The King's Men Stone Circle loop from Banbury

This route is officially graded as difficult for touring bicycles. While some sections are paved, there are also unpaved, compacted gravel, and even singletrack segments. Cyclists have described parts of the route, particularly in the eastern Cotswolds leading to the Rollright Stones, as 'lumpier-than-expected' with noticeable ascents. A touring or gravel bike is recommended for a more comfortable ride, as some challenging terrain might require pushing your bike.

The route offers a varied cycling experience. Approximately 27.1 km is paved, with 20.2 km being asphalt. However, you will also encounter around 3.69 km of unpaved sections, 1.46 km of compacted gravel, and about 1.83 km of singletrack. This mix means you'll experience different surfaces throughout your ride.

The primary draw of this loop is the historic Rollright Stones complex, which includes the ancient King's Men Stone Circle, The King Stone, and The Whispering Knights. You'll also pass by the beautiful medieval Broughton Castle. For a practical stop, consider Wyatts Farm Shop, Tea Room & Plant Centre, which offers refreshments and a place to store bikes.

While the route starts from Banbury, specific parking details for the trailhead are not provided. However, if you plan to visit the Rollright Stones, there is typically parking available near the site itself. For the full loop, consider parking in Banbury town centre or at a suitable location that allows for easy access to the start of the cycling route.

While cycling routes themselves don't typically have specific dog rules, the King's Men Stone Circle loop passes through rural areas and potentially private land. If you plan to bring a dog, ensure it is well-behaved, kept on a leash, and that you clean up after it. Be mindful of livestock in fields and any local signage regarding dogs, especially around historical sites like the Rollright Stones.

No, you do not need a permit or to pay an entrance fee to cycle this route. The King's Men Stone Circle complex is a protected historic site, but access to the stones themselves is generally open to the public without charge. Always respect the natural and historical environment during your ride.

The best time to cycle this loop is generally during the spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October). During these periods, the weather is typically milder, and the daylight hours are longer, making for a more enjoyable ride through the Cotswolds scenery. Be aware that unpaved sections can become muddy after heavy rain.

Yes, the route includes Wyatts Farm Shop, Tea Room & Plant Centre, which is a convenient spot for refreshments and offers a place to store bikes. Banbury, as your starting and ending point, also provides numerous options for cafes, pubs, and restaurants.

The Rollright Stones complex is steeped in history and folklore. The King's Men Stone Circle dates back approximately 4,500 years to the Late Neolithic or Early Bronze Age. The King Stone is a Bronze Age grave marker, and The Whispering Knights, an early Neolithic dolmen, are the oldest part of the complex, dating to around 3,800 BC. Legends tell of a king and his men being turned to stone by a witch at this site.

Yes, this cycling loop overlaps with several other notable paths. Significant portions of the route follow sections of the National Cycle Network Route 5 (35%), the Cross Cotswold Pathway (17%), and the Macmillan Way (8%). You'll also find smaller segments that coincide with the D'Arcy Dalton Way, Shakespeare's Way, Jurassic Way, Oxford Canal Walk, Seven Shires Way, and the Salt Way.