Starting beside the River Severn in Worcester we head north through the busy cathedral city set beside the beautiful River Severn to the village of Claines, passing through Oddingley and into Hanbury, home to the beautiful Hanbury Hall.
Continuing along quiet roads we skirt around the town of Bromsgrove and begin out first ascent to the village of Romsley along the side of the Clent Hills. It’s then time to continue up along the famous St Kenelms Pass where we descent into the village of Clent with some sections hitting 20% gradient, so do be careful.
From Clent we continue heading south along quiet roads to the village of Belbroughton, home to the excellent Belbroughton Deli and Cafe and the perfect pitstop at around halfway through the route, there’s plenty of space outdoors for larger cycling groups alongside delicious cake and savoury snacks.
Once refuelled we continue on through the villages of Bluntington, Woodrow and Harvington, passing the moated and medieval manor of Harvington Hall, to the edge of Kidderminster. Here we skirt to avoid as much of the main roads as possible and continue to the riverside town of Stourport-on-Severn, crossing the river and theme park before heading off at Dunley in the direction of Abberley, along quiet roads once more.
Next is our second climb and certainly the steepest up Wyniattes Way to the top of Abberley Hill where in places the gradient touches 25% and you’ll certainly be in your lowest gear! At the top its time for a quick breather before descending down nearby to the village of Great Witley and its famous ruined mansion, Witley Court. If looking for a rest nearby do visit the Garden Tearooms at Witley Court itself, with plenty of space both inside and out for groups.
We then head north-west in the direction of Shropshire and Clee Hill (another excellent climb if you have time) before turning off to the village of Rock, along lovely quiet and scenic roads. Heading into Clows Top we pass The Colliers Cafe, another excellent pitstop and home to a great chocolate fudge cake, before beginning back south to Stockton on Teme and Stanford Bridge crossing the River Teme.
Our final leg sees us passing Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb and following the River Teme to Martley where we begin the ascent of our final climb at Ankerdine Hill before descending into the village of Knightwick, home to a most excellent pub stop.
Continuing south we head through the scenic Worcestershire villages of Suckley (home to Holloways Glasshouse cafe), Longley Green, Alfrick Pound and Bransford. The final stretch sees us turn off the A4103 into Rushwick and heading back into the city of Worcester.
Worcester is home to some fantastic cafes including Francini Cafe de Columbia and Method Coffee which serve up superb coffee, Commandery Coffee beside the Worcester to Birmingham canal and their delicious cakes or GoodRoots nearby to Diglis Basin and the cathedral with great savoury bites and cakes. For further recommendations and nearby cafes along the route, see below.