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.
Wem Cycle Rides Route 1: To Whixall Moss & Marina (13 mile)
A 13 mile circular cycle route from Wem navigating through a maze of quiet country lanes taking in the unusual and magnificent north Shropshire mosses. With shorter option of 7.5 miles or 11.5 miles (21 km in total or 12 km or 18.5 km with short cuts). It is easy cycling, mainly on the flat.
Places of interest:
Wem
Wem originated as a Saxon settlement but also has evidence of settlers dating back to the Iron Age. During the War of the Roses, it was “torn to the ground” by the Earl of Salisbury on behalf of the Yorkists. The town was rebuilt in 1500 by Ralf Greystock only to see further destruction in 1677 after a 14-year-old girl, Jane Churn, dropped a candle and started a huge fire that destroyed most of the wooden buildings in the town. More recently, in 1887, a local called Henry Eckford became the first to cross breed the modern Sweet Pea. His contribution to horticulture is still celebrated every year in Wem with the annual Sweet Pea Show. For more information about Wem visit www.wem.gov.uk
Wem is nestled at the heart of the beautiful Meres and Mosses landscape. For information about preserving this unique habitat, or to find local events visit www.themeresandmosses.co.uk
Whixall Moss
Whixall includes a large part of the 948-hectare “Fenn’s, Whixall, Bettisfield, Wem and Cadney Mosses” which is an SSSI (Site of SpecialScientific Interest) and is the third largest raised bog in Britain. The central area became a National Nature Reserve in 1990 and large-scale cutting was stopped. The mosses are now being restored and you will find wildfowl, waders and dragonflies abound. For more information or to book your place on a guided walk of the mosses visit www.themeresandmosses.co.uk
Whixall Marina
The first mile of the former Prees Branch Canal was dredged and a Marina built in the 1970’s. The lower stretch to Waterloo Bridge was retained as a Nature Reserve. Prees Branch has many of the values of a long pond – good for dragonflies, moorhens and swans and makes a pleasant detour from the main towpath along the Shropshire Union Canal.
Ride directions
Step 1
Leave Wem along New Street. Go past the national speed limit signs and turn first left then bear right at Ryebank.
Step 2
Take the fourth left and continue along this road towards Waterloo until you reach a T-junction.
Step 3
At the T-junction turn right, signposted Cycle Route 455. Continue along this road until you reach another T-junction.
Step 4
Turn left, signposted Bostock Hall. Turn first right. At the next T-junction turn left and continue to another T-junction. Turn right, signposted Whitchurch and Wem and then first left at the Whixall Social Centre, signposted Stanley Green.
Step 5
In Stanley Green go straight on at the mini roundabout and turn left at the T-junction. Follow this road until you reach a T-junction in Hollinswood. Turn left, signposted Platt Lane and continue to the crossroads.
Step 6
Turn left, signposted Ellesmere and Wem. Follow the road through Welshend and past Whixall School after about 0.5m further on.
Step 7
To visit Whixall Moss, turn first right after the school, signposted Whixall Moss. Go over the lift bridge and Whixall Moss car park is on the left. Leave Whixall Moss along the same road, and rejoin the cycle route by turning right on to the main road.
Step 8
Follow the road towards Dobson’s Bridge and past Whixall Marina on your left. Go over the canal and follow the road round a bend to the left, signposted Cycle Route 455. The Marina is a nice stopping place with a cafe overlooking the canal boats.
Step 9
Turn right at the next crossroads signed Lowe & Wem.
Continue along this road to a T-junction. Turn left and continue to another T-junction signed Wem & Whixall.
Step 10
Turn left and then first right, signposted to Wem and follow the road up a steep hill and back down towards Wem.
Step 11
As you enter the 30mph zone take the second left into Pyms Road and turn right at the T-junction on to New Street and back into Wem town centre.