Sunday sees us take on a bit of a challenge, at least in height, as we venture west and upwards.

This fiendishly lumpy route takes us through Bewdley and the Wyre Forest, through bucolic byways past Stottesdon and Neenton before depositing us, conveniently, at the Willows Cafe in Ditton Priors. This previously tested location will satify the most ardent cake monster and provide sustinance for the second leg.

Usually I ease off the climbing after the cafe stop, not so this week. It’s straight into dealing with the lanes around the far side of the Brown Clee as we cruise around admiring the spectacular views afforded by such lofty heights. There are some welcome descents into Clee St Margaret and Stoke St Millborough before another ascent sends us up high again. After that we have a majority downhill run pass Cleobury and Far Forest before returning to Stourport. There are a number of short, sharp climbs to attend to on this part to counter the downhills.

It’s a great scenic ride with plenty of cracking views and stiff climbs. Due to the road surfaces in some places I would recommend a winter bike if possible. Take care on descents as farms and field runoff can create sketchy surfaces. Some lanes are also narrow.  A sense of vertical achievement awaits those brave enough.

https://www.strava.com/routes/2945042732743555190