Cycling is one of the best ways to soak up the unspoilt landscapes and experience the unique features of the environment and villages of North Shropshire. It is ideal cycling terrain; quiet lanes and country roads, easy gradients and yet amazing views. These cycle routes have been chosen to suit a range of interests and abilities, the shortest route being 10 miles and the longest 29½ miles. Cycled over a day, with a picnic lunch or a stop at a local pub, this really is a great way to explore the area.
Ellesmere Cycle Rides Route 1: To Colemere ; Welshampton
An easy 18 mile cycling route for lovers of the countryside who can enjoy a break at the delightful Colemere heritage site, where an array of wildlife can be spotted. Refreshments can be taken on the route at both Cockshutt and Welshampton.
Ellesmere
Ellesmere is the heart of Shropshire’s ‘Lake District’ and features a delightful glacial mere which attracts an abundant amount of wildlife. This pretty town boasts medieval streets, Georgian houses and half timbered buildings, and has hosted a weekly market since originally being granted a charter by Henry III in 1221. Whilst in the town, you could take the opportunity to visit the impressive church of St Mary or stroll along the towpath of the Llangollen canal, as designed by the legendary Thomas Telford.
Colemere
Colemere is home to the second largest of the lakes/ meres in Shropshire. The mere is surrounded by extensive woodland with picnic places and a circular walk. Opposite Colemere lake is St John the Evangelist church, a mid-Victorian Gothic church. The foundation stone was laid on 3rd June 1869 and stone brought from Cefn by canal to Lyneal Wharf was used in the construction.
Welshampton
The church of Saint Michael was built in 1863 and was designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott with unusual yellow stone and a diaper pattern slate roof.
Cockshutt
The church, which is dedicated to St Simon and St Jude, is a modest red brick building with an unusually slim angular tower. A previous chapel on the same site is recorded as far back as the 15th century.
Ride directions
Step 1
Leave Ellesmere along Birch Road towards Tetchill
Step 2
Pass over the canal and continue past the British Waterways yard
Step 3
Continue past Ellesmere College into Tetchill. Take the second left towards Kenwick Park
Step 4
Follow the road to a T-junction and turn left
Step 5
Turn first right towards Kenwick Park and Cockshutt, then follow the road to Cockshutt
Step 6
At the T-junction in Cockshutt turn left, then take the first right into Crosemere Road
Step 7
Follow the road to English Frankton and turn first left to Colemere and Pikesend
Step 8
After around 250 metres, bear left at the junction and then follow the road into Colemere
Step 9
Continue through Colemere, following the road towards Welshampton. At the T-junction in Lyneal, turn right signposted Loppington and Wem, then first left to Welshampton
Step 10
At the T-junction in Welshampton turn right, and then first left after the Sun Inn into Copes Lane. Follow the road towards Hampton Wood
Step 11
At the crossroads turn left towards Ellesmere, then follow the road round to the left towards Ellesmere and Coptiviney
Step 12
Follow the road back to Ellesmere and return along Swan Hill