The best cycling routes around Cheltenham

Spectacular day riding opportunities from Cheltenham

As cycling around Cheltenham can offer you flat terrain and challenging hills, it’s particularly easy to enjoy a blend of both. This historic, thriving town is a perfect base to ride loops to the beautiful settlements of Winchcombe, Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-Wold and Tewkesbury – each offering the kinds of cafes that have more bikes racked up outside than you can believe. 

The cycle routes from Cheltenham into the Cotswolds can be tough on the thighs but as the AONB is a labyrinth of lanes with hamlets, woods, hilltop views and streams, it’s worth the effort every time. Barrow Wake and Crickley Hill to the south and Cleeve Hill just outside of Bishop’s Cleeve to the north have outstanding viewpoints with vast panoramas across the Severn Valley. 

Speaking of which, if you’re after flat rides, the valley is criss-crossed with lanes, as well as bridleways that are usually suitable for touring bikes if not slicker road bikes. Pedal out west to the Severn or discover the bridle path alongside the Coombe Hill Canal.

Exploring Cheltenham by bike

Whilst it makes a great base for exploring the area, there are plenty of wonderful bike rides in Cheltenham itself. The town has excellent cycle path provision as well as several traffic-free sections, notably the disused railway from Lansdown through the heart of the town to Marl Hill and Pittsville, where you can find a fantastic historic building: the Regency Pittville Pump Room

The best time of year to ride

In the south of England, you can cycle in the Cheltenham area throughout the year. In summer, the Cotswolds and the Severn Valley see a noticeable increase in cyclists so you can be sure to find camaraderie on the road. The long daylight hours mean you can have plenty of long rest stops without chasing the light and the trees and hedgerows are in full bloom. 

Winter can see ice on the roads, so it’s important to be mindful of the forecast and temperature, always taking care and dressing appropriately. Don’t ride without lights in winter as any time of day can make you harder to spot for car drivers.