Woodstock to Moreton

June 9, 2025

Today was our last day of the first leg of our trip in the Cotswolds. We rode 56km from Woodstock back to where we started in Moreton in Marsh. As described in the guide we had some “cheeky” climbs adding up to 2100’ of climbing. The one thing about this part of England is that you are constantly going up and down hills, not long ones but they are mostly 5-7% grade or higher. The roads are also rough with lots of potholes unless you are on the main roads. Lastly, unlike Italy where all of the villages are at the top of hills here they are in valleys of part way down a hill. I wouldn’t ride this area without a gravel bike with at least 38-42 tires.

Today we passed through several small villages including Greater and Lesser Tew. There were also many km through pasturelands. Once done the ride we had a pub lunch while doing laundry. We were picked up at 4:30 and taken to Oxford for a night and a rest day.

Some of the markings for the bike routes.

A lovely sign for a pub/hotel in Greater Tew.

A home under renovation, not sure why the thatched roof is so pale.

The restaurant and hotel in Greater Tew where we took a butt break.

Our second stop for a DC at Harold’s Corner, which literally is a corner.

We saw this sign often in this area so I researched it. The Monarch's Way is a 615-mile long-distance footpath in England that follows the escape route of King Charles II after the Battle of Worcester in 1651. The trail begins in Worcester and ends at Shoreham-by-Sea in West Sussex, the point from which Charles II fled to France. The route meanders through various landscapes, including the Cotswolds, Mendip Hills, and the South Coast.

Today's ride: 57 km (35 miles)
Total: 214 km (133 miles)

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