Fitness holidays on our reserve are popular throughout the year and one of our favourite ways to burn calories and get around the area is by bike. Enjoy your holiday in the Cotswold Waterpark and beyond on two wheels and experience England’s countryside the best way possible. Here’s our guide to riding in the Cotswolds – with the A, B & C of cycling!
A for Accessories / Equipment
We can arrange for bikes to be waiting at your log cabin on arrival, so cycling around our reserve and the Cotswold Water Park has never been more convenient. Helmets and other accessories will also be included with the bike hire but if you decide to bring your own helmet, please ensure that it is to British Standard BS EN 1078:1997. We also recommend cycle friendly attire and reflective clothing; you may even want to consider cycling gloves to protect your hands for those long routes. Some things you should take with you whilst cycling around the Cotswolds include:
- A saddle bag – this is super handy for keeping all your belongings in one place
- First aid kit – cycling in the Cotswold is very safe but always bring a first aid kit in case
- Identification – a passport or driving license is important if you have an accident
B for Bike Safety
Although cycle routes in the Cotswolds are extremely safe, it’s important to stick to some basic cycling rules:
- Do a bicycle check – check brakes and your wheels before cycling.
- Ride with traffic, not against it – this means you are riding in the same direction.
- Signal to drivers – communication is key if you are cycling on the road so make sure you signal.
- Keep hydrated – heat stroke and dehydration can be dangerous in the summer but whatever time of year it is, water is essential to keep you and the family hydrated at all times.
- Take regular breaks – when riding with children, it’s important to take regular breaks and this is a great way of soaking up the scenery too on your Cotswolds family holiday!
C for Cotswold Cycle Routes
The Cotswolds is a great place to cycle because of the easy flat landscape and many of the area’s cycle routes start conveniently from the free car parks dotted around Cirencester and other Cotswold towns and villages beyond. Most cycling routes in the Cotswolds can be accessed without having to go on any major roads so it’s extremely safe to bring the kids along!
You can find / download cycle routes from the following places:
- Map My Ride phone app
- Cotswold Water Park website
- Cotswolds District Council
- Cirencester Visitor Information Centre (Corinium Museum, Park Street, GL7 2BX)
There will also be a handy OS map in your cabin with cycle routes and foot paths on – plus some off road options too. Some of our favourite off road routes are Brailes Hill and Ascott (15 miles), Aldsworth and Bibury (21 miles) and Chedworth Withington (12 miles). If you want to go off road, please note that our bikes are not made for these conditions so off road bikes will need to be arranged. If you don’t have your own suitable bike, you can contact Go By Cycle, a trusted local company in the area (call 01285 862152). On your return, don’t forget that your cabin has a water point round the side which can be useful for washing mucky bikes down!
For more information on walking routes and/or cycling routes close to our private lake, be sure to check out our Ultimate Cotswold Holiday Guide. To book your stay in the Cotswolds, make sure you check out our luxury lake view log cabins with hot tubs!