Hidden Highways and Shropshire Lakes

2 or 3 nights - Gentle or moderate

Explore the gently rolling quiet, Shropshire Plain and borderland. The area has many small glacial lakes, mosses, rare plants and wildlife. Choose the easy break, which is ideal for children or the moderate break with slightly longer cycling distances. The cycling is exceptionally quiet with little lanes and few cars making it an ideal holiday for children or those wanting a peaceful wind down for a few days. Shrewsbury is nearby allowing opportunity to visit this historic town either at the start or end of your break. 

Cycle along quiet lanes, through pretty villages like Loppington, English Frankton and Clive, and past many small lakes dotted around the Shropshire Plain. Visit Colemere Country Park, the pretty town of Ellesmere (with its weekly market, Mere, heron watch and canal wharf). The three night break passes Hanmer Mere, Hawkstone Park and Follies, Wollerton Old Hall Gardens, Morton Corbett Castle and Hodnet. 

Cycling distances - Gentle 10-15 miles a day. Moderate 20 - 25 miles a day.

Accommodation: Comfortable farms or small hotels or can mix accommodation. Accommodation can also be arranged in Shrewsbury if you want to extend your break 

COST: Per person

Number of nights	Farm/B & B's	Hotel/Inn
2	£185	£205
3	£260	£285
Single supp/night	£10 - 20	£15 - 30

Child Discounts - (Children sharing with 2 adults) Under 2 - free, under 4 -  80%, Under 12 - 50% and 12 to 16 - 25%

 

This cycling holiday includes -  Overnight  B & B accommodation Detailed routes, maps, background information Quality bikes (discount available of you prefer to bring your own) Helmets and tool kit, puncture resistant tyres Luggage transfer & full support and back-up should you need help Car parking or transfer to and from nearest station  Nearest station - Wem or Whitchurch

ITINERARY - This holiday is flexible and itineraries vary depending on accommodation and number of nights selected. This option is based on moderate, 3 nights in a mix of farms and hotels, which gives you variety. Please phone or e mail to discuss details for your choices

Day 1 - Arrive at farm on edge of Ellesmere from lunchtime. We meet you when you arrive to deliver bikes and adjust them to make sure they are comfortable. Circular ride around countryside (about 11 miles). Opportunity to look around Ellesmere, the Mere (lake), and canal wharf

Day 2 - Cycle out of Ellesmere along the canal to Colemere Lake and Country Park. From here visit the small market town of Wem famous for its sweet peas. Then on past Hawkstone Park and Follies to Wollerton (chance to visit gardens, NB not open every day - check with us for opening times if you want to visit) and on to Hodnet. (Hall and Gardens have only limited opening in 2008) to stay at Bear Hotel. 20 - 21 miles. Gentle route don't go as far as Hodnet, stay in Wem.

Day 3 - Cycle through quiet countryside and villages of Stanton on Hine, Shawbury and Hadnall. The route passes Morton Corbet Castle ruins, Haston Country Garden Centre (rose specialists) and Merrington Green nature reserve. Stay at the Burlton Inn . 24 miles. 

On the gentle route there are two options for today either a longer 20 miles (passing Moreton Corbett Castle, Haston Country Garden Centre (rose specialists) or a 11 mile route (through Loppington, Commonwood nature reserve) We give you both and you can decide on the day.

Day 4 - Cycle back to Ellesmere past Colemere Country Park, through small hamlets and the village of Whittington with its lovely castles ruins surrounded by a moat. Nice pub stops for lunch either just before Whittington or after (the Jack Mytton Inn near the canal). Then on to Ellesmere  where we meet you with you luggage and to collect the bikes. 24 - 25 miles, Gentle route misses Whittingon 12 - 14 miles.

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