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If you're cycling through the Cotswolds, the National Byway offers one of the best ways to experience the region at a slower pace.
This route winds through Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire along quiet country lanes, giving you time to really take in the rolling hills and stone villages without the bustle of main roads.
Bledington is a highlight along this stretch. The village has a lovely green with a stream running through it that serves as a natural gathering point, and it's a pleasant place to stop for a rest. The village pub is well-used by locals and makes for a convenient refreshment break. If you're interested in history, St Leonard's Church is worth a look – parts of it date back to Norman times and reflect the area's long heritage.
What makes this route particularly practical is how well-connected it is. Stow-on-the-Wold and Burford are both close by if you need supplies or want to extend your ride, and Kingham railway station is within easy reach too. This means you can plan flexible trips, whether you're making a full day of cycling or fitting it around other activities. The combination of peaceful lanes and accessible villages makes this section of the Byway a genuinely rewarding way to explore the Cotswolds.
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