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 2: Penley, Bangor and Overton
This 22½ mile circular route incorporates cycling on major roads and may suit more experienced cyclists. This is a great journey for those with equestrian interests as, after crossing the border and enjoying the sweeping countryside of Wales, you can enjoy a trip to the races at the famous Bangor on Dee racecourse.
Places of interest:
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.
Penley
Between 1947 and 2002 this village was home to No 3 Hospital for Polish veterans of the Second World War.
Bangor on Dee
This delightful village exists in a natural hollow adjacent to the River Dee and is home to Bangor Bridge, a five-arched stone bridge which dates from about 1660 and is believed to have been built by Inigo Jones. The nearby racecourse has seen jump racing since 1859 and is the only course in the country that doesn’t have a grandstand.
Overton
The churchyard at St Mary’s Church IS one of the “Seven Wonders of Wales”. Some of the 21 famous yew trees here date to the 12th century, when the first stone church is said to have been erected.
Ride directions
Step 1
Leave Ellesmere along Swan Hill and follow NCR Route 455 signs past the Mere on your right and a bend to the left towards Coptiviney.
Step 2
Follow winding road to Penley.
Step 3
Follow road up steep hill into Penley. At the T-junction turn left towards Overton and Ruabon (A539). Cycle through Penley, then after approximately ½ mile, turn right into Vicarage Lane towards Adra-felin
Step 4
Follow the road to a crossroads at the A525. Go straight over towards Worthenbury, then take the first left towards Wallington
Step 5
At the next T-junction turn left onto the B5069 towards Bangor
Step 6
Cycle into Bangor, then turn left onto Overton Road, the B5069 (signposted Overton)
Step 7
Continue under the A525 and then past Bangor Racecourse, then turn first left towards Millbrook. At the next T-junction turn right towards Cloy then continue along this road, passing under the old railway line
Step 8
At the T-junction turn right towards Overton, following the road back under the former railway line. At the T-junction with the B5069, turn left towards Overton
Step 9
When you reach Overton, turn left onto the A528 towards Whitchurch. Cycle through the village, then turn right onto Salop Road (signposted Ellesmere)
Step 10
After leaving Overton take the first right towards Oswestry (B5069), then take the second turning on the left, immediately before signs for Shropshire and North Shropshire District
Step 11
At the first T-junction turn left, then at the T-junction in Pentre Coed turn left towards Eastwick
Step 12
At the next T-junction turn right towards Dudleston Heath and Ellesmere
Step 13
When you reach a staggered crossroads, turn left and immediate right onto Chapel Lane signed Greenhill
Step 14
Turn left at both of the next two T-junctions
Step 15
At the T-junction with the B5068 turn right and return to Ellesmere along Trimpley Street