This route of approximately 130 miles really is a “something for everyone” route. With its fast-flowing A roads, windy B roads, tight nadgery unclassified roads and historic towns it really doesn’t matter what you ride or how you ride it, this route will put a huge smile on your face. It takes in a large part of the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and finishes off with the famous Charlbury TT route, a must for anyone visiting the area. With plenty of options for food and cafes throughout the route, as well as a stop at the Cotswold Motoring museum, you can make a full day’s leisurely ride or, if you prefer to just ride, there’s about three and a half hours of road riding.

The route starts off by the historic town of Burford, which dates back to 1086. It is built on a steep hill, and the view from the top of the hill looking down the High Street to the river is one of the classic panoramas of the Cotswolds. There are several places to eat or drink in the High Street if you want to build your energy levels for the ride ahead!

You quickly turn off onto the B4425, a classic British B road which alternates from wide open views of the countryside to tight tree lined and canopy covered sections. Be aware that during colder and wetter months even on bright sunny days, you can get caught out by reduced grip in these covered sections. The B4425, A435, A436 and B4068, which you’ll get too later, were part of the old Motorcycle News MCN250 test route.

As you go through Bibury, there is a place to stop on the left-hand side, by the river Coln, to view the historic Arlington Row cottages. Originally built in the 14th century as a monastic wool store, it was later converted in the 17th century into a row of weavers' cottages and they demonstrate the classic Cotswold look of limestone and hard wood. See link below.

As you get to Cirencester you will turn on the A435 and head up towards Cheltenham. Another great road although much of it now has a 50mph speed limit and lots of solid white lines which curtails overtaking, in which case you can slip into top gear, roll from one corner to the next and enjoy some of the great scenery.

You’ll arrive at Severn Springs, the place that lays a disputed claim as the source of the River Thames (most quote Kemble, a small village about 6 miles SW of Cirencester as the source) and then turn left on the A436 to head to Crickley Hill Country Park. Here at Crickley hill you will get some amazing views over the Oxfordshire countryside, perfect for a panoramic picture. There is also a nice little café here which does hot and cold drinks and snacks. There is limited space indoors but a good outdoor seating area plus also toilets.

Following this stop, head back the way you came past Severn Springs and continue on the A436 before turning onto the B4068 and then the A424 bypassing Stow on the Wold (which we visit later on). This part of the route is mainly fast, open, flowing roads and those that enjoy a more spirited ride will find it really rewarding.

The next part of the route will see you touch the A44 before turning off for a loop around Chipping Campden to stop off at Dover’s Hill. Another fantastic scenic, viewing stop. Dover’s Hill is 230m above sea level with great views over the Vale of Evesham. Look out for the left hand turn off Cotswold Way into the Dover’s Hill car park. There are also some great walking routes to explore. For more information see the link below.

After this stop we work back round to the A44 to take in the infamous Fish Hill bends. Taking this direction of travel means you get to negotiate the bends climbing up the hill and with two lanes, so less chance being stuck behind really slow-moving traffic. They are also fun to ride the other way on the single lane side, but be warned, it’s really easy to overcook one of the tight 90-degree bends, I’ve done so many times! Also be aware that this stretch of the A44 is classed as an “accident hotspot” so keep your speed down as there is often speed enforcement along here (stretch marked from route point 18). Be especially careful of traffic pulling out to join the A44 just after the bends as visibility from the roads onto the A44 is tricky.

From here we continue on the A44 into the lovely town of Moreton In Marsh which is an ideal place to stop for a bite to eat. I suggest parking in the Old Market Way car park. I also recommend the award-winning Marshmallow tearoom and restaurant. A delightful place with a wide selection of food and drink from a snack through to a full meal. Something to fit any time of the day. However, there are a plethora of other options in the town to suit all tastes and prices. Moreton-in-Marsh is one of the principal market towns in the northern Cotswolds situated on the Fosse Way. It grew up in the thirteenth century as a market town with a wide main street, narrow burgage plots and back lanes. There still is a busy Tuesday market with about 200 stalls attracting many visitors. Further info on Moreton-in-Marsh in the link below. One other highlight, if you are particularly interested in aviation is the Wellington Aviation Museum.

After leaving Moreton, head along the A429 through Stow On The Wold, where I’ve highlighted a convenient fuel station if you need it, before continuing to Bourton on the Water, a charming English village known as the Venice of the Cotswolds. Bourton boasts a wealth of attractions and shops, restaurants and tea rooms, or simply the space for you to enjoy some tranquil time by the River Windrush, spanned by its five arched bridges. I have added a stop here to visit the Cotswold Motoring and Toy Museum, a place any petrol head will enjoy with its varied collection of classic cars and motorcycles not to mention the toys, caravans and memorabilia. Check out their website linked below for prices and opening times.

Following the stop in Bourton on the Water, you ride some more great roads in a winding route through a number of Cotswold villages up to Chipping Norton where I’ve added a stop for a visit to the Old Mill Coffee House and Bistro. If you can't park right outside head on round to the New Street car park and walk back round to the Old Mill. The other reason I’ve planned a stop here is to get a break and replenish your energy before doing the Charlbury TT route, trust me you will need it.

The final leg of this route, and for me the highlight, is the Charbury TT route. Only approximately 19 miles in length taking in the B4026, A361 and B4437 this is a technical and demanding route, open and flowing in parts and tight and nadgery in others. There are big changes in elevation as you go past bright fields and rolling countryside. It really does require your fullest concentration. It is normally run beginning and ending from Charlbury itself but I’m starting and ending at Chipping Norton just for the ease of linking the route together. You ride the same roads just in a different order!

Once you have fully enjoyed this last leg, finish up back in Chipping Norton where I’ve highlighted a fuel station, which you’ll undoubtedly need if you haven’t stopped elsewhere on the route and enjoyed some enthusiastic riding.

Enjoy!