| 1. A 40 mile route taking in Charlecote, Stratford-Upon-Avon and Hidcote Manor. Ideal for a quick couple of hours for a fast rider or a day out for a Leisure group.
Racers - Just ride!
Leisure Groups - Start at the car-park at Charlecote and cycle into Stratford-Upon-Avon. There is a bike park in the middle of the High Street at the pedestrian crossing. Park up and spend an hour looking around the town. Pick up a picnic lunch to eat at Hidcote. I recommend the cafe/pie shop just beside Costa down Henley Street. A slice of cold pie is ideal, if you buy a hot pie it should still be warm by the time you reach Hidcote. Get some cake too.
Leave Stratford for the 10 mile ride to Hidcote - there's a small hill to climb but the road is quiet and it's not too taxing. Make sure the National Trust at Hidcote know you came by bike and they'll give you a free cup of tea!
Spend half an hour or so looking around the gardens at Hidcote and enjoy your picnic. If you don't want to go in there are plenty of spots around the car park where you can eat.
The final 30 miles in the afternoon snake through more quiet lanes, country villages and are undemanding. There's a small climb again up to Loxley but you finish on a descent back to Charlecote.
For a two-day cycling break combine this route with my other Charlecote map. An overnight stay at the Charlecote Phesant hotel makes for trouble-free parking and no time pressures.
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