Cycling Collection by Amy
West Midlands Cycle Route – Where history comes alive
7 days
1-3 h/day
317km
2,220m
2,240m
This Collection takes you along the entire route in seven stages. You will ride a total of 195 miles (314 km) from Oxford to Derby through some of the region’s most fascinating history and stunning scenery.
Ranging in length from 17 miles (27 km) to 35 miles (56 km), each stage is suitable for most riders whether amateur or pro. You can easily shorten or combine the stages to suit your particular needs as the area has good train links.
Aside from the Cotswold hills and Oxfordshire countryside, the West Midlands Cycle Route is fairly flat; it includes 7,217 feet (2,220 metres) of elevation gain spread over the seven stages, with a maximum of 2,001 feet (610 meters) of climbing in one day.
In centuries past, the West Midlands skyline smoked as the Industrial Revolution grew in its workshops. Although many of the factories have now closed their doors, history is still alive in the area. Along the route, you will find villages built from the wealth of the wool trade, canal navigations once used to transport goods, and even the Cadbury chocolate factory.
Thanks to its industrial boom, the West Midlands has many exciting cities. You will ride through the UK’s second city of Birmingham, a thriving multicultural hub which is home to the famous 'Balti Triangle' and, visit Shakespeare’s birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon.
In between the towns and cities, you will find stretches of tranquil nature such as the rolling Cotswold scenery, botanical gardens and peaceful lakes. You can enjoy the nature far away from busy roads as over a third of the route follows along traffic-free towpaths, bridleways and greenways. This does mean, however, that a sturdy bike with a decent tread is required to fully enjoy your adventure; a touring bike with 34mm tyres would be perfect.
The West Midlands Cycle Route can be ridden in both directions, starting in Oxford or Derby. In this Collection, we set off from Oxford, a gem of a town with a rich academic legacy. Here, you can roam the quiet corridors of historic colleges, forgotten libraries and museums brimming with bizarre archaeological treasures. The city also has lovely restaurants and cafes along its honey-coloured streets.
With direct trains from Bournemouth, London, Manchester, Hereford, Southampton and Newcastle, the start line is very easy to reach. If you decide to travel by train, remember to book a place for your bike. Most trains offer free reservations, but spaces are limited.
For train tickets and timetables, visit: thetrainline.com/stations/oxford
For more information about the West Midlands Cycle Route, visit: sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/west-midlands-cycle-route
Visibility:
Anyone
Do it yourself!
Ready to get going? Create and customize your own version of this adventure using the full route below as a template.
West Midlands Cycle Route
286km
1,790m
1,730m
Last updated: November 28, 2024
Do it yourself!
Premium
Ready to get going? Create and customize your own version of this adventure using the full route below as a template.
Plan your own version of this adventure in the multi-day planner based on the stages suggested in this Collection.
Activities
27.3km
01:59
180m
140m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
40.0km
02:35
410m
430m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign Up To Discover Places Like This
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
54.9km
03:36
610m
560m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
52.1km
03:10
240m
250m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
43.8km
02:46
370m
360m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
43.0km
02:40
250m
310m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
56.4km
03:35
160m
200m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
Collection Stats
Activities
7
Distance
317 km
Duration
20:22 h
Elevation
2,220 m
2,240 m
Create your own Collection
Learn more
Comments
Want to know more?
Sign up for a free komoot account to join the conversation.
Sign up for free