The route runs parallel to the Cotswold Line railway on a series of quiet lanes.
1. Worcester to Hinton on the Green
The section from Worcester to the south of Evesham is now fully open and signed as National Route 442. In Worcester, the route starts on the riverfront by Worcester Bridge, sharing the alignment of National Route 45 as it leaves the city. The route travels to Pershore on quiet lanes and through beautiful countryside. Arriving in Pershore there is a new 20mph speed limit which has made travelling on bike much easier and safer. There is a signed link route to Pershore station. The route travels from Pershore to Evesham and passes some attractive villages and the scenic Worcestershire countryside, passing Elmley Castle before connecting to National Route 41. The final A46 cycle path, shared with National Route 41, is utilitarian but easy, taking you to Hinton on the Green.
2. Hinton on the Green to Honeybourne (no signed route)
There is a gap in the route between Hinton on the Green and Honeybourne. A route on paths and residential roads through Evesham has been identified though not yet signed. Evesham has only two river bridges and busy town centre roads, so there is no easy link route to the station, but the distance is at least short. From Evesham to Honeybourne you can travel on quiet lanes to Badsey, before turning onto an unsurfaced bridleway (mostly gravel with some tarmac - should be OK for road bikes with good tyres). After the bridleway, you follow quiet lanes into Honeybourne.
3. Honeybourne to Moreton-in-Marsh
The next section is a bit hilly but well worth it as it takes you past some stunning Cotswold sites. The route leaves Honeybourne on Stratford Road, following the same alignment as Route 41. The two diverge at the edge of the village and Route 41continues to Long Marston. The route continues onto Mickleton on quiet roads, and the mile-long climb out of Mickleton is the steepest on the route. The entrance to Chipping Campden follows the B4081 for around a mile, with a 40mph limit almost immediately after joining the road, dropping to 30mph in the village. Chipping Campden is stunning and the route follows the classic High Street. The route carries onto Broad Campden, a delightful little village and then on to Draycott and Aston Magna – gently undulating, but much less hilly than other nearby roads. Excellent views across the valley lead to the picturesque estate village of Batsford. There is then a steady descent to Moreton-in-Marsh.
4. Moreton-in-Marsh to Long Hanborough
From Moreton-in-Marsh, the route travels to the pretty village of Kingham and onto Charlbury. Leaving Charlbury, the route enters the Cornbury Park driveway and then joins a footpath through the park. Permissive cycle access has been negotiated by the Charlbury Cycling Group. (There is no cycle access in winter months when the B-road should be used with care.) The route splits into westbound and eastbound braids. Eastbound, it continues uphill on the B-road to Finstock, then follows an undulating course. Westbound, it uses a very quiet and picturesque lane on the north side of the valley through Fawler. The routes rejoin at the crossroads by Ashford Bridge. A steep climb leads to the East End with its Roman Villa. The route then joins the A4095 shared-use cycle path through Hanborough village, to the station.
Please note
We have taken all responsible steps to ensure that these routes are safe and achievable by people with a reasonable level of fitness. However, all outdoor activities involve a degree of risk. To the extent permitted by law, Sustrans accepts no responsibility for any accidents or injury resulting from following these routes. Walking and cycling routes change over time. Weather conditions may also affect path surfaces. Please use your own judgement when using the routes based upon the weather and the ability, experience and confidence levels of those in your group.