Stratford-upon-Avon is a great base for a cycling break, and to give you a taste of what you can look forward to – here are some of the opportunities:
Stratford Greenway
This is a high quality paved 5 mile path which runs from Stratford to Long Marston. It follows the line of an old railway line and so offers an easy relaxed ride with plenty to see along the way. It forms part of the West Midlands Cycle Route.
You can stop at Carriages Cafe (a cafe in an old railway carriage) which is about half way in case you need refreshments. The cafe is open every weekend with extended opening during the Summer.
Stratford – Ilmington
Circular cycle routes can be taken from the Greenway to make a longer trip, these include the Stratford – Ilmington route, a circular route of about 18 miles through the pretty Cotswold countryside.
Stratford – Redditch
This 18 mile route follows National Cycle Route 5 and heads north out of the Town using the Stratford-upon-Avon canal towpath to Wilmcote before turning onto quiet roads to Great Alne, Coughton Sambourne and Studley. From Studley the route takes you through Arrow Valley Park with a traffic free route before ending in Redditch. The National Trust Coughton Court is an imposing Tudor house with beautiful gardens and is just half a mile off the route about half way to Redditch, so this is an ideal stopping off point or destination for a shorter trip (about 10.5 miles from Stratford).
River Avon
There are some traffic free paths that run along the River Avon to a free Car Park north of the Town. There are also some traffic free routes heading south along the river that cross the Greenway and head onto Stratford-on-Avon racecourse. You can use this route to reach Ann Hathaways Cottage at Shottery.
Stratford – Warwick / Leamington Spa
This 11 mile route does take you on busier roads so more care is needed, although you can plot an easier, less busy route of 14 miles taking in Wellesbourne and Sherbourne. Of course you don’t need to cover the whole route, just go as far as Sherbourne, or if you are keen then continue onto Warwick to visit the excellent Castle.
If you don’t want to bring your own bike then you can hire from Stratford Bike Hire who are at the Greenway car park or can deliver the bikes to the hotel by prior arrangement.