West of England Highlights
The Cotswolds (A)
Cycling around the Cotswolds, with its villages of honey-coloured cottages, beautiful old mansions, atmospheric churches and traditional ale houses set amidst a stunning landscape, is a never-to-be-forgotten pleasure. The region just oozes “olde worlde” English charm. The River Windrush bubbles through the centre of Bourton-on-the-Water, the low stone bridges being an especially attractive feature of the village. The hilltop settlement of Stow-on –the-Wold once hosted the largest sheep fairs in the Cotswolds – the medieval market cross is a reminder of those times. Chipping Campden, Broadway and Snowshill are fine examples of unspoiled Cotswolds villages. From the Broadway Tower folly there are views over thirteen English counties. At Chedworth is one of the best- preserved examples of a Roman Villa in Britain.
(picture shows Cotswold village)
Bath (B)
Bath, the access point for the region, had its origins 2000 years ago as Aquae Sulis, a Roman settlement. The Romans were attracted to the location by Britain’s only natural hot springs, around which they built the famous Roman Baths. However, it is for its abundance of exquisite Georgian architecture that the city is best known and admired. The Royal Crescent, the Circus, the Pump Room and Pulteney Bridge are some of the world’s finest architectural treasures, and the entire city has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The city is compact, and is best explored on foot. A full day (at least) is recommended. To the west of the city the Bath-Bristol Rail Trail follows the course of the River Avon between the two cities.
(picture shows the Roman baths)
The Mendips and the Somerset Levels (C)
The limestone Mendip Hills with the lakes of the Chew Valley to the south of Bath is a stunning landscape of steep slopes and undulating plateau punctuated by spectacular gorges and rocky outcrops. The ride up Cheddar Gorge and descent into the ancient city of Wells with its beautiful cathedral is a highlight. To the west of Wells, the Somerset Levels comprise a unique area of low-lying meadows and wetlands. Drained in medieval times, the Levels support a unique array of wildlife and vegetation. The virtually flat cycling routes here are in marked contrast to the roller coaster rides in the Mendips. Glastonbury, steeped in Arthurian myth and rich in mystical associations, was once one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in England – and Glastonbury Tor, rising high above the surrounding landscape, is one of the most iconic landmarks of the West Country.
(picture shows Cheddar Gorge from the air)
Wiltshire (D)
The ancient county of Wiltshire is famous for its legacies of ancient civilizations. Besides the mysterious stone circles of Stonehenge and Avebury, there are barrows, burial mounds and processional avenues scattered throughout the county. The Wiltshire White Horses are huge figures carved into the landscape, while the ever-changing gallery of crop circles appears at various locations around the county every summer. Close to the Somerset Wiltshire border, Stourhead is among the finest examples of 18th century landscape gardening in Britain. There are breathtaking views from King Alfred’s tower – a fine folly located close to Stourhead. A succession of picture postcard hamlets lines the beautiful Wylye Valley. Thatched cottages and rose gardens typify the idyllic image of the English village.
(picture shows Stourhead)
Salisbury and Salisbury Plain (E)
Just north of Salisbury is Old Sarum, a motte and bailey castle built within the massive ramparts of a 1st century Roman hill fort. A little further north, on Salisbury Plain, Stonehenge is Europe’s most famous prehistoric monument. Built around 3000BC it remains shrouded in mystery. The alignment of the stones indicates that the circle is connected with the sun and with the passage of the seasons. The Vale of Pewsey is noted for its picturesque villages and its magnificent vistas. Pewsey village has many half-timbered houses and thatched cottages. The Pewsey White Horse, one of eight such giant figures cut into the turf of chalk hillsides in the county of Wiltshire, dates from 1785. Salisbury Cathedral, built between 1220 and 1258 is a fine example of Early English Gothic architecture. The spire, at 123m, is the tallest in England.
(picture shows Stonehenge)
The Marlborough Downs (F)
The Kennet and Avon Canal that links Bristol with the River Thames passes through the market town of Devizes, and the staircase of 16 Caen Hill locks in Devizes is one of its most outstanding features. The Kennet and Avon Cycle Path follows the canal towpath for around 70 miles. The High Street in elegant Marlborough is flanked by splendid Tudor and Georgian buildings. Savernake Forest to the east of the town, a magnificent expanse of unbroken woodland and open glades, is home to herds of roe and fallow deer. West of Marlborough, Silbury Hill is England’s largest prehistoric earthwork. Built around 2500BC, the Avebury Stone Circle is one of the most important megalithic monuments in Europe. West of Devizes, Lacock Abbey is a 17th century abbey with fine cloisters and a courtyard later converted into a country house.
(picture shows one of Wiltshire's iconic White Horses)
Recommended Itineraries
6 day to 14+ day itineraries starting and finishing in Bath.
Fixed base itineraries in the Cotswolds.
Fixed base itineraries in Bath.
Fixed base itineraries in Devizes (Marlborough Downs).
(picture shows bridge in Bourton-on-the-Water)