Distance: 20.66km
Height: 556m
Time: 1.5-2 hours
Difficulty: Red
Rating: 3/5
Great route for the local boys. Not sure if all of it is strictly bridleways so you pedal through at your own risk. It does follow designated pathways so any sections that are not bridleways you can get off and 'push'.
The biggest downside to this ride is having to finish with a 1-mile ride back in to Winchcombe on a busy main road. Other than that, however, it is fun, encompassing the very edge of the Cotswold hills escarpment. This means plenty of steep hills to climb and descend and wonderful scenery. There are singletrack sections through pine woodland, open sections with good views and fast descents also.
The route starts with a leisurely climb out of Winchcombe along the aptly named Castle street, which passes by Sudeley Castle. Things get very steep very quickly, however. The granny ring will certainly be required here.
The next section unfortunately passes through some privately owned woodland, which will restrict access. Owners I happen to know, however, for the people who don't you can link up the route via a right hand turn further down the hill (next to the farm) and some bridleway. This will bring you to the top of the climb where you will emerge from a firetrack on to the same road used to climb out of Winchcombe, but at the top of the hill.
The bridleway passes straight over the road and continues as singletrack for a quarter kilometer to another road. Bear left, and enter Farmcote estate following the sign post. Please note that you are entering a working wood with logging vehicles and other estate related activities occurring, it is advisable that you stick to the designated, and signposted ways through the wood.
The route meanders through these woods for some time before heading out towards Farmcote itself. There is a couple of short but tough climbs, each followed by short and technical descents before things speed up with a very fast descent down through Hailes woods to Hailes Abbey. You can stop here for refreshments from either the shop or cafe/restaurant, including pick your own strawberries if the time is right.
The route changes from loamy mud to a water eroded stone based trail and back quite regularly and without warning. All round tyres are best suited for the route and it is just as much fun on a hardtail or a full-sus bike.
The trail isn't necessary that technically challenging and it won't provide the roller coaster type thrills we all come to expect from a modern trail centre. Having said that, big berms and massive tabletops are not what back country riding is generally about. Sometimes it is simply about putting in the miles, getting out there and conversing with mother nature. Wet roots, slippy rocks, and if your really lucky thick mud (especially in the Cotswolds) are generally what you'd expect of British trails.
Occasionally with friends, more often than not, on your own, it is a chance to get out there. A chance to reflect on the comings and goings of our 'busy' lives, a chance to slow down. In that respect this trail is pleasantly tranquil. The only people you are likely to pass are the odd walker or horse
rider, and even then this is unlikely until you reach Hailes Abbey.
It is a route I return to time and again.
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