England's Great West Way

From being one of six Great Roads commissioned by King Charles II in the 17th century, to facilitate postal deliveries across England, the route can be traced back further still to the rough wagon tracks of medieval times, and before that even to old Roman roads. The route has taken many detours over the years, and what better way to explore than on a gentle self guided bicycle tour, to experience the beauty and history of the area up close at your own pace. A short detour from the Great West Way takes you to Stonehenge one of the world’s most intriguing ancient monuments and to the beautiful 13th Century Salisbury Cathedral. Bathe like a Roman in Aqua Sulis – now better known as Bath! Marvel at the Kennet and Avon canal built at the end of the 18th-century, to link east and west via the River Avon and River Thames, to transport goods and produce efficiently from Bristol to London avoiding a dangerous trip over the ferocious seas of the English Channel.

Today though you’ll find a blissfully different scene. A serene stretch of water and a wildlife conservation area, perfect for a gentle cycle. After meeting the mighty River Thames, the route takes you through the beautiful Chiltern Hills on the way to Windsor and the world’s oldest inhabited castle, Hampton Court Palace – scene of many a royal intrigue, and past Kew Gardens where your traffic free route takes you on into the beating heart of London. Explore these diverse but equally engaging parts of the country, with unique cycling routes that bring you closer to nature, and you’ll be able to see England’s history from every angle. At UNESCO World Heritage Sites, stately homes and medieval castles, offbeat museums and, of course, through the amazing anecdotes of the locals. One way or another, there’s always more to find out.

11 days of cycling 18-31 miles per day - mostly flat with some slopes and a hill on Day 6. Very largely traffic free.