Leisure cycling
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.
After leaving Oxford you head towards Burntwood. Here, Route 5 forms much of the West Midlands cycle route. Traffic-free sections include the Stratford Greenway between Long Marston and Stratford-upon-Avon and the Rea Valley Route in Birmingham. Stratford-upon-Avon is well-known for being the birthplace of Shakespeare. It’s a market town with a rich history and many old buildings and makes for a pleasant stopping off point or overnight stay. The route north of Cheltenham is under development, though sections are open between Tewkesbury and Evesham on unsurfaced bridleway, and between Stratford and Rugby. These offer the opportunity for pleasant, short rides. 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. Route 41 is a lovely ride through beautiful English countryside which connects charming towns with open landscape such as Stratford-upon-Avon and Off Church Greenway. The Stratford Greenway is a 5 mile, traffic-free path in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, that follows the route of a former railway line. It's a popular destination for walkers and cyclists, offering a safe and scenic route through the countryside and connecting the town centre with the village of Long Marston. The path is separated from vehicular traffic, making it a safe option for families and those who prefer a car-free environment. It follows the course of the old Honeybourne Line, a single-track railway closed in 1976. The Greenway is part of the National Cycle Network, specifically a section of the West Midlands Cycle Route The route passes through diverse landscapes, including open fields, fruit trees, and alongside the River Avon. You can hire bicycles from Stratford Greenway Bike Hire — Mercia Cycles. Nestled in the heart of Warwickshire, the Lias Line Greenway offers an exceptional opportunity for cycling tourism, connecting communities and landscapes through a scenic, traffic-free route. This evolving greenway features smooth and accessible paths. Supported by WCC and Sustrans it will ultimately stretch from Rugby to Leamington Spa, but already boasts 7km of traffic free multi-user centred on the village of Long Itchington, a gateway to a wider network of low trafficked lanes and with a connection to the Grand Union Canal towpath. The Lias Line links seamlessly with the Offchurch Greenway, extending westward to the Grand Union Canal near Radford Semele, forming part of a visionary 15km network of high-quality, accessible paths. This network, supported by Warwickshire County Council and Sustrans, when complete, will connect Rugby, Leamington Spa, and Long Itchington, and is proudly part of the National Cycle Network. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a weekend explorer, the Lias Line offers: Come and ride the Lias Line — where heritage meets green travel, and every turn brings a new view.
Oxford – Stratford upon Avon
Route 5
Stratford upon Avon - Warwick
Route 41
Stratford Greenway
Discover the Lias Line: A gateway to cycling adventures in Warwickshire