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 2: To Welshampton Colemere (14.5 mile)
A 14.5 mile circular cycle route from Wem taking in a number of interesting villages and hamlets with a variety of historical churches, this route takes in the beautiful Colemere lake and Country Park, which provides an ideal setting for a picnic lunch! With options of 20 miles or 16 miles.
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
Newtown
Newtown is a small village which is interesting for its church dedicated to King Charles the Martyr, one of only 4 churches in the country with this dedication.
Welshampton
The church of Saint Michael was built in 1863 and was designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott with unusual yellow stone and a diaper pattern slate roof.
Colemere
Colemere is home to the second largest of the lakes/ meres in Shropshire. The mere is surrounded by extensive woodland with picnic places and a circular walk. Opposite Colemere lake is St John the Evangelist church, a mid-Victorian Gothic church.
Loppington – Dickin Arms
The only remaining bull-ring in Shropshire is set in the road in front of the Dickin Arms pub. It is believed that it was used up to 1835 for bull baiting.
Refreshments
There are a range of refreshments available in Wem.
Ride directions
Step 1
Leave Wem along New Street and turn left at the Hawkestone Arms pub.
Turn right at the T-junction and continue uphill out of Wem and down to
the next T-junction.Step 2
Turn left, signposted to Loppington and take the second right by a red brick
house, signposted to Newtown.Step 3
Turn right at Newtown Parish Church and past the Community Park on the
right. Continue along this road and turn left at the next T- junction. When
you meet the T-junction in Northwood, turn right onto the B5063 and past
the Horse and Jockey pub.Step 4
To continue along the short cut back to Wem: Do not turn right in Lyneal,
instead take the first left, signposted to Loppington. Turn first right and
then left at the next T-junction into LoppingtonStep 5
At the T-junction in Loppington turn left and then first right by the Dickin
Arms, signposted to Noneley. Turn second left past the front of Noneley Hall.
Turn left at the next T-junction and follow the road into TilleyStep 6
Continue through Tilley past the Raven Inn. Turn left at the T-junction and
return to Wem town centre along Mill StreetStep 7
Step 8
Step 9
Step 10