Ten keen riders departed a sunny but cool Gloucester, bound for Ledbury. Leaving the city by way of Over and the cycle path to Highnam, we took in the hill circuit around the edge of the estate, then the couple of miles on the busy B road, turning for Tibberton but avoiding the very minor Whitehall Lane. The rise up to Kent’s Green was taken with ease, followed by gentle undulations in warming conditions to St Anthony’s Cross and the edge of Newent. A cunning left avoided Newent – actually the leader was just teasing, as we did enter the metropolis via the school and arboretum. A jig left and over the main road had the group onto the lane to Oxenhall.
Cries from the leader to take the next right surprised us – and false, as it was actually third right! Crossing the M50 we had the delight of a road that seemed forever downhill, gently, in wonderful countryside full of the joys of late spring. So into Dymock, where a right and prompt left at the Beauchamp Arms saw us on the Ledbury road.
Far too early to go straight there, our leader took us left at the next opportunity – this time he was correct – and into Herefordshire. Over the old railway, still clearly visible in the adjacent fields after all these years, and then right. Eventually we popped out on the A449 at Ludstock. A quick dash up the road to take another first left onto Lilly Hall Lane. One rider, showing keen observational powers, noted a private house resplendent with an oast tower. The Captain noted this was not uncommon in the area, being a major hop growing region.
Time was pressing but the road was mainly downhill, passing the particularly ugly buildings housing a Heineken factory. It was not clear if this is still operational, the car park seemed unused. Lingering not, it was a gentle but long drag up to our coffee stop in town, known as Number 1 – is this really the only place open on a Sunday in Ledbury nowadays? Still, it’s not a bad place, and despite there being no savoury items and no tea cakes, all ten riders tucked in to a variety of cakes.
The Captain called time and we departed together, climbing up out of town on the A449, then the A438. The surface on the descent to Eastnor Castle cannot be recommended! Here six riders took their leave and set off for Clencher’s Mill ford and home, whilst four continued on an audacious route to lunch at The Cross Hands, Bredon’s Hardwick. This took in the climb of the Hollybush, across the common (dropped chain for Colin meant he was last down, most unusual!), Welland, Hook Bank, the ridge road into Upton. Here it was across the mighty River Severn to Ryall, Strensham and the M5; north to Defford and then, at last, south into a headwind to Eckington.
The Captain requested a scenic diversion be taken to visit the village of Bredon’s Norton – duly granted by the leader. Evidence of heavy rain abounded in the form of much gravel on the road. The village is a true gem and worth the loop. Back on track, it was a hop to Bredon and a skip to Bredon’s Hardwick – then a jump into the pub for refreshments. These were much enjoyed in the garden.
A direct-ish route home was taken: Tewkesbury, Walton Cardiff, Treddington, Hardwicke, Boddington and Staverton. We took the main road past Dowty’s (showing my age, here) to check out the £5m super cycle way. Oh dear is all I can say.
A wonderful day in the sunshine with like-minded company. What more do you want! 67 miles.