Shakespeare Country Cycling Loop

Shakespeare Country, or as it’s more properly known, Stratford-Upon-Avon, is the setting for this ride. At 24 miles with less than 100oft of climbing, it isn’t too taxing, although the few hills it has are short and sharp. This route passes by or very close to some of the historical sites of William Shakespeare; it can therefore easily be used as the basis for a day exploring the history of ‘The Bard’.

Route Description

From the start point at Stratford-Upon-Avon railway station, it’s a busy start as the ride weaves along Alcester Road and Church Lane to leave the town. You very quickly reach the first point of interest, as you pass Anne Hathaway’s Cottage roughly 1.5 miles into the ride.

From the cottage, the route now starts to become a lot more rural. Taking Cottage Lane and subsequently West Green Drive, the route crosses the A46 on to The Ridgeway, where it climbs up to Billesley. After cresting the hill in Billesley, it’s a gloriously rural downhill run for a couple of miles. Taking Wood Lane and Pelham Lane, it’s a pleasant ride to the banks of the river Alne near between Kinwarton and Great Alne.

Taking School Lane and then the B4089, the route skirts Kinwarton and turns again to quieter and slightly undulating roads along Coughton Fields Lane. After crossing the A435 just south of Coughton, you hit the next climb up Coughton Lane for around a mile. Once you’re over the hill at the junction of Coughton Lane and Alcester Heath the route runs down in to Alcester town, where there is ample opportunity to stop for a bit of R&R. Just before Alcester, you will cross the busy A435, so caution is advised.

After refuelling in Alcester, you’ll then face the steepest climb of the ride. From Alcester, the Stratford Road loops south of the town and makes a slow climb to Upton before turning south to Haselor. Shortly after Haselor the ride crosses the A46 again, which is the point at which the steep climb starts. At only half a mile, it isnt the longest climb but does reach gradients of 8% for a few yards. The views on the other side are worth the effort though.

Following this, as you travel down Windmill Hill don’t forget to look around and enjoy the scenery. After a short while, the route turns east back towards Stratford along the Evesham Road. Just after the hamlet of Dodwell be prepared for a short up-and-down hill as the route hits the outskirts of Stratford-Upon-Avon itself.

From the outskirts its a busy but thankfully short ride along the Evesham Road and in to the start point. Fortunately, this stretch has a cycle path marked on the road, so it shouldn’t pose too much of a problem.

With a whole host of Shakespeare‑related sights to explore in Stratford, along with other points of interest along the route, this ride could easily form the basis of a full day (or even two) spent soaking up the area’s rich heritage.

 

Route Summary

Start Point – Stratford-Upon-Avon Railway Station CV37 6PL, O.S. Grid Ref – SP 19474 55142

Distance – 24.0 miles /38.5 km

Elevation Gain – 984ft / 300 metres

Places of Interest

• Too many Shakespeare related places to mention them all in Stratford itself.
• Anne Hathaways House – on the route at the 1.4 mile point.
• National Trust: Kinwarton Dovecote – just off the route at the 8.6 mile point. 
• Coughton Court Stately Home – just off the route at the 10.8 mile point

Refreshment Stops

Note: There aren’t any real refreshment stops for the first half of the ride, so either fuel up before starting or take some with you. 

• Several places in Stratford-Upon-Avon at the start / finish.
• The Roebuck, Alcester – on the route at the 13.0 mile point.
• Chapter 23, Hight St. Alcester – just off the route at the 13.8 mile point.
• The Four Alls, Welford-On-Avon – just off the route at the 20.1 mile point.

Local Bike Shops

• The Bicycle Rooms – Unit 14, 15 Western Rd, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 0AH   Tel 01789 414466
• The Traditional Cycle Shop – The Pashley Factory, Masons Rd, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9NL   Tel 01789 290703
• Charity Bike Shop – 154 Masons Rd, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9NF.   Tel 01789 450011

Closest Railway Stations

• Stratford-Upon-Avon – at the start / end point.

 

Ride With GPS Link – https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39163177

GPX file direct download – Click Here

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