Best cycling routes in Gloucestershire for nature and scenic lovers

Best cycling routes in Gloucestershire for nature and scenic lovers

June 11, 2025

Gloucestershire is a true cycling paradise, offering a remarkable combination of scenic landscapes, lush countryside and fascinating cycling routes. Whether you're an avid mountain biker or prefer leisurely family rides, this region has something for everyone. In our guide, we'll take you on a journey through some of the best cycling routes in Gloucestershire, which will delight you not only with their beauty, but also with their variety of terrains and levels of difficulty. Get ready for unforgettable adventures on two wheels as you explore the charming corners of the Cotswolds, the mysterious paths of the Forest of Dean and the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. Gloucestershire isn't just a place to cycle - it's a true experience that will allow you to combine active recreation with communing with nature at its finest.

Ad

Cotswold Mountain Biking - an adrenaline lover's paradise

We begin our cycling adventure with Cotswold Mountain Biking, a destination that is a true paradise for mountain biking enthusiasts. Located in the scenic Cotswolds region, it offers an unforgettable experience for cyclists of all levels.

Cotswold Mountain Biking stands out above all for its excellent organization and professional approach to customers. The company offers private guided rides, which is ideal for both beginners and advanced cyclists. Guides, such as Tim, who is mentioned in numerous positive reviews, are not only experienced cyclists, but also great experts on local nature and geology.

One of the greatest advantages of Cotswold Mountain Biking is the ability to customize the route to suit the client's individual skills and preferences. The guides make sure that each tour is well-balanced in terms of challenge and safety. This makes the place ideal for both adrenaline seekers and those who prefer a more leisurely pace.

It is worth noting that the company offers high-quality equipment, including electric bikes, which greatly expands the possibilities of exploration even for less experienced cyclists. The routes lead through some of the most picturesque corners of the Cotswolds region, offering incredible views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

Cotswold Mountain Biking is not just cycling - it's a comprehensive experience. Guides often stop at strategic points to talk about local history, geology or flora and fauna. This is an added benefit for those who want to combine active recreation with learning about the region.

The company enjoys excellent reviews from customers, who emphasize the professionalism, friendly atmosphere and unforgettable driving experience. Many people return here repeatedly, which testifies to the high quality of the services offered.

All in all, Cotswold Mountain Biking is an excellent choice for those looking for a quality cycling experience in a beautiful setting. It offers the perfect combination of adrenaline, safety and education, making it a unique place on the Gloucestershire cycling map.

Forest of Dean Cycle Center -. the heart of cycling adventures

Another remarkable place on the Gloucestershire cycling map is the Forest of Dean Cycle Center. This place is the true heart of the region's cycling adventures, offering routes for cyclists of all levels.

The Forest of Dean Cycle Center stands out above all for its location in the heart of a beautiful old forest. This makes riding here not just a sport, but a true communion with nature. The center offers a wide range of trails, from easy family trails to challenging trails for advanced mountain bikers.

One of the biggest advantages of this place is the variety of trails. There are green trails ideal for beginners and families with children, but also black trails for very experienced riders, full of challenging jumps and technical sections. This variety makes the Forest of Dean Cycle Center a great place for both a day trip and a longer stay, during which you can gradually increase the difficulty level of the trails.

The center enjoys excellent infrastructure. There is a large parking lot, a cafe offering snacks and drinks, as well as bike washes, toilets and showers. This makes it possible to refresh and relax even after an intense ride. In addition, a bike rental service is available for those who don't have their own equipment.

It is worth noting that the Forest of Dean Cycle Center is not only a place for individual cyclists. Group rides and events are also organized here, which provides an excellent opportunity to meet other cycling enthusiasts and exchange experiences.

Reviews from visitors highlight the excellent preparation of the routes, the beauty of the surrounding nature and the friendly atmosphere at the center. Many cyclists return here regularly, appreciating the opportunity to ride in a variety of conditions and the constant improvement of the infrastructure.

When comparing the Forest of Dean Cycle Center with Cotswold Mountain Biking, it's worth noting that while the latter offers a more personalized, guided experience, the Forest of Dean Cycle Center is ideal for those who prefer to explore the trails on their own. It also offers more options for families with children and novice cyclists.

Forest of Dean Cycle Center is a place that combines everything a mountain biking enthusiast needs: great trails, beautiful nature and excellent infrastructure. This makes it a must-see spot on the map for any cycling enthusiast visiting Gloucestershire.

Cannop Ponds - relaxation and nature on the cycle path

The last, but equally fascinating place on our Gloucestershire cycling map is Cannop Ponds - Forestry England. This place offers a slightly different perspective on cycling, combining active recreation with opportunities to relax and observe nature.

Cannop Ponds is a charming complex of two man-made ponds, created in the 19th century for local industry. Today it is a place that attracts not only cyclists, but also nature lovers, families with children and anyone looking for peace and quiet surrounded by nature.

The bike trails around Cannop Ponds are much gentler than those offered by Cotswold Mountain Biking or the Forest of Dean Cycle Center. This makes the place ideal for families with children, novice cyclists or those who prefer a more leisurely pace. The paths lead around the ponds and through the surrounding woods, offering beautiful views and opportunities to observe the rich flora and fauna.

One of the greatest advantages of Cannop Ponds is the ability to combine cycling with other activities. After the ride, you can have a picnic by the water, feed the ducks and swans (a particular attraction for children) or simply relax on one of the many benches, admiring the calm surface of the water.

The infrastructure at Cannop Ponds is well developed. There is a large parking lot (paid, but reasonably priced), restrooms and a food truck offering snacks and drinks. This makes it possible to spend a whole day here without worrying about basic amenities.

It's worth noting that Cannop Ponds is a place that changes with the seasons. In spring and summer it attracts lush greenery and flowering plants, in autumn it delights with the colors of the leaves, and in winter it offers a calm, often misty atmosphere. This makes it worth visiting the place repeatedly to experience its different facets.

Comparing Cannop Ponds with the previously described places, we can see that it offers a completely different kind of experience. While Cotswold Mountain Biking and Forest of Dean Cycle Center focus on intense riding and technical challenges, Cannop Ponds is a place where cycling is a means of exploration and relaxation in nature.

To sum up our cycling journey in Gloucestershire, it's worth noting that the region offers an incredibly diverse range of opportunities for two-wheeled enthusiasts. From the challenging mountain trails in the Cotswolds, to the diverse Forest of Dean paths, to the tranquil routes around the Cannop Ponds, there is something for everyone. Regardless of skill level or preference, Gloucestershire provides unforgettable cycling adventures surrounded by beautiful nature and fascinating landscapes. This is the perfect place to discover or fall in love with cycling all over again, combining active recreation with communing with nature in its most beautiful form.

Similar articles

Ad