A new route as we extend our distance to 225km or 140 miles for a lap of the Severn estuary. We head north on quiet lanes, descending Frocester Hill on our way. Skirting the edge of Gloucester we head along the lovely Severn vale for our morning coffee stop in Tewkesbury. After crossing the Severn we ride towards the edge of the Malverns before turning south-west and heading through the Forest of Dean for our lunchtime cafe stop. We will then continue through the Forest to St.Briavels where we descend all the way down to the River Wye for afternoon tea by Tintern Abbey. One final big climb through the woods and then we point our bikes towards the Severn Bridge for the second crossing of the river and a steady ride back home. Optional end of ride refreshment at the White Horse in Biddestone for those needing re-hydration.
It’s recommended to bring some food/snacks to eat en route to Tewkesbury as it’s quite a long stretch at 50 miles, though mostly easy riding. Once we get to Tewkesbury the Royal Hop Pole (Wetherspoons) does a good 2nd breakfast and then we have regular cafe stops after that in the Forest of Dean and at Tintern.
It may be a good idea to bring lights and please do make sure you have spare tubes etc, just in case. On our test ride we were back home at 7.45pm after riding a steady pace and 3 good cafe stops.