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I'd personally recommend NCN Route 5 from Oxford. Literally comes off the canal north side of Oxford, then off via Woodstock, Banbury, Shipston Upon Stour, Stratford Upon Avon, onwards to Redditch and has been extended to finish at Birmingham New Street (!). I could be wrong but I think the Redditch to B'ham New Street is new on the OS map, I dont remember seeing that previously.
I've done a few Oxford to Stratford Upon Avon and back to Oxford day's out on that route - carbon xc race 29'er hardtail ideal. Approx. 100 mile round trip. I really like the route, easy to follow, some nice extended gravel sections and generally quiet road bits, mostly country lanes. The Illmington Downs just South of Stratford are picturesque and the 5 mile Green Way gravel old railway track provides a fun off road spin right into Stratford.
I've not taken NCN Route 5 from Stratford to Redditch and onwards so can't comment on that but certainly always enjoy Oxford to Stratford. Also to add it is pretty hilly between Banbury and Shipston on Stour so that's the most physically challenging section I'd say.
Used to live at the top of 9 locks (in Chapel St Towers)
A bit of a late reply, but are you the chap with dreads who I used to see riding about (many years ago!) on blingy DH bikes?