The Barn Cafe at Hidcote Manor Garden

This is a very scenic ride, with some lovely lanes and views of the Cotswolds. This is a ride aimed for those who have experience of cycling 25 miles or more, and would like the opportunity to explore some different lanes, climb a few hills, and use all your gears! We will start at the GreenWay car park near Stratford, by Seven meadows Road (free parking at the time of writing this). We will make our way out of town on a short stretch of the A3400 to reach some delightful lanes that take us from Preston on Stour and on towards Ilmington. The is one major hill, which we climb up and over to reach Hidcote for a well earned tea break at the Barn Cafe (National Trust, but accessible to non-members). From there we will swoop down to Mickleton, across to Long Marston, and back to the start via a section of the GreenWay. The main requirement is a reasonably lightweight road bike in good working order, and recent experience of riding a route of at least 20 miles at approx.12-14 mph on the flat (but slower uphill!). A water bottle, jacket if needed, and helmet are a good idea, and a snack for energy along the way will be needed. You will need some cash for the cafe stop.