7 or 9 nights - Moderate

The National Byway is a 4,000 mile signposted leisure cycle route round Britain. It follows existing country lanes, and has been designed to pass many places of interest and historic sites along the way. This holiday follows a section of the route from Chester down to the historic market town of Ludlow. There are stations in Chester and Ludlow.

The National Byway takes you past Beeston Castle, craft workshops, Cholmondeley Castle Gardens and Hawkstone Park to Shrewsbury. After a rest day here cycle to Haughmond Abbey, the ruined Roman city of Wroxeter, and Stokesay Castle, finishing in the pretty market town of Ludlow. The nine night holiday includes a loop to historic Ironbridge where you spend two nights allowing time to visit the Ironbridge Gorge Museum.

Extra nights can be added to explore particular areas. There are several options to tailor a break around this holiday, if you want to cycle further some days we can arrange a shorter break, or if you just wanted to do the Chester to Shrewsbury section this can be arranged.

Cycling distances - 20 - 25 miles a day. On the 7 night holiday the total distance is around 140 miles and on the 9 night holiday about 170 miles.

Accommodation: Farms and small hotels.

COST: Per person

Number of nights	Farms/B & B's	Inns/Hotels
7	£555	£630
9	£695	£780
Single supp/night	£10 - 15	£15 - 25

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 - Chester and Ludlow

ITINERARY - 9 night holiday (the 7 night holiday misses Ironbridge)

Day 1 - Arrive at farmhouse on outskirts of Chester from lunchtime. We meet you when you arrive to deliver bikes and adjust them to make sure they are comfortable. Circular ride into the city along the canal (no traffic!) (about 10 - 11 miles). Opportunity to look around the Roman City of Chester.

Day 2 - Cycle to Beeston Castle, over the Peckforton Hills, past the Candle Workshops and on to Cholmondeley Castle Gardens (open Weds, Thurs, Suns and bank holidays). Accommodation at lovely farm house near Cholmondeley Castle. 24 miles

Day 3 - Today the route heads along quiet lanes to Wrenbury on the Shropshire Union Canal and then on to the market town of Whitchurch. From here skirt Whixhall Moss, a site of special scientific interest and on to a quiet B & B nearby. 20 miles

Day 4 - Today cycle past Hawkstone Park and Follies, Moreton Corbett castle ruins and then Haughmond Abbey both owned by English Heritage. Stay in Upton Magna a few miles from the historic Shrewsbury. 25 miles

Day 5 - Today is a short ride to Ironbridge Gorge world heritage site for a two night stay. Today you pass Attingham Park and Gardens and Wroxeter Roman ruins. 17 miles

Day 6 - Rest Day, exploring the Ironbridge museums

Day 7 - Starts with steep climb out of the gorge (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. 24 miles. 

Day 8 - One of the tougher days as you climb 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 on to Aston Rogers for a comfortable night at a quiet B & B. 19 miles

Day 9 - Today is quiet cycling. You pass Mitchels stone circle and Cordon Hill nature reserve. lunch stop at Church Stoke and then on to the pretty market town, Bishops Castle. 21 miles

Day 10 - The last day takes you through some of Shropshire's rolling countryside, through Lydbury North, past Walcott Hall (was the home of Clive of India), and on to Stokesay. A visit to Stokesay Castle, a 13th century fortified manor house is worthwhile. From here its a short ride to Ludlow with its lovely market square, castle and home of gourmet food where we meet you with your luggage and to collect the bikes. 21 miles. An extra night can be booked to enjoy Ludlow -  range of accommodation available.

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