Tetbury loop

This is a beautiful ride of about 24 miles through gently undulating Gloucestershire / Wiltshire landscapes.

There is free parking in Tetbury near the Tetbury Goods Shed Arts centre. From there, go towards the town centre on to Chipping Street and at the cross roads, turn right into Long Street. Cycle along this street and then take the second left into Hampton Street. (Sign: AVENING / CHAVENAGE).

After a while, take left fork off main road into Chavenage Lane. When this road gets out into the countryside take first unsigned road left uphill. When the road levels out, there are views of Tetbury to the left. The road then descends to a junction with a major road. Cross carefully and take road diagonally opposite – Hookshouse Lane.

Carry on along this road until you reach a junction at Hookshouse Pottery. Here, take the right fork signed to Leighterton and continue to a crossroads.

Go straight across (signed Leighterton). On the outskirts of the village there is a cemetery that includes Commonwealth War graves from WWI.

In the village of Leighterton, take the second left with the Royal Oak pub on the corner. Continue along The Street until you reach the village pond.

Leighterton pond

Take the road signed to Knockdown and continue to the junction with the A433 where you turn left and continue until a right turning signed to Willesely. Go through village of Willesley and follow road to a T-junction where you turn left.

Ignore a track going off to right and continue to next tarred road to right. There is no sign. Carry on along this road to another T-junction where you turn left. Take first turning right, more or less opposite a house. This is Whitehouse Lane. Carry on to a crossroads with a turning for Shipton Moyne to the right (signed MALMESBURY). Go through the village – possibly visiting an interesting church – and keep on the main road following signs to MALMESBURY.

Look out for a crossroads with turnings to right and left signed BYWAY. Turn left – this is the route of the Fosse Way the Roman road that went from Exeter to Lincoln. The surface along the Fosse Way is variable and you will definitely need to dismount and take a small bridge at a Ford.

Fosse Way

Continue on the Fosse Way to the road junction closest to the village of Ashley. Turn left on to the road a continue up to the village. Turn left just before a telephone box – signed Tetbury. Carry on to Crossroads and turn right signed Tetbury/ Cirencester.

Just before the junction with the A433, there is a sign to the left for the Tetbury Cycle path which will take you directly back to the car park in Tetbury.