The Marches Meander

5 or 7 nights - Moderate

This holiday explores the quiet countryside and history of Shropshire. See some of the varied scenery starting gently on the Shropshire Plain, and heading towards the foothills of the south Shropshire hills. Follow quiet lanes, past Moreton Corbet Castle, Attingham Park, the Roman ruins at Wroxeter, and a vineyard. From here the route takes you into the beautiful countryside on the edge of the Long Mynd. There is an optional climb over the Long Mynd, (worth the effort for the views), or an alternative gentler ride keeping off the big hills!. From here its back onto to the Shropshire Plain, through Melverley, on the banks of the River Severn, with its 13^th century timber church. 

The seven night holiday includes a loop towards Wenlock Edge with spectacular views and acres of National Trust woodland. Stay in Ironbridge for 2 nights giving chance to visit the world famous Ironbridge Gorge Museum - a world heritage site.. 

Cycling distances - 20 - 25 miles a day

Accommodation: Farms/B & B's or Hotels/Country House Hotels

COST: Per person

Number of nights	Farm/B & B's	Hotel/Country House Hotels
5	£435	£555
7	£565	£700
Single supp/night	£10 - 20	£20 - £35

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, near Shrewsbury

ITINERARY - 5 night, 6 day holiday. This is based on a mix of farms, B & Bs and hotels, which gives you variety. Please phone or e mail to discuss details for your choices

Day 1 - Arrive 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 15 - 16 miles). 

Day 2 - Cycle through the market town of Wem famous for its sweet peas. Then on past Hawkstone Park and Follies. from here the route passes through small villages of Stanton on Hine Heath and Shawbury. There is chance to visit Moreton Corbett Castle and Haughmond Abbey. Stay in a comfortable B & B on the edge of Shrewsbury, near the Abbey or comfortable hotel in Atcham, just outside Shrewsbury. About 25 miles. 

Day 3 - From here pass Attingham Hall and Gardens and the large roman ruins at Wroxeter. Then on to Acton Burnell which has lovely castle ruins, and to All Stretton/Church Stretton area at the foothills of the Long Mynd. 25 miles. 

Day 4 - There are two options today, either a gentle ride keeping to off the hills, through the villages of Leebotwood, Stapleton and Longden. Alternatively opt for the tougher ride climbing over the Long Mynd - but worth it for the fantastic views and quietness. Once at the top the its down hill the other side and back to gently rolling countryside. 20 - 25 miles depending on accommodation

Day 5  - Cycle through Melverley, on the banks of the River Severn, with its 13^th century timber church and then on through very peaceful countryside to Burlton for the last night. 20 - 23 miles.

Day 6 - Cycle back to the starting point through the small market town of Ellesmere with the largest of the meres (lakes) in the area. Leave Ellesmere following a lovely section of canal towpath to  Colemere Country Park. We meet you back at your starting point with you luggage and to collect the bikes. About 20 miles.

ITINERARY - 7 night, 8 day holiday

Day 1 - Arrive at 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 15 - 16 miles). 

Day 2 - Cycle through the market town of Wem famous for its sweet peas. Then on past Hawkstone Park and Follies. from here the route passes through small villages of Stanton on Hine Heath and Shawbury. There is chance to visit Moreton Corbett Castle and Haughmond Abbey. Stay at the village pub in Upton Magna or hotel in Atcham. About 25 miles. 

Day 3 - From here pass Attingham Hall and Gardens and the large roman ruins at Wroxeter. Then a bit of a climb to Wenlock Edge and on to the steep Ironbridge Gorge. 

Day 4 - Spend a day exploring the lovely riverside, world heritage site, town of Ironbridge famous for being the centre of the industrial revolution. Visit the famous museum.

Day 5 - Starts with steep climb out of the gorge (our advice is it's best to walk!) and then on to Much Wenlock with its lovely high Street, old priory now owned by English Heritage. Its worth spending some time here. Then to Acton Burnell which has lovely castle ruins, and to All Stretton/Church Stretton area at the foothills of the Long Mynd. 21 miles. 

Day 6 - There are two options today, either a gentle ride keeping to off the hills, through the villages of Leebotwood, Stapleton and Longden. Alternatively opt for the tougher ride climbing over the Long Mynd - but worth it for the fantastic views and quietness. Once at the top the its down hill the other side and back to gently rolling countryside. 20 - 25 miles depending on accommodation.

Day 7  - Cycle through Melverley, on the banks of the River Severn, with its 13^th century timber church and then on through very peaceful countryside to Burlton for the last night. 20 - 23 miles.

Day 8 - Cycle back to the starting point through the small market town of Ellesmere with the largest of the meres (lakes) in the area. Leave Ellesmere following a lovely section of canal towpath to  Colemere Country Park. We meet you back at your starting point with you luggage and to collect the bikes. About 20 miles

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