Malvern Mad Hatter

As a mid-summer sportive test, the Malvern Mad Hatter pretty much has it all. Weaving around rural roads shared between the three counties of Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire, the route will give you tough climbs, fast descents and amazing views across the Brecon Beacons, Black Mountains of Wales and more.

The first loop of the ride is relatively easy going, compared to the rest, as you start South of Great Malvern and ride an anti-clockwise circle around the town. The toughest climb of the day rears its head, and Malvern Hill is yours to conquer before you can pass on to Herefordshire and beyond. The iconic climb is a long and gradual continuous effort and can become steep in sections. But your effort will be worth it when you reach the top, as spectacular views across the sprawling landscape, are equally matched by a fast and frantic descent that mirrors the harsh gradient of the climb in reverse.

From here on in, you’ll spend the rest of the ride battling the Malvern and Cotswolds hills, before you head back through the quiet and undisturbed rural roads at a pace to suit you.