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.
Whitchurch Cycle Rides Route 1: To Whixall & Wem (15.5 mile)
A 15.5 mile circular cycle route from Whitchurch. It is easy cycling, mainly on the flat. The route navigates through a maze of quiet country lanes taking in the unusual and magnificent North Shropshire mosses. This route has 2 options further options; 9 miles or 22.5 miles.
Places of interest:
Whitchurch
Whitchurch is one of the busiest and most beautiful market towns in Shropshire. As one of the oldest towns in Shropshire, it also has a fascinating history. Whitchurch is a bustling place; perfect for a great day’s shopping offering a variety of traditional and specialist shops as well as larger chain stores. There are fantastic places to eat, drink, explore or just relax and watch the world go by. Find out more about Whitchurch’s heritage and what else there is to see and do at the Heritage and Tourist Information Centre or visit www.whitchurch-heritage.co.uk/
Whixall Moss
An important feature of the Meres and Mosses Natural Area is the presence of a large range of different wetland habitats; you will find wildfowl, waders and dragonflies abound. The Natural Area is peppered with small peat and open water wetlands that are of international conservation importance.
The central area became a National Nature Reserve in 1990 and Natural England are now restoring the Mosses. For more information or to book your place on a guided walk of the Mosses visit www.naturalengland.org.uk
Whixall Marina
The first mile of the former Prees Branch Canal was dredged and a Marina built in the 1970s. The lower stretch to Waterloo Bridge was retained as a Nature Reserve. Prees Branch has many of the values of a long pond – good dragonflies, moorhens and swans.
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 and rebuilt in 1500 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 FRHS became the first to cross breed the modern Sweet Pea flower. His contribution to horticulture is still celebrated every year in Wem with the annual Sweet Pea Show. For more information about what you can find in Wem nowadays visit www.wem.gov.uk
Ride directions
Step 1
Leave Whitchurch along Alkington Road and turn first right at
Alkington Court (unsigned)Step 2
At the next T-junction turn left, signposted to Whixall
Step 3
Turn right at the crossroads signposted to Wem
Step 4
To take the shorter route go straight over at the crossroads to
TilstockStep 5
At the T-junction, turn left, signposted Whitchurch
and turn first left into Hollins Lane, signposted to
AlkingtonStep 6
At the next T-junction, turn right, signposted
Whitchurch and return to Whitchurch along
Alkington Road