This 24-mile (38 km) circular tour incorporates the classic Cotswold villages which attract visitors from all parts: Stow-on-the-Wold; Upper and Lower Swell; Lower and Upper Slaughter; Bourton-on-the-Water; the Rissingtons (Upper, Lower and Wyck). Inevitably, since "Wold" means rolling hills, be prepared for some ups and downs as you roll.

The circle can conveniently start and finish at Kingham Rail Station, which is on the Cotswold line from Oxford (30 minutes) to Worcester and Hereford. Or come up from London Paddington (90 minutes) on a day return.

If you're taking a full size bike on a train, you have to book the (free) cyclespace in advance on Great Western trains (www.gwr.com).  If you have a folding bike, you don't need to book.