4.4
(80)
3,060
riders
5
rides
Road cycling around Kencot offers a network of quiet country lanes through the tranquil Upper Thames Valley and the varied terrain of the Oxfordshire Cotswolds. The region transitions from low-lying farmland and floodplain pasture in the south to semi-enclosed limestone wolds in the north. This geological diversity provides a mix of flat, open countryside and gently undulating sections, ideal for no traffic road cycling routes. The landscape is characterized by mature trees and traditional drystone walls, contributing to a peaceful cycling experience away from heavy traffic.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
3
riders
59.1km
02:50
410m
410m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
7
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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3
riders
30.3km
01:32
190m
190m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
6
riders
39.4km
01:59
290m
290m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5
riders
89.1km
04:19
620m
620m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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At the General Audience on June 21, 2006, the then Holy Father briefly summarized two biblical accounts that illustrate the special position of James the Greater, the patron saint of this church, among the disciples: "He was privileged, along with Peter and John, to participate in the hour of Jesus' agony in the Garden of Gethsemane and in the event of Jesus' transfiguration. (...) In the first instance, James, together with the other two apostles, experienced the glory of the Lord; he saw him speaking with Moses and Elijah; he saw the radiance of divine glory shine forth in Jesus; in the second instance, he stood before suffering and humiliation; he saw with his own eyes how the Son of God humbled himself and was obedient unto death. The second experience was certainly an opportunity for him to mature in faith and to correct the one-sided, triumphalistic interpretation of the first experience: He had to recognize that the Messiah, whom the Jewish people expected to be a triumphant figure, was in reality not only surrounded by honor and glory, but also of suffering and weakness. The glory of Christ is realized precisely on the cross, in sharing in our sufferings.” (Pope Benedict XVI)
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Can get busy with traffic but lots of side roads and walking pathetic to explore
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Lovely church to stroll around with a cafe near by and walks along the river
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"The Anglican Church of St James at Coln St. Dennis in the Cotswold District of Gloucestershire, England, was built in the 12th century. It is a grade I listed building. The Church of England parish church is dedicated to Saint James the Great. The church was dedicated to Saint Katherine in the 13th century, Saint Dennis in the 18th century, and is believed to have once been dedicated to Saint Kenelm.[2] During the 18th century it may have briefly been dedicated to St Dennis. The central tower had a belfry added in the 15th century. This was rebuilt in 1904 as part of a wider restoration by William Weir the architect for the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. The parish is part of the Chedworth Yanworth and Stowell Coln Rogers and Coln St Dennis benefice within the Diocese of Gloucester." Source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_St_James,_Coln_St._Dennis
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You feel like you've been transported back a few centuries and are reminded of Little Lord Fauntleroy...
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It's beautiful in a overrun-with-tourists kinda way, but the Deli here is excellent for coffee, food and expensive Italian ingredients that you don't need on a bike ride, but want.
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This is a pretty little ford in Shilton. You can cycle through the ford if the water is safe, or use the nearby bridge if the water levels are too high.
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There are over 100 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes around Kencot, offering a wide range of options for exploring the tranquil Oxfordshire countryside. These routes are designed to keep you away from heavy vehicle traffic, ensuring a peaceful ride.
The routes around Kencot offer a diverse and picturesque landscape. You'll cycle through the open, low-lying countryside of the Upper Thames Valley, transitioning to gently rolling limestone wolds. Expect to see traditional farmland, mature trees, and characteristic drystone walls, all contributing to the unspoilt rural charm of the area.
Yes, Kencot offers a good selection of easy no-traffic road cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. With 38 routes rated as easy, you can enjoy a relaxed pace through serene rural landscapes. For example, the Burford Village – Burford Town Centre loop from Kencot is an easy 29.8 km ride that takes you through charming scenery.
The komoot community highly rates the road cycling experience around Kencot, with an average score of 4.36 stars. Cyclists frequently praise the area's quiet country lanes, the sense of tranquility away from traffic, and the beautiful, varied landscapes that make for an immersive outdoor adventure.
Many of the no-traffic road cycling routes around Kencot are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location without retracing your steps. This makes planning your ride convenient and ensures you experience a continuous change of scenery.
Absolutely! The Kencot area is rich in historical and natural attractions that you can incorporate into your ride. You might pass by the evocative 15th-century Minster Lovell Hall Ruins or visit the charming medieval Burford Town Centre, known as the 'gateway to the Cotswolds'. Other notable spots include the historic St John the Baptist Church in Inglesham and Kelmscott Manor, the former home of William Morris. For natural beauty, consider highlights like Witney Lake or the View of the Cotswolds Valley.
One of the longer no-traffic road cycling options is the Eastleach Turville – Windrush Valley Country Lane loop from Kencot. This moderate route covers approximately 45.7 km (28.4 miles) and offers a substantial ride through picturesque country lanes and the scenic Windrush Valley.
Yes, for more experienced cyclists seeking a moderate challenge, Kencot offers 58 routes with a moderate difficulty rating and 8 more challenging options. These routes often feature gently undulating terrain and longer distances. The Eastleach Turville – Windrush Valley Country Lane loop from Kencot is a great example of a moderate route, covering over 45 km with some elevation gain.
The no-traffic routes primarily utilize quiet country lanes. While generally well-maintained, some stretches, particularly along less-trafficked paths or older village roads, might have gravel or potholes. This makes them ideal for road bikes, but a touring or gravel bike might offer a more comfortable experience on certain sections.
Yes, the region around Kencot is dotted with charming villages and towns that offer excellent opportunities for refreshment stops. Burford Town Centre, for instance, is a popular stop with its independent shops, tearooms, and pubs, perfect for a mid-ride break. Many routes will pass through or near similar villages where you can find local hospitality.
The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling around Kencot, with milder weather and longer daylight hours. However, the tranquil nature of the routes means they can be enjoyed in the crisp air of autumn or even on dry, clear winter days, provided you are prepared for cooler temperatures.


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