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. For more information visit: www.market-drayton.com/InDevelopment/
The airfield started work in World War I as a base for the Royal Flying Corps. In World War II it was brought back into use by the Royal Air Force and is now an army base. In 1989 it suffered an attack by the IRA – luckily no one was killed.
Home of St Peter’s Church built in 1874. Look for the grave of the “Shropshire Giant”, Thomas Dutton, born in 1853, who was 7’3” and renowned for his great strength. Next-door is “millennium monolith” with a special map of the parish and picnic area.
In the village you will find Wollerton Old Hall Garden, a three acre formal garden developed around a 16th Century house with tearoom. Open Easter to end of August, Fridays and Sundays (12-5pm).
Hodnet is one of the most attractive villages in north Shropshire; it is filled with Shropshire’s typically beautiful black and white houses. Hodnet’s centrepiece, for which it most well-known, is its Hall and Gardens which were started in 1921 by Brigadier A.G.W. Heber-Percy, who spend 30 years transforming the landscape from a boggy marsh to splendid formal garden. Today the 19th century mansion stands in the grounds, which are open to groups by appointment. The Heber-Percy family still lives in the ancestral home.
A medieval manor house reputed to be the court of North Shropshire. A Grade 1 building rescued from dereliction in the 1980s with restored 17th century gardens. Occasional open days or by special appointment.
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 carry straight on to the junction of the A41. Go straight over (take care) and follow the road past the airfield to Stoke on Tern
The airfield started work in World War I as a base for the Royal Flying Corps. In World War II it was brought back into use by the Royal Air Force and is now an army base. In 1989 it suffered an attack by the IRA – luckily no one was killed.
Home of St Peter’s Church built in 1874. Look for the grave of the “Shropshire Giant”, Thomas Dutton, born in 1853, who was 7’3” and renowned for his great strength. Next-door is “millennium monolith” with a special map of the parish and picnic area.
At the T-junction in Stoke on Tern turn right and cycle past the church and over the river, turn first right opposite Cotton Farm
Go through the gates at the end of the road. Cross the A53 Hodnet bypass via the cycle track and carry straight on to Wollerton (take care)
Just past Wollerton Old Hall Gardens turn left (next to old brick pound). Go over disused railway and turn left on to the old main road to Hodnet village
Hodnet is one of the most attractive villages in North Shropshire; it is filled with Shropshire’s typically beautiful black and white houses. Hodnet’s centrepiece, for which it most well-known, is its Hall and Gardens which were started in 1921 by Brigadier A.G.W. Heber-Percy, who spend 30 years transforming the landscape from a boggy marsh to splendid formal garden. Today the 19th century mansion stands in the grounds, which are open to groups by appointment. The Heber-Percy family still lives in the ancestral home.
From the centre of Hodnet continue on the main road (A442) and turn left down Station Road. Go past the old station, through the wooden gate and cross the A53 Hodnet bypass on the special cycle track (take care). Cycle through Stoke on Tern and continue towards Wistanswick
At Heathcote turn left at the crossroads onto Rosehill Road (next to the primary school)
At the T-junction with the A41 cross straight over (take care) and follow the small lane to the next T-junction, turn left and cycle past Old Colehurst Manor
A medieval manor house reputed to be the court of North Shropshire. A Grade 1 building rescued from dereliction in the 1980s with restored 17th century gardens. Occasional open days or by special appointment
At the next T-junction turn right signposted Sutton. Follow this road past the golf course and back to Market Drayton. At the T-junction turn right back to the town centre
