Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 35; Flight Crew Total 140; Flight Crew Type 140
Conflict NMAC; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors
Flying to ZZZ heading to the north at 4500. ATC said aircraft at my 5 o'clock and gaining speed. I turn to the west for a minute so aircraft can pass behind me. When he was no factor turning back to the north I made left hand turn due to cloud build-ups in front of me. About a heading of 060-030 aircraft turned around. ATC told me he made a 180 and said 4000 was clear so I headed nose down instantly and aircraft was on my 9 o'clock. I was already under him but I could see the shine from prop cap and the tires under the wheel fairing. I did avoid the traffic as he passed me over the top. I resumed my flight and landed to no issue.
C172 pilot reported a NMAC with another aircraft in cruise flight.