One of four 6-24 miles cycle rides around Market Drayton following quiet lanes and country roads.
A market (so good the town was named after it) has been running in Market Drayton for over 759 years and remains one of the liveliest weekly street markets in the area. Market Drayton is also the home of gingerbread, however, the locals prefer to dunk it in port rather than eat it dry – which may explain why a certain Robert Clive – better known as Clive of India, who was born in Market Drayton – chose to climb the spire of St Mary’s church when he was a boy. The town itself retains much of its medieval street pattern with red sandstone and mellow brick buildings mingling with black and white half-timbered properties; and to add even more character to the town, the Shropshire Union Canal passes just a few hundred yards from the town centre.
South of Market Drayton is one of the most spectacular sections of the Shropshire Union Canal. Tyrley has a flight of five locks that raise (or lower) the canal by a total 33ft. The nearby Tyrley Wharf was originally a working yard; Cadburys used it as a milk collection point for their factory at Knighton. Nearby, Woodseaves Cutting, cut out of sandstone, is nearly 100ft deep.
Leave the town along Newtown, past the Swimming Centre and onto Walkmill Road. Turn left signposted for the golf course and go over the River Tern.
Cycle uphill, past the Golf Course and turn first left signposted Woodseaves.
At the T-junction with the A529 turn left and first right opposite the Four Alls Inn towards Tyrley Locks (take care!). Go over the canal and follow the road downhill to Old Springs.
Alternative along Shropshire Union Canal At the canal bridge in Tyrley join the towpath and return to Market Drayton, re-joining Betton road at Betton Mill Wharf (Bridge no. 63). The towpath follows a beautiful section of canal through a sandstone cutting. The path can be very muddy so is not suitable for a road bike.
At the T-junction turn left signposted Almington.
Turn next left to Peatswood and return to Market Drayton on Berrisford Road.
