July 2017 | 91
Worcestershire lies between the ancient Malvern �ills and the Cotswolds . This beautiful county has excellent road and rail links and a blend of traditions , heritage and beauty . It is the county that inspired Edward Elgar and is also home to Royal Worcester Porcelain , Worcestershire Sauce , Morgan Motors and Malvern Spring Water .
The county�s two largest rivers have helped shape the Worcestershire landscape . The Severn �ows through the �eorgian towns of Bewdley and Stourport-on-Severn , whilst the Avon passes by the market towns of Pershore and Evesham . Both rivers are popular for boating and fishing events .
Set amidst the glorious Severn Valley , Worcestershire is an ama�ing destination for cycling enthusiasts . The county has various National Cycle Network ( NCN ) routes , cycling trails and a whole host of cycling events held throughout the year . Worcestershire is a great county to get out and about in and there is no better way to explore Worcestershire than hopping on a bicycle and watching the lush green landscape pass you by . Or it can just be an easier way to get from A to B in the towns and city .
The Wyre �orest ��orestry Commission� has a variety of cycling routes to choose from , whatever your ability , but is a particular favourite for those with young children who can en�oy the family friendly signposted route . There are many other routes to choose from but if you want to test your mountain bike skills , Kingsford Forest Park is home to a downhill mountain bike trail set to test your riding abilities and the Malvern Hills have a variety of paths to choose from .
The Tour of Britain returned to the county for the third time in September 2014 , with the fourth stage starting in Worcester and ending in Bristol . Starting at The �ive , riders made their way out to Great Malvern , where the first ��ing of the Mountain� trial took place , heading up towards the Malvern Hills . After a lovely scenic ride around the Malvern �ills , the race went down into �ptonupon-Severn , and then onto �ershore and �vesham before leaving the county after the second ‘ King of the Mountain� trial in the beautiful honey-coloured Cotswold village of Broadway . This year will see Worcester as the starting point for stage eight which leads to Cardiff where the race will finish .
Come to Worcestershire in springtime and you can take part in the Blossom Bikeaway , or just take a leisurely ride through �ngland�s only spring blossom trail . This ��-mile AA-signposted route takes in some spectacular scenery with the sight and smell of blossom as you journey through the Vale of Evesham . While you ’ re in the Wychavon area , a visit to the Worcestershire Cotswolds is a must . Broadway�s honey-coloured buildings and sweeping landscapes are picture-postcard scenes best enjoyed at a leisurely pace .
Some years ago , Worcestershire County Council , in con�unction with Sustrans and the Cyclists Touring Club �www . ctc . org . uk� , planned , developed and signed five leisure routes , ranging from nine to fourteen miles , some of them with shorter loops , taking in the scenic delights of an easy ride along pedways and canal towpaths around the City�s boundaries . Some offered slightly more challenging trips onto the lanes around Crowle .