This is a ride of two halves – each of which compliments the other.

The first half takes you up into the Chiltern Hills via its sleepiest little winding back roads. High hedgerows, well tended flint and brick cottages and rustling beech woodlands. And, as the name suggests – plenty of hill climbing.

The second part – flat as a pancake (your hill climbing is over and it won’t be a minute too soon). Quiet bridleways and little lanes lead you through tiny villages of thatched houses and sprawling farmland. An area of lowland there are streams and small lakes. Not to be attempted after a very wet period in the UK unless you like large puddles or mud-caked bikes.

Overall? In a dry spell you can’t beat it. Two-abreast cycling at its best.

Cafés include: