Aanbevolen route
Broadway Loop Cycle via Stratford-upon-Avon (Short)
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Quiet Cotswolds' RoadsFoto: Josiah Skeats, Macs Adventure
There are a few different options today; we have prepared a long and short cycle route. The long route will take you into Stratford-upon-Avon to discover the home of William Shakespeare. If you prefer the short ride, you can take a bus to visit Stratford-upon-Avon in the afternoon. Alternatively, you can take a rest day today to relax in Broadway – there are worse places to spend a day sampling the shops, cafes and local walks!
Although this is the short route it is still a challenge; after only 3km expect a tough climb out of Willersey that seems to get ever-steeper as you near the top, but once there you can expect gorgeous views on your left. You are right on the northern-most edge of the Cotswolds here, and after a few days where the horizon has always been blocked by the next row of hills, it suddenly feels like you can see forever as you gaze out from a lofty vantage point across the flat agricultural plains of Worcestershire and Warwickshire.
Leaving the Cotswolds towards Stratford-upon-Avon the cycling becomes much flatter, the architecturally-magnificent grand Manor Houses less frequent, and the vine-covered, honey-coloured cottages are lost altogether, but there are new delights to be found if you take the bus to Stratford; row-boats and narrow-boats drift along the River Avon, the Tudor House-lined streets of Stratford are bustling and energetic, and there are many William Shakespeare themed delights to discover.
Tip van de auteur
Wegtypes
Hoogteprofiel tonenVeiligheidsaanwijzingen
This route take place mostly on rural roads. Drivers are generally used to seeing cyclists so are courteous, passing slowly and giving plenty of room. Be sure that your cycling is predictable with no erratic motions, and whenever you are changing roads, communicate that with hand signals.
There are some testing uphills and thrilling descents today, where it is tempting to let loose of the brakes and fly down; on these country roads however, it is important to cycle expecting the unexpected and adjust your speed appropriately, so whether there is a pothole or an escaping sheep you have enough time to slow down.
There are a few sections on busier roads but these are always fairly short. Before turning onto a busy road, it is advisable to consult the map and read the turn-by-turn directions, so you know where you are turning off and don’t have to stop on the edge of the road to check.
Tips en hints
Bus between Straford-upon-Avon and Broadway
There is a regular bus service between Stratford and Broadway.
More information available here: https://bustimes.org/services/1-stratford-upon-avon-mickleton-chipping-campden-m
Points of Interest
Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
This 500-year old cottage is where William Shakespeare courted Anne Hathaway, his bride-to-be. The history of this thatched Wattle and Daub (black and white) Tudor cottage has been retained with the original furniture of the time still in place. You can also explore 9 acres of romantic gardens that envelop the property.
More information available here: https://www.shakespeare.org.uk/visit/anne-hathaways-cottage/
Shakespeare’s Birthplace
This is the house where Shakespeare was born and grew up, including the first 5 years of his marriage with Anne Hathaway. Today the house appears plain and fairly unimpressive but in the 16th century it would have been considered a splendid property; indeed, it is the largest house on Henley Street. Today it is a museum and has been restored to how it would have looked.
More information available here: https://www.shakespeare.org.uk/visit/shakespeares-birthplace/
Broadway Museum and Art Gallery
This museum in the centre of Broadway uncovers the history of the village and how it rose to prominence through the wool trade. Much of the success story is told through art.
More information available here: https://broadwaymuseum.org.uk/aboutus/
Broadway Tower
Broadway Tower stands on the second-highest point of the Cotswolds and the views are spectacular, ranging all the way to the distant Malvern Hills. Previously the hill on which it is situated was also used as a beacon hill due to its prominence.
More information available here: https://broadwaytower.co.uk/
Food and Drink
You will find a pub where you can eat and drink in most of the villages that you pass through today, but perhaps the best option is to have a late lunch in Stratford-upon-Avon if you are taking the bus there.
Alternatively, there is also a great pub with lots of history and character in Bretforton which has won the Country Pub of the Year in 2016.
Start
Bestemming
Tochtbeschrijving
0.00km – Standing beside the war memorial facing the road, TURN RIGHT to head uphill. After 450 metres, at the roundabout TURN LEFT to take the first exit.
1.70km - At the big roundabout CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON towards Willersey.
2.90km – As the road makes a sweeping left-hand turn in Willersey, and with the Methodist Church on your right, TURN RIGHT to pass through the 7.5 tonne restriction signs. There is a long, steep hill which makes it a very tough start to the morning.
4.20km – At the crossroads at the top of the hill, CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON to cross the road and head towards Chipping Campden and Mickleton. There are beautiful views stretching out on your left before you enter a peaceful wooded section.
5.40km – As the woodland on your right clears, TURN LEFT onto a long straight section of road.
6.40km – At the crossroads TURN RIGHT to go steeply downhill past the 7.5 tonne restriction signs. Continue through Chipping Campden ignoring all side roads.
8.30km – CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON through Chipping Campden and out the other side, staying on the main road and ignoring all side roads. It is a beautiful village worthy of a little explore.
9.40km – As the road curves left, TURN RIGHT following signs to Stratford, Mickleton and Hidcote to immediately pass a brick cottage on your left. You are also joining cycling route 442. After 400 metres ignore the right-hand turn to Hidcote Boyce and Hidcote Bartrim even though cycling route 442 turns right here. You have a downhill ahead with beautiful views towards Mickleton.
12.50km – Almost immediately after entering Mickleton you will reach a mini-roundabout. TURN RIGHT to take the second exit and continue through the village. After 300 metres TURN LEFT onto Mill Lane with the pub and car park on your right. After 150 metres TURN LEFT at the T-junction and continue, passing the pub on your right to leave Mickleton.
15.90km – After the narrow lane out of Mickleton, TURN LEFT at the T-junction following the sign to Broad Marston, Pebworth and Evesham, and follow the road as it immediately bears sharply right and under the railway.
17.40km – Having passed football fields and a basketball court on your left, and with a pub on your right, TURN LEFT towards Honeybourne and Evesham.
20.60km – Having continued straight through Honeybourne, passing under two railway bridges, CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON at the crossroads to remain on cycle routes 41 and 442.
21.30km – After passing through much of Honeybourne, CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON ignoring the left hand turn towards Badsey that is on cycle routes 41 and 442.
23.80km – At the T-junction with the B4035 TURN RIGHT following the signs to Evesham and then immediately BEAR LEFT to stay on that road as it makes a sharp left turn, and then BEAR RIGHT as it makes a sharp right turn. Continue for 3.1 kilometres ignoring all side roads. You can go into Bretforton which has a beautiful historic pub, that was named the Best Country Pub of the Year in 2016.
26.20 - At the junction with the telephone box on the corner, TURN LEFT towards Village Centre and Post Office.
26.90km – Shortly after passing a church and pub on your left TURN LEFT onto School Lane. After 200 metres TURN RIGHT at the T-junction onto Willersey Road. At both junctions follow signs to Wickhamford and Broadway.
27.90km – CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON ignoring the right-hand turn to Wickhamford and Broadway.
28.90km – BEAR RIGHT towards Willersey and Broadway ignoring the 41 and 442 cycle routes that turn left.
32.50km – Shortly after passing the sports field and playpark on your right, CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON at the roundabout. After 500 metres you will join the road that you left earlier on this ride. BEAR RIGHT to stay on the road and continue towards Broadway.
34.10km – At the big roundabout CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON to take the second exit and continue towards Broadway.
35.40 – At the mini-roundabout, TURN RIGHT to take the second exit and continue downhill for 400 metres to finish at the war memorial. Why not pop into the Broadway Museum and Art Gallery to discover the history of Broadway?
Coördinaten
Uitrusting
All normal cycle equipment and outdoor gear is required, including a helmet, gloves and a wind-break layer. Even if it doesn’t appear necessary ensure you bring enough warm and waterproof clothes as weather conditions can change quickly.
Padded shorts are recommended, as saddle pain takes the fun away very quickly!
This route is mostly on rural roads so be sure to bring a bottle of water and a snack in case you find yourself a long way from the shops.
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