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 5: To Hodnet & Wollerton
A 24 mile circular cycle route from Wem using some main routes and therefore suitable for the more experienced cyclists. The route takes in some of North Shropshire’s most amazing scenery, including wooded heaths and views of sandstone hills. This route meets up with the Market Drayton cycle route in the beautiful village of Hodnet.
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
Hodnet – The Bear Hotel
Hodnet’s centrepiece is its Hall and Gardens which were started in 1921 by Brigadier A.G.W. Heber-Percy. Now you can enjoy the 60+ acres of beautiful landscaped gardens within a natural valley setting. There are also woodland walks and an ornamental water garden. Afternoon tea can be taken in the tearooms and there is also a gift shop. www.hodnethallgardens.org
Wollerton – The Squirrel
Wollerton Old Hall Gardens is a 3-acre, formal garden developed around a 16th century house with a tearoom. Open Easter to end of August, Fridays and Sundays (12 to 5pm) www.wollertonoldhallgarden.com
Prees
Prees is an ancient village with evidence of Roman use. The church of St. Chad is 14th century but the tower is 1758. A handsome monument to Sir John Hill, father of the famous Lord Hill, Wellington’s second in command at Waterloo, is housed within.
Refreshments
There are a range of refreshments available in Wem.
Ride directions
Step 1
Leave Wem along Aston Street, over the level crossing and turn immediate right for Aston. Go through Aston and into Lee Brockhurst.
Step 2
Turn left on to the A49 towards Whitchurch and first right towards Booley and Stanton (take great care). Follow road around to the left after Moston where you'll join route 45. Continue towards Hodnet. Turn left at sign for Route 45 (signed Marchamley).
Step 3
Turn right at staggered crossroad . Join A 442 right at T-junction and into Hodnet village. Hodnet's centrepiece is its Hall and Gardens which were started in 1921 by Brigadier A.G.W. Heber-Percy. Now you can enjoy the 60+ acres of beautiful landscaped gardens within a natural valley setting. There are also woodland walks and an ornamental water garden. Afternoon tea can be taken in the tearooms and there is also a gift shop. www.hodnethallgardens.org
Step 4
Retrace route out of Hodnet and follow sign to Marchamley. Turn left into Wood Lane and then turn right to Fauls (Route 45).
Step 5
At the next T-junction with the A442 turn right for Whitchurch and Cycle Route 45 (take care). Turn first left at the next crossroads and into Prees.
Step 6
Continue through the village and under the A49. Go straight over at the crossroads along Mill Street towards Whixall. Continue along this road, over the level crossing and past Prees Railway Station. Continue to the next T-junction.
Step 7
Turn left onto the B5476, first right and then first left following Cycle Route 45 (take care). At the first T-junction turn left and then left again at the next. At the next T-junction turn right, signposted to Stanley Green. Continue along this road into Whixall.
Step 8
After Whixall Social Centre take the first left towards Braynes Hall. Continue to the next T-junction and turn left to Edstaston. Continue to the next T-junction following windy road.
Step 9
Turn left towards Edstaston and right at the next T-junction.
Step 10
Continue to the next T-junction and turn right on to the B5476 and back into Wem town centre along New Street.