The Mercian Way
The Mercian Way – National Cycle Network Route 45
Cycle the length of Shropshire from north to south through rolling countryside, historic towns and ancient woodland.
The route
The Mercian Way is part of the award-winning National Cycle Network. The full route runs from Salisbury to Chester; the section of the route which runs through Shropshire is called the Mercian Way. There are four leaflets covering this section.
Wyre Forest to Bridgnorth
Discover ancient woodland, peaceful river valley scenery and the renowned Severn Valley Railway as you cycle or walk through southeast Shropshire (20 miles).
Bridgnorth to Ironbridge
Experience beautiful countryside as you follow the scenic path of a disused railway above the banks of the River Severn (10 miles).
Around the Wrekin
Take the challenge to ride all round the Wrekin or simply enjoy the views from the Mercian Way between the World Heritage Site at Ironbridge and Upton Magna (36 miles full circuit).
Shrewsbury to Whitchurch
Explore some of Shropshire’s hidden byways as you cycle through north Shropshire (30 miles).
Links to other routes
Route 45 links with NCN Route 81 at Upton Magna and with Route 55, the Silkin Way at Ironbridge. The Around the Wrekin leaflet shows a circular ride using all three of these routes.
Between Whitchurch and Welsh End route 45 runs parallel with national cycle route 455. Why not join this route and explore the meres and mosses of north Shropshire?
North of Whitchurch route 45 links with regional route 70, the Cheshire Cycleway and NCN route 451.
Looking for a shorter route?
Our circular rides from market towns are shorter, circular routes from Shrewsbury, Whitchurch and Wem.
The Discovering Wellington Project promotes an eleven mile Round the Wrekin mini cycle trail. This trail is also shown on the Mercian Way Around the Wrekin leaflet.
