As part of the Hardwick Green Meadows Project, and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, we have been working with Sustrans, the charity dedicated to promoting sustainable methods of transport, to devise a route which encompasses several of Worcestershire Wildlife Trust’s nature reserves in the far south of the county, in the Malvern Chase area.

It is a 34.3 mile circular route (with a short-cut option) encompassing nine Worcestershire Wildlife Trust nature reserves in the area, including the floodplain meadows of Hardwick Green Meadows. Many of the nature reserves that you will pass en route are traditional hay meadows, whilst others are at different stages of restoration after being intensively farmed for many years. Some include orchards, streams, scrub, woodland and mature hedgerows, so there is a variety of habitats to enjoy if you feel like exploring on foot in addition to cycling.

This relatively flat route, which follows minor roads wherever possible, travels through some beautiful scenery with the added bonus of the Malvern Hills in the background. To enjoy it fully we recommend cycling it in a clockwise direction so it’s easier at road junctions and downhill on busier roads.

If bringing bikes by car you can park in Upton upon Severn or at Clive’s Fruit Farm. The route includes seven pubs and Clive’s Fruit Farm (with café) so there are plenty of opportunities for rest, relaxation and refreshment!