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 3: To Cockshutt, Baschurch & Myddle
A 23 mile circular cycle route from Wem with spectacular views of the Welsh Hills and an interesting detour past Sleap airfield. Fairly easy cycling taking in some of the larger villages in the area, such as Baschurch, Cockshutt and Myddle.
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
Cockshutt – Leaking Tap
The church is dedicated to St Simon and St Jude. A previous chapel on the same site is recorded as far back as the 15th century.
Baschurch – New Inn, Admiral Duncan Inn, Boreatton Arms
Baschurch is centred around the Church of All Saints, which dates from the 13th and 14th centuries. It is believed a battle took place a mile or so north of the village of Baschurch where stands the ancient fortress now known as The Berth. More recently this site has been suggested as being the resting place of King Arthur!
Myddle – Red Lion
The village probably owes its origins to being on a crossroads with the important Ellesmere-Shrewsbury road. A resident in the 18th century was Richard Gough, who wrote a “History of Myddle”. In his book there are stories of conspiracies of unhappily married women of the village who poisoned their husbands and of men addicted to gambling or alcohol.
Sleap Airfield
Sleap Airfield is an ex-RAF field, formerly home to 93 Group Bomber Command and 38 Airborne Forces Group in World War II. The RAF left in 1964. Shropshire Aero Club is now based here.
Refreshments
There are a range of refreshments available in Wem.
Ride directions
Step 1
Leave Wem along Mill Street and turn right just before the railway bridge signposted Tilley. Follow the road through Tilley.
Step 2
Take the first right, signposted to Commonwood. Pass Ruewood Pastures Nature Reserve on your right. Continue to a T-junction next to Nonely Hall.
Step 3
Turn right (unsigned) and follow the road into Loppington. At the T-junction, by the Dickin Arms, turn left and then first right signposted to Cockshutt. Continue through English Frankton and into Cockshutt.
Step 4
At the next T-junction, turn left on to the A528 to Shrewsbury and take the second right, signposted to Bagley (take care). Turn first left and continue into Petton just before farm.
Step 5
Turn first right after Petton Hall Farm and follow the windy road into Weston Lullingfields. Turn left at the next T-junction to Baschurch. Take the first right towards Stanwardine.
Step 6
Turn left at the T-junction, over the railway bridge and continue to Baschurch.
Step 7
Go straight over at the crossroads down Church Road, signposted to Nobold. Go straight over at the next crossroads to Eyton.
Step 8
At the next junction turn left (sign to Myddle) and continue to the next T-junction, turn right signposted Myddle 3⁄4 miles.
Myddle x≠ Red Lion The village probably owes its origins to being on a crossroads with the important Ellesmere-Shrewsbury road. A resident in the 18th century was Richard Gough, who wrote a “History of Myddle”. In his book there are stories of conspiracies of unhappily married women of the village who poisoned their husbands and of men addicted to gambling or alcohol.
Step 9
In Myddle turn left up Brookside Road after the Red Lion pub. At the T-junction turn left onto the A528 towards Ellesmere (take care). Turn first right (sign to Noneley) and follow this road past Sleap airfield.
Sleap Airfield is an ex-RAF field, formerly home to 93 Group Bomber Command and 38 Airborne Forces Group in World War II. The RAF left in 1964. Shropshire Aero Club is now based here.
Step 10
At the T-junction in Noneley turn right towards Wem and follow the road back through Tilley. Turn left at the T-junction onto Mill Street and back into Wem town centre.