Cycling

Welcome to Warwickshire -a county known for its leafy lanes, sleepy villages, and the bustle of its vibrant market towns. Warwickshire’s heritage stretches back for centuries - from Roman Alcester, the castles at Warwick and Kenilworth, Shakespeare’s Stratford, Northern Warwickshire’s links with George Eliot, or Rugby’s sporting history. Explore Warwickshire by cycle and discover wonderful waterways, beautiful Greenways, scenic Country Parks and many miles of quiet lanes.

Warwickshire is centrally located in the UK, offering excellent road and rail links into the county via significant railway stations at Rugby, Nuneaton and Leamington, meaning it’s possible to arrive with your bike and enjoy some car free time. Warwickshire embraces the Love to Ride app, helping reduce vehicle emissions and promoting healthier lifestyles. Great for residents but great for visitors too. Significant investment is enabling improvements for new schemes building walking, wheeling and cycling links in the area.

Whether you're a seasoned rider or a casual explorer, Warwickshire invites you to discover its rolling countryside, historic towns, and scenic trails - all from the saddle of your bike. Look at our Warwickshire cycling map for the overview.

From the majestic towers of Warwick Castle to the elegant boulevards of Royal Leamington Spa, this county is rich in heritage and natural beauty. Cycle through charming villages, along peaceful canal towpaths, and into vibrant market towns filled with independent shops, cosy cafés, and welcoming pubs.

The National Cycle Network is a comprehensive network of safe and attractive routes to cycle and walk throughout the UK. Around a third of the network consists of traffic-free paths and the remainder follows quiet lanes or traffic-calmed roads.

In Warwickshire, there are two routes, with two more under development. 

• Oxford – Stratford-upon-Avon – Birmingham (Route 5) forms the backbone of the West Midlands Cycle Route, offering welcome stretches of traffic-free riding along the way, most notably the Stratford Greenway between Long Marston, Stratford-upon-Avon, and the Rea Valley Route through Birmingham.
• Stratford-upon-Avon – Warwick and Warwick – Leamington- Rugby: ‘The Lias Line’ (Route 41). A particular highlight is the Offchurch Greenway, which was formerly part of the Leamington to Rugby railway line. This flat, surfaced footpath and cycleway offers exceptional views across South Warwickshire along its one and a half miles.
• Warwick – Kenilworth – Coventry – Nuneaton (Route 52: under development)
• Rugby – Coventry – Solihull – Birmingham (Route 53: under development)

Pedal at your own pace and uncover the gentle charm of Warwickshire’s countryside on two wheels. Leisure cycling here is all about freedom - meandering through quiet lanes, past golden fields, historic villages, and along tranquil canal paths. Glide through the rolling hills of the south, where Shakespeare’s legacy lingers in the air and riverside trails invite peaceful pauses. Or venture north to discover hidden gems tucked between Roman roads and leafy byways, where cosy pubs and market towns offer the perfect excuse to stop and savour the moment. Whether you're chasing views or simply the joy of the ride, Warwickshire welcomes you to slow down and explore. 

• Stratford Greenway A high-quality surfaced 5 mile route does cross some minor roads along the way but takes in great views of Stratford countryside and you can stop en-route at two railway carriage cafés.
• Kenilworth Greenway is a short traffic-free walking and cycling route that runs from the outskirts of Kenilworth to Burton Green, providing an essential link between local villages, the University of Warwick and Tile Hill railway station.
• Offchurch Greenway was formerly part of the Leamington to Rugby railway line. This flat, surfaced footpath and cycleway offers exceptional views across South Warwickshire along its one and a half miles.
• Lias Line Greenway The Lias Line Greenway connects to Offchurch Greenway and Marton, with a segment of the route along the Grand Union Canal. 
• Kingsbury Water Park Over 600 acres of country park encompassing 15 lakes, with many miles of surfaced paths around the lakes and a bridleway around the southern perimeter suitable for cyclists. Bike hire is available in the park.
• Draycote Water A flat five-mile path surrounds the reservoir at Draycote Water Country Park, ideal for cycling and walking, with a section forming part of National Cycle Route 41.

Canal Towpaths Some level, off-road cycling can be had on the canal towpaths of the Grand Union canal, Stratford canal and Coventry canal. These are not always fully surfaced but offer pleasant, traffic-free waterside riding.

Most Warwickshire towns are served by railway stations and have excellent road and cycle links, making them ideal for day trips or longer cycling holidays. Whether you're a leisure rider or a seasoned cyclist, Warwickshire offers a welcoming and scenic experience.