One of four cycle rides into the countryside around Shrewsbury, following quiet lanes and bridleways, from 10 – 29 miles (16 – 46 km).
Short loop 10m (16km) ; include extra loop 16m (25km).
Shrewsbury is a very attractive historic market town nestled in a loop of the River Severn. The town centre has a largely unaltered medieval street plan and features several timber framed 15th and 16th century buildings.
The town was founded around 800AD and has played a significant role in British history, having been the site of many conflicts, particularly between the English and the Welsh. William the Conqueror gave the town to Roger de Montgomery who founded Shrewsbury Castle in 1074 and Shrewsbury Abbey in 1083. Both these historic buildings can be visited by the public.
Shrewsbury was also the birthplace of naturalist Charles Darwin, one of the most influential scientists of the nineteenth century. He was educated at the famous Shrewsbury School, which was also attended by Michael Palin and DJ John Peel.
Nowadays, Shrewsbury is famous as a ‘town of flowers’. The town hosts one of the oldest and largest horticultural events in the country, Shrewsbury Flower Show, and is known for its floral displays.
Shrewsbury is a lively town with frequent markets and street fairs and festivals. There are plenty of wonderful places to eat and stay, as well as some great shops. There are also some beautiful, peaceful green places to explore such as the town’s stunning Quarry Park, the River Severn path and the Reabrook Valley Nature Reserve.
This picturesque village with its thatched cottages and quaint church has a certain old world charm. The Haughmond pub has a restaurant and has an adjacent ‘Bakery & Pedal Stop’ which is very popular with cyclists. It is open Monday – Sunday 9 – 4pm.
Home Farm at Attingham Park is a working farm open to the public. As well as being able to look around the historic farm and see the animals, you can visit the tearooms or buy home-made ice cream. There are seasonal opening times from late March to December.
Start at the Sports Village on Sundorne Road. From here follow route 81 signed town centre weaving behind the buildings, through woodland to the cycle track. Turn left at T Junction at the cycle track on route 81 signed Uffington/Wellington.
Carry straight on (taking care of any cars) at lane crossing for Pimley Manor, signed route 81 Wellington/ Telford/Uffington.
At junction with road, turn right signed Wellington/Upton Magna (Take care turning onto main road).
Just before the road, there is a fork in the cycle path; if you take the left fork it will give you better sight lines to cross the road.
Bear left at the next junction following route 81 to Upton Magna signed route 81 Wellington.
In Upton Magna, continue following route 81 signed to Wellington.
To do the extra loop of 6 miles; at the T junction opposite the Haughmond pub (& Village store / Pedal Stop) turn left and follow route 81 signed to Wellington. Alternatively to go directly to Home Farm turn right signed route 45 Atcham and follow these directions from number 14.
After leaving Upton Magna, bear left at next junction, signed Rodington/Roden.
Turn left at the second crossroads just after the egg farm, Hollowdene, unsigned road.
Turn right at the cross roads, unsigned. After leaving the hamlet of Somerwood continue straight on signed to Rodington/Walcot/Wellington.
Carry straight on at the cross roads, signed to Walcot/Wellington.
Carry straight on at the crossroads in Rodington Heath, signed Withington/Walcot.
Turn right on the bend signed Withington/Upton Magna.
In Withington turn right onto route 81 signed Upton Magna, continue on route 81 to Upton Magna.
Carry on straight past the Haughmond pub on the left signed route 45 Atcham.
Turn left at the T junction signed route 45 Atcham (take care busy road).
After approximately ½ mile, turn left signed Home Farm only, across a cattle grid then left again to Home Farm. After spending time at Home Farm you can either retrace your steps back to Upton Magna and the Sports Village or return to route 81 using the slightly shorter route along a busier road outlined in points 17-19 below.
Turn right out of Home Farm turning and keep left when you reach Berwick Wharf junction.
Continue straight on at the cross roads.
At the next junction rejoin route 81 and retrace your steps to the Sports Village.
