One of the Cotswolds’ toughest charity rides —from Broughton Castle to the hills beyond.
The Broughton Castle Sportive returns on Sunday, 29 June 2025, offering an incredible day of cycling through the stunning North Cotswold Hills. Starting and finishing in the beautiful grounds of Broughton Castle, this event has something for everyone—whether you're taking on your first sportive or looking for a serious challenge. Five Routes to Choose From
• Family Fun Ride – 5 miles | A relaxed, scenic ride perfect for beginners and families (entry payable on the day)
• Cotswold Tour – 40 km (Moderate) | Rolling countryside, ideal for newer riders or those looking for a steady challenge
• Cotswold Classic – 100 km (Intermediate) | A rewarding mid-distance ride with classic climbs
• Cotswold Endurance – 160 km (Advanced) | A serious test of stamina with major climbs
• Cotswold Monster – 200 km (Expert) | The ultimate challenge, packed with elevation and tough climbs
All routes are fully signposted, with feed stations, chip timing, mechanical support, and a hot meal waiting at the finish. Team Rider Challenge
Riding solo is great, but why not team up and compete for one of our Team Trophies?
🏆 Broughton Castle Trophy – Fastest 200 km team
🏆 Rotary Challenge Trophy – Best-performing 160 km team
🏆 Presidents Cup – Champions of the 100 km ride
Teams of 4-6 riders compete together, with the 4th rider’s time counting as the official team time—making teamwork just as important as speed! What’s Included?
✔ Chip timing on all major routes
✔ Medical support throughout the event
✔ Mechanical assistance at start/finish and on-course recovery
✔ Well-stocked feed stations on all routes
✔ A finisher’s medal for every rider
✔ A hot meal for all returning cyclists
✔ Free parking at the event
Supporting Local Causes
The Broughton Castle Sportive is organised by the Banbury Cherwell Rotary Club, with all net proceeds going to support local charities. By riding with us, you’re not just taking on a challenge—you’re making a difference. We can’t wait to welcome you to Broughton Castle on Sunday, 29 June 2025. Sign up today: www.broughtoncastlesportive.co.uk
09/02/2026
Route Spotlight · Cotswold Tour 40
Over the coming weeks, we’ll be highlighting the routes on offer at the Broughton Castle Sportive.
Cotswold Tour 40 is a steady route through classic Cotswolds countryside, using quiet roads and rolling terrain.
• Approx. 40km
• 600m elevation gain
• Average riding time: 2–3 hours
• 1 feed stop
This route suits riders newer to sportives, those returning to riding, or anyone looking for a shorter, well-supported day on the bike.
👉 Full info in comments
02/02/2026
A moment at the finish that says it all.
The Broughton Castle Sportive isn’t about speed alone — it’s about completing a well-run challenge and enjoying the day along the way.
From first riders home to last over the line, the atmosphere is supportive, relaxed, and welcoming.
👉 Join us in 2026. Full details and entry link in the comments.
21/01/2026
Ready for a proper challenge?
Broughton Castle Sportive is known for being one of the tougher events in the UK calendar, with routes that ask a bit more of riders.
That’s balanced with clear organisation, full support on the road, and a team that makes sure you’re looked after from start to finish.
If you’re thinking about stepping up to a more demanding sportive this year, this is a good place to do it.
Broughton Castle Sportive has always been about more than riding alone. It’s about good routes, a supportive atmosphere, and people encouraging each other through a challenging day.
That sense of community is a big part of what makes this event what it is — and it’s something we’re looking forward to again in 2026.
Early starts.
Quiet focus.
A tough route that asks a lot — and gives plenty back.
Broughton Castle Sportive is known for being one of the more challenging days out in the UK calendar, delivered in a way that’s well-run, supportive, and welcoming.
Broughton Castle Sportive has built its reputation on good routes, great organisation, and people who genuinely care about the day riders have.
From the moment you roll out to the finish line, it’s about feeling supported, welcome, and glad you signed up.
Entries for 2026 are now open.
Link in bio.
07/01/2026
A ride worth signing up for.
Good routes through the Cotswolds.
A well-supported day.
An atmosphere that makes the miles enjoyable.
That’s what Broughton Castle Sportive is about.
Whether you’re setting yourself a goal for the year or returning for another ride, we’d be glad to welcome you in 2026.
Entries are now open.
Link in bio.
04/01/2026
Sportive 2026 starts here.
A well-run, well-known event with heart — and a great day out on the bike.
Broughton Castle Sportive brings together scenic Cotswold routes, an experienced team of volunteers, and a fully supported ride from start to finish. It’s about good organisation, a welcoming atmosphere, and a finish line you’re glad to cross.
If you rode with us last year, you know what to expect.
If you didn’t, this could be the year you join us.
Entries for Broughton Castle Sportive 2026 are now open.
Date: 28 June 2026
Location: Broughton Castle
Link in bio.
23/11/2025
A look back at the moments that make the Broughton Castle Sportive what it is.
The smiles at the start line, the grit on the climbs, and the sense of achievement as riders roll back through the castle gates — these are the memories that bring everyone together each year.
We’ll be doing it all again on Sunday 28 June 2026, with four routes, the same warm atmosphere, and the same commitment to supporting local charities.
The Broughton Castle Sportive 2026 rolls out on Sunday 28 June, and entries are already open.
It might be months away, but it’s never too soon to start planning your ride — whether you’re eyeing up the 200km Cotswold Monster or setting a new goal on the 40km Cotswold Tour.
Join us for another unforgettable day of cycling through the Cotswolds — and help support local Rotary and community charities along the way.
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Contact The Practice
Send a message to Broughton Castle Sportive - Cycle Event:
Now in its eighth year, the Broughton Castle Cycling Sportive 2021 is based in the grounds of Broughton Castle, near Banbury, with various stunning Sportive routes winding their way through the North Cotswold Hills. This event offers a challenge for every level of cyclist. There are five Sportive routes available on the day, from a family fun ride to the Cotswold "Beast" a 100 mile lung and leg tester.
For the 2021 Sportive we have completely redesigned the 100 mile and 50 mile routes and have added a new 75 mile route.
If you enjoy cycling with others as a team, then our “Team Rider Challenge” will appeal to you. The "Team Rider Challenge" is available to riders on the 100 mile, 75 mile and 50 mile routes. A trophy will be presented to each winning team.
To promote real teamwork within the group – the winning team will be based on the time of the fourth rider home. To enter the “Team Rider Challenge”, you must be a team of a minimum of 4 and maximum of 6 riders, all cycling the same route and have registered as a team on the website prior to the event date.
The event is organised by Banbury Cherwell Rotary Club which is a voluntary Service Organisation. All net proceeds from this event will be donated to Rotary and local charities.
'Family Fun' ride 10km / 5.5 miles: no need to register online as entry is payable on the day. A flat(ish) family friendly route around the quiet roads and tracks immediately surrounding the Castle.
'Cotswold Tour 20' 32km / 20 miles through undulating North Oxfordshire ironstone countryside - the course winds its way through the villages of Shutford and Epwell. There are no big hills on this route we promise, but by the nature of the terrain it will be a challenge if you've not done much cycling before. There will be one feed-station on the route at approximately half distance. The Cotswold Tour 20 might suit people who are new to Sportive cycling or medium ability but who still want a good cycling challenge.
'Cotswold Classic 50' 80km / 50 miles: The route has been designed to incorporate several classic hill climbs. The route is designed for the more regular cyclist who is accustomed to riding more challenging and hilly terrain. There will be two feed-stations on this route - the first after 25 miles at Kingham and the second after 34 miles at Moreton in Marsh. The route is a testing ride and you should expect it to take somewhere between 3/5 hours.
‘Windrush Endurance 75’ 120km / 75 miles: This extremely well signed route has been designed for the rider who is looking for a ride more demanding than the 50 mile route but not so challenging as the 100 mile route. This route includes two major climbs at Rissington and Whichford hills. There will be two feed-stations on this route the first located at Great Barrington and the second at Moreton in Marsh
'Cotswold Beast 100' 160km / 100 miles: The extremely well signed route will be one of the most challenging rides that you will complete all year. The course takes in several classic climbs in the area but is also full of smaller notoriously leg sapping Cotswold lumps and bumps which the area is famous for in the cycling world. There will be two feed-stations, one located at Great Barrington and the second at Moreton in Marsh. This one really is for the serious cyclist. It's recommended that you train for this ride in order to complete the distance. Timing: for the best 5 hours, for the indefatigable 8/10 hours. Riders on the Cotswold Beast 100 will be required to start between 7am and 7.30am.
Sign up through our website: www.broughtoncastlesportive.co.uk.
Event includes.
• Mechanical support
• Medical support
• Free car park at start/finish venue
• Sweep vehicle for those who cannot complete the route
• Well-stocked feed stations
• Electronic chip timing
• Finishers medal and hot food voucher on return to Broughton Castle
• Marshals and water stations
Full route maps and can be found on the event website: www.broughtoncastlesportive.co.uk
Look forward to seeing you on Sunday July 11th 2021
