| Cotswold
villages such as Bibury, Chipping Campden and Bourton-on-the-Water are now wold
famous for typifying the peaceful way of English country life. But lesser known
villages hide secrets just waiting to be discovered by the traveller. Thatched
cottages, meandering stremas, stone bridges, tranquil woods and flowering glades
are just some ot the characteristics which make the Cotswolds so charming and
timeless. | Ref:
En/c/1.4/Com Unguided
tour 8
days / 7 nights
Any day start Average
daily distance from 28 to 41 km. The tour starts and finishes in Cheltenham.
Access: 2 hours by National Express Coach from Victoria Coach Station or Heathrow. Day
1 Arrive in Cheltenham
Settle into your hotel. If you feel like stretching
your legs you can explore this elegant Regency spa town visiting the many parks
and gardens and taking in the fine architecture and shops Day
2 Cheltenham to Moreton in March
Begins with a short transfer from Cheltenham
up onto the Cotswolds and continues with nice rolling countryside. Ride through
the little ford at Sevenhampton then past great views and through hidden valleys
to the picture postcard village of Snwshill. Here the Manor houses a wonderjul
collection of old objects from traditional farm implements to Samurai armour.
Visit the traditional farm breeds at the Cotswold Farm Park, pass the exotic Indina
architecture of Sezincote House tehn freewheel down to Moreton where the wide
street is linesd with traditioinal stone buildings and still holds a colourful
market every Tuesday. Day
3 Circuit from Moreton
Some spectacular views today as you ride to the
northern edge of the Cotswolds. Explore one of the areas most historic villages,
Chipping Campden and stroll around the glorious gardens at Hidcote manor or Kiftsgate
Court befor enjoying lunch in one of the charming pubs in Ilmington. Shipston
on Stour was one of the areas wool markets but the brick built inns and merchants
houses tell of its development as a Georgian coaching town.
Day 4 Moreton to Bourton on the Water
A gentle ride along the valley
of the River Evanlode. Peaceful lanes wind through quiet villages and lead to
wide views across the Oxfordshire countryside. The market town of Stow on the
Wold is clustered around a square that once saw up to 20,000 sheep a day. The
beautiful villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter offer a wealth of delightful scenes
which contrasts with the bustle of Bourton, the areas best known village. With
a wide variety of attractions from tropical birds to an eccentric Moter Museum,
a perfumery and even a perfect scale model of village it has something for everyone. Day
5 Circuit from Bourton
Visit the charming villages of Lower and Upper
Slaughter on the banks of the River Eye. Ride through the picturesque "real
ale" brewery at Donnington and through the ford by the village green in Broadwell
on the way to Stow on the Wold. Bleedington has a classic village green with ducks
paddling in the stream. Day
6 Bourton - Chelterham
Ride into the heart of the Cotswolds. The Cotswold
Farm Park is dedicated to preserving and even re-creating rare and ancient breeds
of farm animals! Winding lanes take you through the scenic villages of Temple
Guiting, Guiting Power, Brockhampton and Sevenhampton. The final steady climb
takes you to the top of Ham Hill where you can take in the breathtaking panorama. Day
7 Circuit from Cheltenham
Cycle across the vale where you can contrast
the half timbered style of the cottages with the stone built houses of the Cotswolds.
Visit the beautiful and charming villages of Tewkesbury, Kemerton, Overbury, Conderton
and Beckford. Day
8 Depart INCLUDED
- Accommodation
in B&B inn or tourist hotel
-
Baggage transfer
-
Fact sheets and maps
-
24 hour back up
-
18 or 21 gear Hybrid bicycle with pump, lock, water bottle and helmet
RATES
Contact
info@bikeandhike.co.za
for rates and specials.
Per
person sharing B&B
Single person B&B
Per
person sharing Hotel
Single person Hotel:
| 
