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 4: To Harmer Hill through Clive & Lee Brockhurst
A 22 mile circular cycle route from Wem for the more experienced cyclists, with some steep gradients and crossing the busy A49 twice. However, it is well worth the effort, it takes in a number of pretty villages and fine hostelries as well as passing the impressive remains of the Moreton Corbet Castle.
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
Clive
Clive is the birthplace of William Wycherley, a Restoration dramatist of some repute. Clive Church stands on the slopes of the hill above the village and is a landmark for many miles.
Corbet Wood
Corbet Wood is situated on the slopes of the Grinshill sandstone ridge that lies south of Clive village. Cart tracks, remnants of the former sandstone quarry, now provide easy access to a pleasantly varied woodland scene and lead to several excellent viewing points.
Moreton Corbet
Moreton Corbet Castle is a magnificent and unusual ornate ruin. It was built by Bartholomew Torret following the Norman conquest in 1066. In approximately 1239 the Corbet family acquired Moreton Toret and built a stone castle on the site. For more information visit: www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/moreton-corbet-castle/
Stanton upon Hine Heath – The Stanton Arms
Home to novelist Mary Webb from 1896 to 1902.
Lee Brockhurst
A charming farming hamlet mentioned in the Domesday Book. The bridge over the River Roden was built in Thomas Telford’s design in 1800. Near this is the small village green from where access is available to the National Trust’s protected area of Lee Hills.
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. Follow the road through Tilley and past the Raven pub on the right.
Step 2
Turn first left for Brandwood. Continue to the A528.
Step 3
Turn left towards Harmer Hill and then first right into Myddle village (take care!). Turn left at the T-junction and continue up the hill. At the top of the hill turn sharp right just before you reach the main road. Continue along this road into Harmer Hill.
Step 4
Go straight over at the crossroads, up The Hollow to the next crossroads and turn left onto the B5476. Turn first right, signposted Yorton Heath. Follow this road to a T-junction in Yorton.
Step 5
Turn right, signposted Clive. Continue through Clive until you meet the A49 at Preston Brockhurst.
Step 6
Turn right onto the A49 and first left by a black and white house (take great care). Continue to a T-junction and turn right on to the B5063.
Step 7
Take the 2nd left, signposted to Stanton and Booley. For Moreton Corbet Castle turn first right. Otherwise continue over the River Roden and into Stanton upon Hine Heath.
Step 8
Follow the road as it winds its way around the village, past the Stanton arms. Turn first left after the Stanton Arms into Booley Lane. Follow the road to the next T-junction and turn left, signposted Moston. Continue to the A49, turn left and then first right into Lee Brockhurst (take great care).
Step 9
Cycle up a steep bank, continue downhill and then up a steep bank to 100 Steps, through Aston and back into Wem.
Step 10
At the T-junction turn left over the level crossing and return to Wem town centre along Aston Street.