Cycling World Magazine July 2017 | Page 86

86 | Cycling World Cycling in Cider Country Written by Liz Pullin, Visit Herefordshire P art of the charm of Herefordshire comes from its unspoilt countryside, enjoyed by visitors all year round. Farming is at the heart of Herefordshire and to the county is particularly renowned for its cider, with over half of all cider produced in the UK coming from Herefordshire. Combining these two themes, Herefordshire uniquely has two cider cycling routes around Ledbury and Pembridge. Both routes are about 20 miles long, with shortcuts for those who want a shorter route and take in some of the local cider producers and other attractions along the way.(www.ciderroute.co.uk/cider-cycling) Along with cider cycling in Ledbury, you are also on the doorstep of Malvern and astnor. The village of astnor is home to the grand astnor Castle which is well-worth a visit on one of their open days. Head over towards Malvern which will bring you into Worcestershire and is a great place for cyclists who en oy a hilly ride. The website www.malverntrail.co.uk provides a lot of information for those interested in cycling around Malvern as well as routes, refreshments and things to see and do. Pembridge, located in the north of Herefordshire near Leominster also forms one village on the Black and White Village trail – a circular route visiting the quaint black and white villages of north erefordshire. The Black and White illages eisure Cycle ide is an easy nine or - mile route, visiting the villages of Pembridge, Eardisland, ilwyn and Weobley. The shorter route avoids the A for those who wish to stay on quieter roads. Highlights along this route include Dunkertons Cider Mill and Burton Court. (www.blackandwhitetrail.org) Wheely Wonderful Cycling, run by Chris and Kay Dartnell, is a cycling holiday company just over the border in udlow, Shropshire. They offer a range of cycling holidays, sorting out the accommodation and luggage transfers while you enjoy the sights without the hassle of having to carry everything with you. The tours include the Black and White illages, erefordshire ardens and a Cider Orchards Tour, to name a few. (www.wheelywonderfulcycling.co.uk) n south erefordshire, you will find the birthplace of tourism, oss-on-Wye. Standing on the banks of the iver Wye, Ross is a great starting point for exploring south Herefordshire and the Wye Valley AONB by bicycle. Six Bridges over the iver Wye is a -mile circular route passing through several historic villages. As well as going past the English Heritage Goodrich Castle , there are plenty of cider producers to sample along the way. Symonds Yat is worth a visit, especially if you are going towards oodrich Castle. oss-on-Wye to Monmouth is a popular route at only miles, so a stop-off in Symonds Yat allows you to see some of the most beautiful sights of the Wye Valley in the county. Locally, Revolutions at Ross is a cycle shop with a workshop for any repairs you might need when on the road. (www.revolutionsatross.co.uk) West erefordshire offers something special views of the Golden Valley and Black Mountains, relatively unspoilt countryside, village life and quiet roads are in abundance. The Olchon alley provides a closed off loop, ideal for families wanting to explore the area with quiet rural roads and plenty of trees providing shade. If you are passing through Longtown, make a stop at Hopes of ongtown, the local village shop and post office where you can stock up on drinks and snacks for a day out, as well as local produce and gifts. For the more competitive cyclist, the Golden Valley is also a great location for hill training.