finish depending on the itinerary you are doing. Please contact us if you are interested in this option.

Info & FAQ

General Information

The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.

Transfers

A taxi transfer from Broadway at the end of the tour is included to Moreton-on-Marsh train station. The journey takes about 20 minutes, depending on traffic.

Equipment

Bike Hire

Bike hire is available as an optional extra. Hire bikes are high quality, full-aluminium hybrid bikes that will delivered to you at your accommodation. The model will be a Ridgeback Velocity Hybrid (or similar). If you book bike hire further details will be provided in your information pack. All rentals include a helmet, lock, pump, pannier with spare inner tube, tyre levers and a handlebar bag.

If you would prefer to hire an e-bike, which provides a power-assisted ride make sure to get your request in early as e-bikes are increasing in popularity! For more information on e-bikes click here.

To ensure we can confirm your bike hire as quickly as possible please provide us with your height at the time of booking. We will pass this onto our bike hire partner who will be able to select the correct size of bike frame for you.

Bringing Your Own Bike

We understand that your bike is more than just a machine that gets you from A to B, it's a reliable travel companion that you want to bring with you on your trip.

Due to logistics on this tour bringing your own bike is only possible if you are arriving in Moreton-in-Marsh by car. In this case we advise parking in Moreton-in-Marsh for the duration of your trip. On the final day an included taxi transfer will drop you off at your car in Moreton-in-Marsh, from where you can drive back to Broadway (25 minutes) to collect your luggage and bike(s) from your final accommodation in Broadway.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.