The Shires Way

The Shires Way is a self-supported bikepacking loop through seven English counties from the Cotswold Lakes, designed to flow rather than to batter riders. It links waterways, bridleways, woodland, quiet lanes and fast gravel through places such as Tusmore, Bloxham and Bourton-on-the-Water, and for 2027 uses more of the Ridgeway National Trail through the Chilterns.

All Mountain Adventures pitches it as its most approachable event: first-time bikepackers have finished it comfortably over three days, faster riders in two, and a gravel bike is the obvious choice for most. It is still a real challenge, with rougher sections where weather, farm traffic and winter damage can turn an easy track into hard work.