The best cycling routes around Coln St. Dennis
4.7
(220)
1,450
riders
238
rides
Touring cycling routes around Coln St. Dennis traverse the tranquil Coln Valley, set within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The landscape features rolling green hills, broad open views of arable fields, woodlands, and gentle river valleys, all characterized by the distinctive golden-colored Jurassic oolitic limestone. Routes often follow the meandering River Coln, offering peaceful and scenic paths, with options for both well-paved surfaces and some unpaved segments or bridleways.
Best touring cycling routes around Coln St. Dennis
- The…
Last updated: October 9, 2026
16
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
21
riders
34.0km
02:08
300m
300m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
15
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
19
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
riders
28.6km
01:43
240m
240m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
At the General Audience on June 21, 2006, the then Holy Father briefly summarized two biblical accounts that illustrate the special position of James the Greater, the patron saint of this church, among the disciples: "He was privileged, along with Peter and John, to participate in the hour of Jesus' agony in the Garden of Gethsemane and in the event of Jesus' transfiguration. (...) In the first instance, James, together with the other two apostles, experienced the glory of the Lord; he saw him speaking with Moses and Elijah; he saw the radiance of divine glory shine forth in Jesus; in the second instance, he stood before suffering and humiliation; he saw with his own eyes how the Son of God humbled himself and was obedient unto death. The second experience was certainly an opportunity for him to mature in faith and to correct the one-sided, triumphalistic interpretation of the first experience: He had to recognize that the Messiah, whom the Jewish people expected to be a triumphant figure, was in reality not only surrounded by honor and glory, but also of suffering and weakness. The glory of Christ is realized precisely on the cross, in sharing in our sufferings.” (Pope Benedict XVI)
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Marks the junction to take Sherborne St climb towards Bourton on the Water which is a lovely road to take.
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Yes Northleach and particularly for Lynwood Cafe in the square, the church - the cathedral of the cotswolds, and if a meal is required the Wheatsheaf Pub.
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Can get busy with traffic but lots of side roads and walking pathetic to explore
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"The Anglican Church of St James at Coln St. Dennis in the Cotswold District of Gloucestershire, England, was built in the 12th century. It is a grade I listed building. The Church of England parish church is dedicated to Saint James the Great. The church was dedicated to Saint Katherine in the 13th century, Saint Dennis in the 18th century, and is believed to have once been dedicated to Saint Kenelm.[2] During the 18th century it may have briefly been dedicated to St Dennis. The central tower had a belfry added in the 15th century. This was rebuilt in 1904 as part of a wider restoration by William Weir the architect for the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. The parish is part of the Chedworth Yanworth and Stowell Coln Rogers and Coln St Dennis benefice within the Diocese of Gloucester." Source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_St_James,_Coln_St._Dennis
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It's beautiful in a overrun-with-tourists kinda way, but the Deli here is excellent for coffee, food and expensive Italian ingredients that you don't need on a bike ride, but want.
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Great bacon rolls! Lovely and peaceful when we visited on a Friday morning
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Personally found it quite alright on 28mm road tyres, just pay a little bit more attention to the surface.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect when touring cycling around Coln St. Dennis?
The touring cycling routes around Coln St. Dennis primarily traverse the tranquil Coln Valley, characterized by rolling green hills, broad open views of arable fields, woodlands, and gentle river valleys. You'll find routes on well-paved surfaces, but also some unpaved segments or bridleways, offering a mix of experiences within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
How many touring cycling routes are available in the Coln St. Dennis area?
There are over 260 touring cycling routes available around Coln St. Dennis. This includes a wide variety of options, with 77 easy routes, 141 moderate routes, and 48 more challenging routes, catering to different skill levels and preferences.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes around Coln St. Dennis?
Yes, many touring cycling routes in the Coln St. Dennis area are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For example, the View of the Cotswold Valleys – Country Lanes in the Cotswolds loop from Northleach is a popular circular option offering expansive views.
What are some notable landmarks or attractions I can see while cycling in the region?
The area is rich in historical and natural attractions. You can cycle past the iconic Arlington Row, Bibury, visit the ancient Chedworth Roman Villa, or explore the historic Cirencester Amphitheatre. The region also features unique natural sights like The Tallest Yew Hedge in the World.
Are there touring cycling routes suitable for families or beginners in Coln St. Dennis?
Absolutely. Coln St. Dennis offers 77 easy touring cycling routes, many of which follow gentle river paths or quiet country lanes. These are ideal for families or those new to touring cycling, providing a relaxed way to enjoy the scenic Cotswold countryside.
What do other touring cyclists say about the routes in Coln St. Dennis?
The touring cycling routes around Coln St. Dennis are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.7 stars from over 150 reviews. Cyclists often praise the tranquil atmosphere, the picturesque villages, and the diverse landscapes that make for an enjoyable ride.
Can I find routes that incorporate charming villages and traditional Cotswold scenery?
Yes, many routes are designed to showcase the region's charming villages and traditional Cotswold architecture. The Burford Village – Sherborne Brook loop from Northleach, for instance, winds through picturesque villages and along the gentle Sherborne Brook, offering quintessential Cotswold views.
Are there any routes that follow river valleys?
The Coln Valley is a defining feature of the area, and many routes follow the meandering River Coln, providing peaceful and scenic paths. The Windrush and Sherborne Brook – Burford Village loop from Northleach is a great example, leading through the picturesque Windrush and Sherborne Brook valleys.
What kind of natural features define the cycling landscape around Coln St. Dennis?
The landscape is defined by its location within the Cotswolds AONB, featuring rolling green hills, broad open views of arable fields, woodlands, and gentle river valleys. The distinctive golden-colored Jurassic oolitic limestone, used in local architecture, also contributes to the unique visual appeal of the area.
Are there any longer or more challenging touring cycling routes for experienced riders?
Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, there are 48 difficult routes available. An example is the Bibury Bridge – Country Lanes in the Cotswolds loop from Yanworth, which covers over 53 kilometers and includes significant elevation gains, offering a more demanding ride through the Cotswold countryside.
Is the NCN Route 45 accessible from Coln St. Dennis?
Yes, the NCN Route 45: South Cerney to Cricklade passes through the vicinity of Coln St. Dennis, expanding the network of cycling possibilities for those looking to connect to a national cycling route.
What makes the Coln Valley special for touring cyclists?
The Coln Valley is regarded as one of the most beautiful river valleys in the Cotswolds. Its tranquil, quiet, and idyllic nature provides a welcome escape into a serene rural community, making it perfect for touring cyclists seeking a relaxed and immersive journey through traditional English countryside.
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