Cycling is one of the best ways to soak up the unspoilt landscapes and experience the unique features of the environment and villages of North Shropshire. It is ideal cycling terrain: quiet lanes and country roads, easy gradients and yet amazing views. These cycle routes have been chosen to suit a range of interests and abilities, the shortest route being 7.5 miles and the longest 24 miles. Cycled over a day, with a picnic lunch or a stop at a local pub, this really is a great way to explore the area.
Whitchurch Cycle Rides Route 3: To Malpas & Threpwood
A 22.5 mile circular cycle route leaving Whitchurch along the canal towpath, you will encounter a famous set of locks at Grindley Brook. The route then heads into the rolling countryside of Cheshire; refreshments can be found in the picturesque village of Malpas. This route includes some cycling along main roads and some steep hills and is therefore suitable for more experienced cyclists.
Places of interest:
Whitchurch
Whitchurch is one of the busiest and most beautiful market towns in Shropshire. As one of the oldest towns in Shropshire, it also has a fascinating history. Whitchurch is a bustling place; perfect for a great day’s shopping offering a variety of traditional and specialist shops as well as larger chain stores. There are fantastic places to eat, drink, explore or just relax and watch the world go by. Find out more about Whitchurch’s heritage and what else there is to see and do at the Heritage and Tourist Information Centre or visit www.whitchurch-heritage.co.uk/
Grindley Brook
The Ellesmere canal, designed by Thomas Telford, passes through Grindley Brook and then into a famous three chamber staircase lock.
Malpas
Malpas is a picturesque village with the remains of a motte and bailey castle dating from Norman times. Its mediaeval street pattern still remains. The church also contains a 15th century octagonal stone font and choir stalls with carved misericords.
Sarn and Tallarn Green
RS Thomas, who died in 2000 and was widely regarded as the best religious poet of his time, was the curate at the Church of St Mary Magdalene in Tallarn Green between 1942 and 1945. The Queen’s Head public house is at Sarn, ¼ mile away from the Church.
Ride directions
Step 1
Leave Whitchurch along the Whitchurch Canal Arm, which can be
accessed along Smallbrook Road (see town map)Step 2
Cross the Lift Up Canal Bridge and turn right and follow the towpath
towards Grindley BrookStep 3
At the Grindley Brook Locks leave the towpath to join the main road
(A41) and turn left towards Chester. Turn first left at the Horse and
Jockey Public House, signposted to Malpas (B5395)Step 4
To avoid the main road into Malpas, turn first left, signposted to Higher Wych.
Step 5
At the next T-junction turn right and go up a steep hill
Step 6
Turn right at the next T-junction
Step 7
At the next T-junction turn left on to the B5395 and into
Malpas village. Turn first left towards Bangor on Dee and
WrexhamStep 8
Turn left into Sunnyside Road towards Oldcastle
Step 9
Continue past Newton Hall and turn right at the crossroads
towards ThreapwoodStep 10
Continue to Threapwood and at the end of Oldcastle Lane
turn left at the T-junction into Chapel LaneStep 11
At the next T-junction turn left towards Sarn continue a mile until Tallarn Green
Step 12
Then take a right turn signed to Whitchurch and Tour Taith.
Step 13
Turn first left, signposted to Whitewell. Continue passed a turn signed to Whitwell.
Step 14
When the road split, bear right past a small green with a tree on it. At the T-junction turn right onto the A525 (take care) .
Step 15
Turn first left, signed to Blackhoe
Step 16
At the next T juntion turn left and return to Whitchurch along Alkington Road.