Start: We began the route from the village of Welland at the foot of the Malvern Hills, however you could also start nearby to Upton-upon-Severn, Pershore or Flyford Flavell too.
Starting from Welland we take the B4208 south, turning left towards Castlemorton and Birts Street, heading onto Longdon Marshes Road where we travel east to Longdon, joining the B4211.
Continue along the fairly quiet B road until we reach Upton-upon-Severn, however should you wish to divert onto quieter roads there’s an excellent diversion via Queenhill and Holdfast along Avenue Road.
Once at Upton we cross the bridge over the River Severn joining the A4104 and then heading straight over at the busy A38/Worcester Road crossroads. Around 1/3 mile along the A4104 turn left on Church Road into the village of Earls Croome before turning left again just before the bridge over the M5 to Kinnerseley where we join Route 45 of the National Cycle Network.
After a short downhill section the road bends around to the left, turn right over the M5 where the road is signposted “Croome 1 1/2” along with a brown “Croome Landscape Park” sign. Heading over the M5, we continue through the pretty village of High Green and pass the National Trust Croome Park to the right.
At the T junction it’s left following the road to the village of Wadborough where we take the road right signposted “Drakes Broughton 1 3/4” and the National Cycle Network route 442. Here we continue to Drakes Broughton where at the busy B4084 we turn right before then shortly after taking a left onto Stonebow Road. Continue along the road, cycling through the village before reaching the A44 trunk road.
Take a swift right onto the A44 where at around 50 metres later it’s left in the direction of the village of Peopleton. Continue along the road for 3 miles, passing through Peopleton and reaching the A422 at Upton Snodsbury opposite the old Coventry Arms pub. Turning right onto the A422, if you’re in need of refreshment and cake at this point there’s the most excellent Twisted Spoon cafe in the village.
Passing the cafe/pub we continue along the main road where there are quieter diversions if you wish to extend your route, before reaching our cafe destination TOAST! Located next to the equally as popular Flyford pub you’re in for a treat and perhaps the best brunch Worcestershire has to offer – the pancakes and ‘full Toast’ breakfast are a must try!
Now that we’re refuelled lets continue, heading right out of the cafe and up Old Hill. Turning left then next right signposted Bishampton and Throckmorton, we continue along the road for 3 miles, passing through Bishampton village. At the village crossroads which is surrounded by black and white timbered buildings we take a left signposted “Vale Golf Course” along Broad Lane where we take the next road right marked Fladbury.
Following Hill Furze Road for 3 miles we reach the A44 once again, turning right for a short A road dash before a left into the village of Fladbury on Station Road. Continue through the quaint village, passing the famous pie shop, until crossing the Jubilee bridge over the River Avon where it’s a right to the village of Cropthorne.
At the B4084 turn right passing the excellent Clive’s of Cropthorne Farm Shop, turning left as the speed limit ends. At the small T junction take the right where the road reaches Elmley Castle. Opposite the Queen Elizabeth Inn take the narrow road through the buildings, passing the cricket ground.
You’re now very much at the foot of Bredon Hill, joining Route 41 of the National Cycle Network passing through the villages of Kersoe, Ashton Under Hill and into the village of Beckford.
If in need of an excellent coffee and cake stop, you’ll find The Old Post Office Shop in the former Beckford Stores building complete with vintage antiques and large Victorian garden. Continuing to follow the southern slopes of Bredon Hill we then pass through the pretty villages of Conderton, Overbury and Kemerton.
Take the road right signposted Westmancote where shortly after passing Bredon Cricket Club we reach the B4080. Continue along the busy road for around 5 miles, passing through the village of Eckington and over the River Avon reaching the A4104.
Following the A road we head west through Defford and after the short dual lane section, turn off onto Bourne Road past Revills Farm Shop. Just after passing directly over the M5 it’s right into Hill Croome and Ryall, then straight over at the crossroads before joining the A4104 and turning left into Upton-upon-Severn.
Once over the River Severn at the mini roundabout take a right on the B4211 and the next left signposted to Clive’s Fruit Farm. If you wish to visit the excellent farm shop take the next left, otherwise continue straight where it’s right at the next T junction, followed by the next left – signposted Welland.
It’s onto the final stretch now where at the next T junction it’s right before the final sprint into the village of Welland.