Shropshire Hills Cycle Rides, Route 1: Acton Scott Activator

Ride directions

1. Step 1

   Start at the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre. A car could be left here, but take note of what time the car park closes. Turn right out of the car park, follow road round to the right, then left where it becomes Newton Street. Follow to T-junction at the end where it meets the Corvedale Road, B4368.

2. Step 2

   Turn right onto B4368, follow out of Craven Arms. Cross the River Onny and take the first left to the village of Halford. 

3. Step 3

   After 300m take the first right signposted for Lower Dinchope and Westhope (next to Halford Farm). 

4. Step 4

   This narrow lane takes you uphill to a viewpoint over the Onny Valley. Go downhill and then up a short steep hill to Lower Dinchope. note the memorial by the wall of the long low house. Turn left, signposted to Westhope. The hill on your right is Callow Hill. Look for the tower known as Flounders Folly on the crest. 

5. Step 5

   Follow the road as it bends left and right. fairly level cycling. Stop here and admire the view of Wenlock Edge on your left. 

6. Step 6

   Carry straight on with a gentle downhill roll into Hope Dale. At Westhope (next to the college), turn left, signposted for Middlehope and Ticklerton. 

7. Step 7

   Cycle past Middle Westhope Farm and keep left at the next junction signposted for Burwood. Up a short steep hill to wolverton Wood. down a steep hill through the woods and straight on into Ape Dale towards Ticklerton. 

8. Step 8

   At Ticklerton, keep left signposted for Acton Scott (Farm Museum). Follow the road round to the left. Cycle through the hamlet of Hatton. Level cycling with wonderful views of the hills around Church Stretton (Ragleth and Caer Caradoc).

9. Step 9

   Cycle on past the hamlets of Birtley and Hatton until you arrive at Acton Scott Historic Working Farm entrance. 

10. Step 10

    At the crossroads in Acton Scott turn left signposted for Henley. cycle past Acton Scott hall and church. At the bottom of the hill fork left across the old railway line to Henley. 

11. Step 11

    Continue through open heathland (Henley Common) to alcaston. Turn left at T junction. Straight on past Wolverton Manor Farm (very old, part timber-framed manor house notable for complex patterned framing to the upper gable sections). 

12. Step 12

    Turn right at the T junction at Wolverton Woods and retrace steps back to Craven Arms.