Drives / Cotswolds, England / Southern Cotswolds Grand Loop: Slad, Westonbirt and Bibury
Southern Cotswolds Grand Loop: Slad, Westonbirt and Bibury road scenery
Remapped approved

Southern Cotswolds Grand Loop: Slad, Westonbirt and Bibury

A substantial southern Cotswold circuit combining valley roads, the escarpment and the B4425. It brings the Slad and Selsley roads together with the Badminton–Sherston crossing and a different eastern return.

106 miDistance
3 hr 33 minEstimated drive
CircularRoute type

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CircularFull-day road trip
Area
Driving roads near Cirencester. Nearby visits are optional.
Notable roads
A435 · A436 · A417 · B4070 · A46 · A419 · B4066 · A4135 · A433 · B4040 · A361 · A40 · B4425 · A429
Near
Cirencester · Cheltenham · Oxford · Gloucester
Route status
Remapped approved
Last reviewed
23 October 2026

Along the way

B4040, Whitewalls
Photo: @ JThomas / Geograph
B4066 in woods on Pen Hill
Photo: @ David Smith / Geograph
B4070 towards Birdlip
Photo: @ Robin Webster / Geograph
The B4425, Bibury
Photo: @ David Howard / Geograph
Bibury, Arlington Row — optional stop near the route
Photo: @ Michael Garlick / Geograph
Westonbirt Arboretum — optional stop near the route
Photo: @ David Howard / Geograph
Make time for the stops

Highlights along the way

Slad

The B4070 runs through wooded valley country associated with Slad. The driving line follows the through-road rather than the steep side lanes.

Westonbirt

The arboretum is close to the A433 near Tetbury and makes a substantial optional break. Use its signed visitor entrance and check opening separately.

Bibury

The Coln valley and limestone houses provide a natural contrast to the open B4425. Arlington Row is an optional walking visit with separate parking.

Before you set off

Village traffic, agricultural vehicles and steep or tightening bends can slow progress. Avoid busy holiday periods where possible; keep town and attraction visits optional. Plan this as a full day with breaks: the estimate is driving time only, and the journey to and from the loop is additional. Check current road closures, vehicle suitability and weather before travel. Driving time excludes stops and live traffic. All visits off the driving line are optional independent detours.

Get to know the roads

Explore the drive

Pan and zoom to explore the route before you set off.

Before you head out

Frequently asked questions

A little help planning your drive.

Does the estimated driving time include stops?

The estimated 3 hr 33 min is driving time only. Allow extra time for viewpoints, breaks and visits. Live traffic, weather and road conditions can change the journey time.

Does this drive bring me back to the start?

Yes. This is a circular route that returns to the starting area. Check the mapped start and finish points when planning your journey.

Can I start somewhere else or change the stops?

Yes. Customise this route to change the start, finish or stops, or build it into a multi-day road trip. Sign in to save your own version.

Are the start and finish points parking locations?

Not necessarily. They mark the route’s driving references and are not a guarantee of parking or a suitable place to stop. Check parking arrangements separately and only stop where it is safe and permitted.

What should I know before setting off?

Read the Before you set off notes for this drive, then check current road closures and conditions. The notes highlight route-specific considerations; they are not a live road-status report.

What does Remapped approved mean?

“Remapped approved” means a route has been selected and approved by Remapped. We use a combination of driving routes ourselves, scouting locations, prior knowledge and detailed research. The mix varies by route: approval does not mean every road has been personally driven. Road-image locations are confirmed using GPS data. How we choose and approve routes ↗