3 Counties, the Cotswolds & Bath in a single ride!
Important Route Information – Please note that this route has a considerable amount of climbing (670m / 2200ft). If you are not a regular cyclist, we strongly recommend hiring one of our Arcus Ebikes to cycle this route.
We have provided a medium route option at the bottom of the page if you would prefer a shorter ride.
This route will start in the county of Somerset before taking you into Gloucestershire, then Wiltshire whilst spending most of the day in the Cotswolds. Top that by starting and finishing in the World Heritage City of Bath!
From Bath you’ll cycle along the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath, when you reach Bathampton you’ll leave the canal just after the George Inn pub, from there you have s short cycle on the road before jumping onto a cycle path leading you along the river Avon into Batheaston. Once you cross the river bridge into the main car park in Batheaston you turn left towards Northend where you start to get that feeling you are in the Cotswolds on your way to Marshfield. In Marshfield you’ll find a village with buildings from the Tudor to Georgian periods as you ride through the high street. You’re spoilt for choice for refreshments in Marshfield with the Olive Tree and Sweetapples Cafes, the Catherine Wheel and Lord Nelson Pubs plus the excellent Country Stores for food/drink supplies. Marshfield also has public toilets on the high street next to the Catherine Wheel pub.
Back on the bike and you continue your journey into the rolling Cotswold countryside passing through the cute village of West Kingston rolling between shallow valleys before a final descent into Castle Combe. There is plenty to see in Castle Combe, well worth find a spot to lock up your bikes safely and explore the village. This picture perfect Cotswold village has ancient origins and is absolutely packed with things to see dating from the site of a Roman villa, Medieval market cross and church plus what has been described as England’s prettiest village. There is too much to tell you about here so check out the Wikipedia Link – CLICK ME We have a special request, if you visit the church, please make a donation… don’t be a scrooge! It’s an amazing building looked after by wonderful volunteers.. they deserve your support. We may ask you for photo evidence of your donation when you return your bikes!
Plenty of refreshments available in Castle Combe, worth noting that it can get busy. The Stables cafe is well worth visiting, you also have the Castle Inn and the White Hart pubs.
Now you’re back on your bike on the return journey, don’t worry, plenty of very enjoyable cycling yet to finish with. Climbing out of Castle Combe you now head to Ford, please take care on the very short section on the A420 road as you enter the village. The White Hart pub in Ford is well worth a stop for food or a drink. For information there is a plethora of pubs and cafes on the way back to Bath, we won’t list them all but will annotate our favourites at the bottom of this page. Riding back to Bath you’ll pass through a number of pretty villages including Biddestone, Corsham high street, Atworth, South Wraxall (The Long Arms pub) and Monkton Farleigh. There is an excellent long view with a bench to enjoy it between Monkton Farleigh and Kingsdown. You should always finish a ride with a descent and the ride down Kingsdown won’t disappoint, however, please descend with caution as this is a long descent back into Bath.
Between Bathford and cycling across the roundabout is a busy road section, please ride with care. This can be walked if you prefer. You’ll now return to Bath along the route out along the canal, however, you’ll stay on the canal most of the way back to the shop apart from the section from Tesco Express shop where you follow Sydney Building and Horseshoe Walk. Please do not try to carry the bikes down the steps at Tesco Express, they are heavy and it is not safe to carry them down those steps.
Open the route in the OS Maps smartphone and desktop app.
Food and Drink – We recommend
Olive Tree, Marshfield
Excellent cafe stop, great staff!
Sweetapples Cafe, Marshfield
Lots to enjoy, bike parking at the rear.
Old Stables Cafe, Castle Combe
Our stop of choice in Castle Combe
The White Hart, Ford
Cracking pub, great location, we love eating outside
Mother & Wild, Corsham
Good coffee and lots to feast on. Park your bikes in the courtyard
The Longs Arms, South Wraxall
Great pub, perfect drop in on the way home