This is a moderate 10-mile cycle along quiet roads in some of Worcestershire's finest countryside. Best of all, it's already signposted, so you can't go wrong.
Start on the towpath on the east bank of the River Severn in Worcester city centre, by the cathedral. Then simply follow the signs for cycle route 442. It'll take you out of Worcester on residential streets, then into the countryside, ending up at Pershore market place.
Worcester is a fascinating cathedral city with a thriving shopping centre and some excellent pubs. Pershore is a friendly market town which, since its recent bypass and 20mph speed limit, is now a great place for the cyclist.
Worcester has two stations. Foregate Street is in the town centre; Shrub Hill is a short way to the east. All Cotswold Line trains stop at Shrub Hill and most stop at Foregate Street. Shrub Hill is convenient for the canal towpath, on National Cycle Network route 45; you can follow this south to Diglis Basin, joining the Cotswold Line Cycle Route (signed as route 442) from there.
Pershore station is to the north of the town centre. A cycle-friendly route is signed with special blue signs.
Worcester is a hub for cycle routes. You can follow National Cycle Network routes 45 or 46 north to Droitwich, or route 45 south into the Worcestershire countryside. More routes are under development - including a continuation of route 46 along the Malvern section of the Cotswold Line. See the online mapping on the Sustrans website for full details.
Don't forget to take a look at the super new Diglis Bridge for cyclists and pedestrians while you're in Worcester!
Map contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2010. Map style © Sustrans.