EVENT DETAILS

The below schedule is indicative and whilst every effort will be made to adhere to these times, on occasion we do have to amend the times to suit venue opening times.

Host Venue: Cotswold Lakes Camping
Dates: 12/06/2026 – 14/06/2026
Registration: 08:00
Pre-event Briefing: 09:15
Start Time: 09:30

The Shires Way is a stunning, multi-day bikepacking adventure designed for gravel and mountain bike riders who want to escape into the heart of rural England. Covering 219 miles with over 12,000ft of climbing, the route links together six iconic counties – Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Warwickshire – giving the event its name.

START AND FINISH

The adventure begins and ends at Cotswold Lakes Camping, Somerford Keynes, on the edge of the North and South Cerney lakes. With easy access from the M5 and M4, it’s perfectly positioned for riders travelling from South Wales, the South West, Midlands, East and London. Camping is available on-site for those arriving the night before, and paid parking is available on arrival.

THE ROUTE

The Shires Way blends a 50/50 mix of road and off-road riding. Expect:

• Lakes & Waterways – roll out past the Cotswold lakes before skirting west of Swindon.
• The Ridgeway – enjoy uninterrupted miles of chalk track from Marlborough to Streatley/Goring on Thames.
• The Chilterns – meander through protected hills and woodland trails, with plenty of resupply stops.
• Quiet Country Lanes & Hidden Trails – linking villages steeped in history and folklore.
• The Cotswolds Return – pass through Chipping Norton, Clarkson’s Farm, Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water before rolling back to Cotswold Lakes Camping.

EVENT FORMAT

Like all our events, the Shires Way is self-supported. That means you carry everything you need for 2–3 days of riding. You choose whether to camp, book hotels, or mix it up – the freedom is yours.

You can ride as:

• An individual
• A pair or group
• Family Pair (NEW) – for the first time we’re introducing a parent/guardian (18+) and 16–17-year-old rider option. Families with children aged 15+ with prior bikepacking experience are encouraged to get in touch with the team if they’d like to take part.

The route is most suited to gravel bikes, though mountain bikes are also welcome and certainly will not feel out of place on some of the terrain.

WHATS INCLUDED?

So what does your entry include:

• A fully checked route and GPX file (No Footpaths Here)….
• A GPS tracker, linked to a premium live map so friends, family and our team can follow your journey.
• Family run checkpoints doubling as feed stations (fast becoming famous at our events).
• A detailed event guide with sponsor discounts.
• Event merchandise and future discounts.
• A dedicated participant WhatsApp group to stay connected.
• And of course, a finisher’s medal at the end.

WHY RIDE THE SHIRES WAY

For 2–3 days, life is stripped back to the essentials – you, your bike, and the trail ahead. Bikepacking gives you the chance to reconnect with nature, rediscover simplicity, and share the experience with a community of like-minded riders.

Whether you’re chasing adventure, craving solitude, or seeking new friendships, the Shires Way is the place to find it. Riders return year after year for the routes, the atmosphere, and the memories made – and now it’s your chance to join us for the inaugural edition.