The best traffic-free bike rides around Ampney Crucis

There are 9 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Ampney Crucis listed in this guide. These routes are designed to offer a peaceful cycling experience through the scenic Cotswolds.

The routes primarily traverse the quintessential Cotswold landscape, featuring gentle, rolling hills, verdant fields, and modest woodlands. You'll find quiet country lanes and paths, often alongside waterways like the Ampney Brook and River Coln, providing a varied and scenic backdrop.

Yes, there are 2 easy routes available, perfect for beginners or those seeking a more relaxed pace. The majority of routes are moderate, offering a good balance of challenge and enjoyment without significant elevation gains.

Many routes connect charming villages and historical sites. You might pass by the iconic Lake at Cotswold Water Park, or explore areas near the Cirencester Amphitheatre. The region is rich in traditional Cotswold stone villages, such as Bibury with its famous Arlington Row cottages.

Yes, many of the routes are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. An example is the Lakefront Café at the Dock – The Lodge at Lake 12 loop from Preston, which offers a moderate 45 km ride.

The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience in Ampney Crucis, with an average score of 4.6 stars from 285 ratings. Cyclists often praise the tranquility of the routes, the picturesque Cotswold scenery, and the opportunity to explore charming villages without heavy traffic.

Yes, many routes pass through or near villages that offer pubs and cafes. For instance, the Lynwood & Co. Coffee House – Pig Farm in the Cotswolds loop from Preston suggests a starting point near a coffee house, and the region is known for its welcoming village establishments.

Beyond the routes themselves, the area is rich in history. You can cycle to areas near the 12th-century Church of the Holy Rood in Ampney Crucis, or explore the village of Bibury, home to the iconic 17th-century Arlington Row cottages and the historic St Mary's Church. Chedworth Roman Villa is also within cycling distance for a longer excursion.

Absolutely. The Ampney Brook and River Coln flow through the wider area, and some routes incorporate pleasant riverside paths. The Bibury Bridge – Arlington Row, Bibury loop from Preston, for example, takes you near the River Coln in Bibury, a particularly scenic spot.

The Cotswolds are beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions for touring cycling, with milder temperatures and vibrant natural colors. Summer is also popular, though routes can be busier. Winter cycling is possible, but be prepared for potentially colder, wetter weather.

Many routes are designed to connect charming Cotswold villages. The Arlington Row, Bibury – Arlington Row, Bibury loop from Ampney St. Mary is a prime example, taking you directly to Bibury, often cited as one of the most beautiful villages in the UK, with its iconic Arlington Row.