One of four cycle rides into the countryside around Shrewsbury, following quiet lanes and bridleways, from 10 – 29 miles (16 – 46 km).
Shrewsbury is a very attractive historic market town nestled in a loop of the River Severn. The town centre has a largely unaltered medieval street plan and features several timber framed 15th and 16th century buildings.
The town was founded around 800AD and has played a significant role in British history, having been the site of many conflicts, particularly between the English and the Welsh. William the Conqueror gave the town to Roger de Montgomery who founded Shrewsbury Castle in 1074 and Shrewsbury Abbey in 1083. Both these historic buildings can be visited by the public.
Shrewsbury was also the birthplace of naturalist Charles Darwin, one of the most influential scientists of the nineteenth century. He was educated at the famous Shrewsbury School, which was also attended by Michael Palin and DJ John Peel.
Nowadays, Shrewsbury is famous as a ‘town of flowers’. The town hosts one of the oldest and largest horticultural events in the country, Shrewsbury Flower Show, and is known for its floral displays.
Shrewsbury is a lively town with frequent markets and street fairs and festivals. There are plenty of wonderful places to eat and stay, as well as some great shops. There are also some beautiful, peaceful green places to explore such as the town’s stunning Quarry Park, the River Severn path and the Reabrook Valley Nature Reserve.
This Abbey Church of SS Peter and Paul was found by Roger de Montgomery, a relative of William the Conqueror, in 1083.
This seven-arched bridge is made from sandstone. It was designed by John Gwynne, a founder member of the Royal Academy, and constructed in 1771.
Elegant 18th Century mansion with regency interiors set in extensive deer park. The National Trust offers free entry to the park to people who arrive by bicycle. Shop open year round, café has seasonal opening times check website for more details: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-attinghampark
Please note that as of 2019 the National Trust no longer offers free entry to those coming to the Attingham Park on foot or by bicycle, however, they do offer a discounted rate of £5 for adults and £2.50 for children for those arriving in this way. See their website for more details.
Start at the Sports Village on Sundorne Road. From here follow route 81 signed town centre.
Follow the route of the old canal until you reach Telford Way (inner ring road). Cross the road via the underpass, signed route 81, or via the toucan crossing. About 20 metres beyond the crossing turn left signed town centre and Sundorne to rejoin route 81.
Carry on along route 81, turn left at the end of Darville onto Sydney Avenue and on past the weir.
Continue along the river towpath, go under footbridge and turn right immediately, signed Monkmoor via footbridge. Dismount to walk over footbridge then continue along cycle track.
Turn right at the end of the cycle track into Underdale Road/ Holywell Street. Continue straight under railway bridge until you reach the T junction.
Turn right into Abbey Foregate and follow cycle lane passing Shrewsbury Abbey on your right (take care – busy road)
Join the cycle track on the pavement near the entrance to Shropshire Wildlife Trust (pavement cycle sign) . Turn left, signed to Belle Vue/Longden Coleham and continue on cycle track past the Asda supermarket.
Continue past the cinema on your left and cross the road via crossing point into Scott Street. Slide right immediately and continue straight on, signed except cycles.
Turn left on the railway bridge, signed Reabrook, Sutton, & Meole Brace
Turn left and then right across the road at the roundabout signed Reabrook/Sutton. After crossing the road follow cycle signs to Sutton along the disused railway path.
At the next road junction turn left signed to Shrewsbury Business Park.
Rejoin the carriageway, turn right at the roundabout and follow the short section of main road A458 Bridgnorth, crossing over Shrewsbury bypass. (Take care).
Continue until you reach a fork in the road, at this point bear left signed to Berrington
Continue straight on at the crossroads signed to Berrington
As you enter Berrington, turn immediately left signed to Cross Houses.
Turn right at the main road junction (take care) and left at the next roundabout, unsigned.
Dismount and walk over the old bridge to the Mytton and Mermaid hotel.
Cross the road (take care busy road) and enter the grounds of Attingham Park. Watch out for cattle grids. Ride through the park (one way system) to the car park and ticket office.
Continue through the car park following the one way system to Home Farm. On leaving Home Farm, turn right on busy main road for a short stretch
Turn right at next junction signed to Upton Magna route 45 (take care – limited visibility).
Turn left opposite The Haughmond pub signed route 81 and route 45 at Upton Magna. Follow road round to left past church signed route 81 to Shrewsbury.
Turn right and continue on route 81 through Uffington.
Turn left onto cycle track and carry straight on crossing the road at Pimley Manor until you reach right hand turn back to Sports Village.
