From Victorian streets where the Industrial Revolution boomed to serene cycle paths through luscious nature parks – the West Midlands Cycle Route is full of contrasts. Here, you will discover urban and natural treasures as you ride through history to the present day.

This Collection takes you along the entire route in seven stages. You will ride a total of 195 miles (314 km) from Oxford to Derby through some of the region’s most fascinating history and stunning scenery.

Ranging in length from 17 miles (27 km) to 35 miles (56 km), each stage is suitable for most riders whether amateur or pro. You can easily shorten or combine the stages to suit your particular needs as the area has good train links.

Aside from the Cotswold hills and Oxfordshire countryside, the West Midlands Cycle Route is fairly flat; it includes 7,217 feet (2,220 metres) of elevation gain spread over the seven stages, with a maximum of 2,001 feet (610 meters) of climbing in one day.

In centuries past, the West Midlands skyline smoked as the Industrial Revolution grew in its workshops. Although many of the factories have now closed their doors, history is still alive in the area. Along the route, you will find villages built from the wealth of the wool trade, canal navigations once used to transport goods, and even the Cadbury chocolate factory.

Thanks to its industrial boom, the West Midlands has many exciting cities. You will ride through the UK’s second city of Birmingham, a thriving multicultural hub which is home to the famous 'Balti Triangle' and, visit Shakespeare’s birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon.

In between the towns and cities, you will find stretches of tranquil nature such as the rolling Cotswold scenery, botanical gardens and peaceful lakes. You can enjoy the nature far away from busy roads as over a third of the route follows along traffic-free towpaths, bridleways and greenways. This does mean, however, that a sturdy bike with a decent tread is required to fully enjoy your adventure; a touring bike with 34mm tyres would be perfect.

The West Midlands Cycle Route can be ridden in both directions, starting in Oxford or Derby. In this Collection, we set off from Oxford, a gem of a town with a rich academic legacy. Here, you can roam the quiet corridors of historic colleges, forgotten libraries and museums brimming with bizarre archaeological treasures. The city also has lovely restaurants and cafes along its honey-coloured streets.

With direct trains from Bournemouth, London, Manchester, Hereford, Southampton and Newcastle, the start line is very easy to reach. If you decide to travel by train, remember to book a place for your bike. Most trains offer free reservations, but spaces are limited.

For train tickets and timetables, visit: thetrainline.com/stations/oxford
For more information about the West Midlands Cycle Route, visit: sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/west-midlands-cycle-route