The Barn Cafe at Hidcote Manor Garden

This is a very scenic ride, with some lovely lanes and views of the Cotswolds, to take in Hiodcote Manor barn cafe before the gardens close in October. This is very suitable for those of you who have experience of cycling routes of 20 to 25 miles and would like the opportunity to explore some different lanes, climb a few hills, and use all your gears! Lark Stoke hill is on the route, and we'll make sure to re-group at the top to allow everyone to climb at their own pace. We will start at the GreenWay car park near Stratford, by Seven meadows Road (free parking). 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. We will then climb up and over to Hidcote for a very well earned tea break at the Barn Cafe (it is 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 one section of the GreenWay. The main requirement is a 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, not uphill!). A water bottle, jacket if needed, and helmet are a good idea, and a snack for energy along the way is recommended. You will need some cash for the cafe stop.