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Seven Shires Way

9 Jun 2020
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A 236km (just over 150 mile) circular route from South Littleton taking in Seven Shires. Start in South Littleton, Worcestershire and avoid the big hills crossing quickly through Gloucestershire and into Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire. Then on to Whichford and a stiff climb into Oxfordshire for a stop at around 38km at Hook Norton. Across Oxfordshire south of Banbury skirting Bloxham and into Adderbury at about 50km, a nice spot for a break. Then over the River Cherwell and into Northamptonshire, climbing into Charlton. A slightly downhill run into Buckinghamshire just after Finmere and turn south under Buckingham. Still running downhill, head for Marsh Gibbon at 95km, there's a bench by the church or a pub at the T junction. Then it's back into Oxfordshire and a long flat run across Otmoor to Islip. The road rises a bit through Bletchington, a nice village green with pub and Co-op if you can wait until 116km for a stop. Run down to Enslow but watch for the 90 degree left hand turn and a short steep climb after you cross the Cherwell again. Careful as you cross the main road a 1km further on. 123km brings a descent to a bridge across the River Dorn, turn left just over the bridge and climb into Wooton. Climb out of the village and up to cross the A44.  Run up the side of Blenheim Park and into the Cotswolds again towards Burford at 150km. Climb out of Burford and then it's downhill and out of the Cotswolds into Gloucestershire again and to RAF Fairford, which is actually at Kempsford. Don't ride this route on the week that the RIAT (Royal International Air Tattoo) is on!! A brief dip into Wiltshire through Marton Meysey before heading back into the Cotswolds and to Bibury, beautiful but busy with day trippers. Now you'll start to climb. 10km to Northleach and then another 20km of climbing to Snowshill where you'll be rewarded with a long fast descent past Snowshill Manor into Broadway (careful, you descend past the car park exits). Finally, back into Worcestershire to South Littleton to complete the loop. The route is 99% B roads and back routes, about 2,000m of climbing. Plenty of places to stop for food and water with the longest stretch without refreshments being the 30km climb between Northleach and Broadway. The start of the ride is by the Scout Hut in South Littleton, it's safe to leave your car there all day. Stock up for the day at the Village Shop which is about 200m into the ride. Alternatively, start anywhere on the route, its circular.