Cycling in the Cotswolds. Chiz Dakin

Чтение книги онлайн.

      In autumn, the leaves of many of the local trees turn a fantastic shade of red. These are Acer (maple) trees at the world-renowned Westonbirt Arboretum near Malmesbury (near Route 21)

      The best time to cycle in the Cotswolds is in early summer. Throughout the summer, days are longer, the weather is warmer (if not always sunnier!) and routes tend to be much less muddy than in winter. On the downside, accommodation and transport are busier, more expensive and get booked up earlier; vegetation begins to invade paths; and popular centres such as Bourton-on-the-Water, Broadway, Bibury and Winchcombe can get heaving (especially at weekends). However, peace and quiet can be found just a couple of kilometres away from these places – even in midsummer.

      Early autumn and late spring can also offer great cycling: the weather can often be dry and sunny (if windy); the days are still reasonably long and vegetation is less of an issue. Accommodation is cheaper and less busy than in summer, as are trains and tourist centres, but festivals are fewer.

      But beware the Jekyll-and-Hyde nature of off-road surfaces. When dry, the trails are hard-baked and although they may be bouncy or even bone-shaking they usually offer a relatively easy-going surface. Light or short-lived rain will not have a major effect on this once the ground has dried out in spring. Once wet-through, however, the surface can acquire the thick gloopy consistency of a bog, and may flood.

      Unless you like thick, clarty, dauby sticky stuff, winter is definitely not recommended for the novice cyclist, and even the more experienced cyclist may wish to stick more to the roads. However, for the experienced and prepared cyclist, particularly one who enjoys a thoroughly muddy off-road challenge, winter offers a quiet and adventurous angle to a cycling visit to the Cotswolds.

      All of the route descriptions in this book assume dry summer conditions.

Accommodation

      Accommodation is widely available throughout the Cotswolds, although there are only a few hostels. Due to its popularity with tourists, the region’s hotels and B&Bs can seem quite expensive, especially in the summer season. The high demand for rooms during this time means it’s best to book your bed well in advance.

      Many accommodation providers in the more remote areas assume arrival by car, which isn’t always helpful for cyclists. It’s also worth bearing in mind that some of the smaller villages may have just one option, or even none at all, for accommodation and refreshments. Appendix E contains details of websites that are useful for researching and booking accommodation in the Cotswolds, including websites that provide information specifically on cycle-friendly accommodation. A number of establishments in the area have cycle-friendly accreditation, but wherever you decide to stay it’s advisable to check before booking that there will be somewhere safe to store your bike overnight and facilities for drying wet gear.

      Bases of a reasonable size from which to explore the Cotswolds include (roughly south to north):

      A good starting point for your accommodation search is www.cyclistswelcome.co.uk – the Cyclists’ Touring Club’s (CTC’s) list of cycle-friendly accommodation. For a more general search try www.cotswolds.com.

What to wear

      Newcomers to cycling would be forgiven for thinking head-to-toe Lycra in lurid colours is essential, judging by the attire of some road cycling clubs. Fortunately this is not the case, although there are certain items of clothing that will make your ride more comfortable and therefore more enjoyable.

      Cycling shorts

      Cycling (padded) shorts make life on the СКАЧАТЬ