B4197
B4197 | ||||
Location Map ( geo) | ||||
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From: | Knightwick (SO734558) | |||
To: | Great Witley (SO759662) | |||
Distance: | 7.4 miles (11.9 km) | |||
Meets: | A44, B4204, A443, A451 | |||
Former Number(s): | A44 | |||
Highway Authorities | ||||
Traditional Counties | ||||
Route outline (key) | ||||
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For the original B4197 between Droitwich and Holt, see B4197 (Droitwich - Holt).
The B4197 is a rural B-road in west Worcestershire. Except for the southern end, which is the original line of the A44, the road was originally unclassified but gained its number by 1932.
The road starts on the A44 just east of that road's bridge over the River Teme and heads north into Knightwick. Signs warn HGV drivers of steep gradients ahead but the road remains flat as it follows the river to the pub. The old A44 turned left here to cross a bridge that no longer exists but priorities have changed and the B4197 bends round to the right to pass the former St Mary's Church and then climb steeply out of the valley.
The climb continues for some distance but eventually the top of the hill is reached and the views open up - the Malverns can be seen off to the right. The road now descends again - not quite as steeply - and after reaching the bottom we go through Berrow Green. There is a line of hills to the left, beyond which is the River Teme, and we now follow this line but try to remain flat. This isn't possible, of course, and so there are a few gradients but nothing like what we've already seen.
Presently the road reaches Martley. The B4204 comes in from the right and then there's a short multiplex north, ending where the B4197 TOTSOs right. We now continue north, still with hills to the left and flatter land to the right, although our road goes up and down as it continues on. In fact there is a net climb over the next few miles and we eventually end up higher than at the top of the steep hill near the start of the road. After skirting the edge of Woodbury Hill the road bears round to the right and descends gently into Great Witley to reach a T-junction on the A443.
There's a short multiplex to the right back into open country then the road regains its number by turning left and heading back into the village, ending at a T-junction on the A451.