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    Home > Bikes > Mountain Biking > Routes

    Birdlip Cross country mountain bike route

    Mar 11, 2018 by Ian Carruthers | This post may contain affiliate links.

    Birdlip, Handy for Cheltenham

    Birdlip cross country mountain biking


    Although titled Birdlip this ride only briefly passes through the small village of Birdlip located on the edge of the Cotswolds over looking Cheltenham. Meandering though the edge of the Cotswolds the ride passes though small villages and open countryside.

    This is one of my goto rides as it's fairly close, and has enough to maintain interest for the couple of hours it takes to get round, The ride has a bit of up and down a couple of great descents, but no long sustained climbs. The route mostly stays clear of busy roads, there are a couple of main road crossings, and meanders though quiet back lanes to link up the offered sections.

    The off road sections comprise of bridleways, farm tracks, forest roads and fields. Most of it is fairly solid and the descents are mostly rocky / gravel. There are a couple of fields to cross which at times can be muddy, being the classic Cotswold clay this can clog up your wheels, especially int he depths of winter.

    On a summers day or after a long day staring at the sunshine through the office windows, this makes a nice relaxed ride.

    Birdlip Mountain Bike Route

    Birdlip XC Map
    Distance27km
    Time2-3hrs
    Starting locationShab hill
    Pubs, cafesRoyal George, Birdlip
    ParkingShab hill, view point
    RouteView route on Strava
    View route on Garmin
    Download GPX
    Birdlip XC Elevation
    Cotswolds Mountain Biking (Guide book with 20 classic routes)

    Cotswolds Mountain Biking, contains 20 mountain bike rides in the Cotswolds, covering different terrains, routes and abilities. Grab a copy on Amazon now.
    Don't forget to check out my favourite Cotswold routes!

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    About MTB Foodie

    MTB Foodie is a UK mountain biking blog covering routes, maintenance, travel and food. Ian can be found chasing awesome trails and thrills around the South West and beyond.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Josh

      February 28, 2021 at 10:20 pm

      Had a go at this route this weekend, really enjoyed it. As a newcomer to cross country and adventure biking, this route had so much variety. Glad it's still available to easily follow 2 years later. Sometimes it felt like I was going a bit off course, but trust the route and it delivers!

      Thanks

      Reply
    2. Alan Dawson

      May 22, 2021 at 7:02 pm

      Excellent route, even on a muddy day. Many thanks

      Reply

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    I’m Ian aka MTB Foodie… have bike, will ride! Found chasing awesome trails and thrills around the South West. Addicted to mud, gravel and hills, with a healthy balance of travel and food.

    Hit me up with any questions, enquiries or new trails to ride at: blog [AT] mtbfoodie.com

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    I’m Ian aka MTB Foodie… have bike, will ride! Found chasing awesome trails and thrills around the South West. Addicted to mud, gravel and hills, with a healthy balance of travel and food.

    Hit me up with any questions, enquiries or new trails to ride at: blog [AT] mtbfoodie.com

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