You need to be more specific. Aleberic have done a lot of research in this area but would need to know the parameters you are working within.
Video of our Cotswold holiday in May 2008. You’ll see Weston Subedge, Chipping Norton, Walk the Guiting Wood, and Stanton.
Duration : 0:9:21
Gold. Golden Cotswolds villages. Gold-winning tour company. Honeyed, golden-voiced guide:
Richard with the red cap – the cynosure of guides!
Duration : 0:2:40
We’re always being told to get out and about and get some more exercise. And there is no better time to do this than when we are on holiday,doing holiday activities.
It’s better still when you are having a holiday in the UK as you get the chance to explore some of the best UK countryside on your bike. The Forest of Dean must surely be one of the best places to go in this respect, as it is simply charming and has a lot to offer.
If you are thinking about building some mountain biking into your holiday in the Forest of Dean, there are a few things you need to bear in mind before you go. Here are some pointers:
1. How fit are you? We all have an image of hopping on a bike and taking on the best and most demanding trails there are with no bother at all. But in reality if you haven’t been out and about on a bike for years you might struggle. Try and get some practice in before you go.
2. Pick a route to suit your skills. We’ll touch on a couple of good possibilities below, but do bear this in mind. A tough off road route isn’t going to be very enjoyable if you haven’t cycled in years!
3. Think about the ages of the people in your party. If you have kids with you then pick an easier route that isn’t as long as you might tackle on your own.
So where can you go in the Forest of Dean and surrounding areas to enjoy a nice bike ride on your holiday in this area? Let’s find out:
1. The Family Cycle Trail. As the name would suggest this is perfect for the whole family to try. The route has plenty of great sights to see – you will be cycling on disused railway lines for starters – and there are lots of nice places to stop and have a bite to eat too. Great for every age of rider, and the ground isn’t too demanding either.
2. The Forest of Dean Cycling Association biking trail. Don’t attempt this one unless you love cycling and you know what you are doing off road. If this will be your first time on a dirt track with hills and climbs then start off with something a little easier!
3. Cycle routes round the Cotswold Water Park. If you are new to cycling and you want to get started on flatter ground, head for the Cotswold Water Park. This is perfect as you can cycle alongside the lakes. The only downside is if the weather has been bad – be prepared to get muddy if this is the case!
These three top choices should get you started if you are heading to the Forest of Dean with your mountain bike. Alternatively of course you can rent a bike while you are here, so you don’t have to worry about taking yours along with you.
Are you thinking about getting in the saddle now? You should be – there is no better activity to try!
My name is Martin Gavin and I work in the cottage industry in the Cotswolds. I specialise in finding the top cycle routes for people when they are visiting cottages in the county in the forest of dean.
Image taken on 2007-05-23 07:32:16 by UGArdener.
start in Monaco and travel along the coast down south trough St. Tropez to Marseille as far as you can , nice places and heaps of camping grounds
http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tab=wl
Image taken on 2008-07-07 10:58:53 by UGArdener.
Image taken on 2008-07-07 12:23:28 by UGArdener.
Just not sure if renting a car is our best ooption or if there is a train to take us to the Cotswolds. We only have 3 full days and then we have to head back to Heathrow to go home. Also, any can’t misses or places to stay/eat in the Cotswolds would be appreciated.
You don’t say which part of the Cotswolds or which town you’re travelling to. There are two rail lines from London Paddington serving the Cotswolds area: London-Oxford-Moreton in the Marsh-Worcester and London-Swindon-Kemble-Stroud-Gloucester-Cheltenham. Both run every 2 hours and Cheltenham would be a good town to base yourself in. The rail operator is First Great Western
www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk
From Dover to London catch a South Eastern train from Dover Priory Station to London Charing Cross; they run every 30 minutes and the fastest trains take 90 minutes. From Charing Cross Station an Underground Bakerloo Line train will take you to Paddington Station for trains to the Cotswolds.
Returning to Heathrow, trains from all destinations in the Cotswolds stop at Reading on their way into London. From Reading Station a rail to air link bus runs regularly to Heathrow Airport.
You might find a Britrail Pass is cheaper for these journeys than conventional tickets
www.britail.com
www.nationalrail.co.uk
(I’m sorry I know nothing about renting cars. I am sure other answers will cover this)
When 36 Bengalis unite to make a memorable trip to Cotswold
Duration : 0:9:58
