Marches Meander

Itinerary for Marches Meander

5 night 6 day Marches Meander cycling holiday. Moderate (20 – 25 miles a day)

(Based on a mix of accommodation, can offer hotels/inns, B & Bs or a mix)

Day 1 – Arrive for your cycling holiday in Wem, from lunchtime. We meet you when you arrive to deliver bikes and adjust them to make sure they are comfortable. Circular cycle ride around countryside (about 10 miles).

Day 2 – Cycle past Hawkstone Park and Follies then 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 in Shrewsbury, near the Abbey or comfortable hotel in Atcham, just outside Shrewsbury. About 22 miles.

Day 3 – From here pass Attingham Hall and Gardens and large roman ruins at Wroxeter. Then on to Acton Burnell which has lovely castle ruins, and then to Church Stretton at the foothills of the Long Mynd. 22 miles.

Day 4 – There are two options today, either a gentle ride keeping off the hills, through villages of Leebotwood, Stapleton and Longden. Alternatively opt for the tougher ride climbing over the Long Mynd – 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 to Melverley/Crew Green depending on accommodation

Day 5 – Cycle through Melverley, on the banks of the River Severn, with its 13th 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.

5 night 6 day Marches Meander cycling holiday. Strenuous (mostly 35 – 45 miles a day)

(Based on a mix of accommodation, can offer hotels/inns, B & Bs or a mix)

Day 1 – Arrive for your cycling holiday in Wem 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 10 miles).

Day 2 – Cycle through the villages of Prees, Hodnet, Stanton on Hine Heath and Shawbury. There is chance to visit Moreton Corbett Castle and Haughmond Abbey. Stay in a comfortable B & B in Shrewsbury, near the Abbey or comfortable hotel in Atcham, just outside Shrewsbury. About 38 miles.

Day 3 – From here pass Attingham Hall and Gardens and the large roman ruins at Wroxeter. Then on to Much Wenlock with its lovely market hall. Visit the Priory or enjoy lunch at one of the nice pubs/tea shops. From here on to Acton Burnell which has lovely castle ruins. Finally to Church Stretton at the foothills of the Long Mynd. About 40 miles.

Day 4 – Circular ride to the beautiful market town of Ludlow, famous for its good food, independent shops and castle. Head back to Church Stretton across Wenlock Edge. 44 miles

Day 5 – Two options today, either a gentle ride keeping 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. Cycle through Melverley, on the banks of the River Severn, with its 13th century timber church and then on through very peaceful countryside to Burlton. 35 – 40 miles

Day 6 – From Burlton its on Whittington Castle and then 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 38 miles.

7 night 8 day cycling holiday. Moderate

Day 1 – 2 As the 5 night moderate itinerary

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, through Much Wenlock finally on to the steep Ironbridge Gorge to spend a night in Ironbridge. About 20 miles

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!) on to Much Wenlock with its lovely high Street, old priory now owned by English Heritage. Then to Acton Burnell which has lovely castle ruins, and to Church Stretton at the foothills of the Long Mynd. 21 miles.

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

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

Day 8 – Cycle back to the starting point through the small hamlet of Hanmer with a lovely mere (lakes) in the area and then through Whixhall Moss and back to Wem where we meet you with your luggage and to collect the bikes. About 22 miles.

Itinerary – 7 night 8 day cycling holiday. Strenuous

(Based on a mix of accommodation, can offer hotels/inns, B & Bs or a mix)

Day 1 – 2 As 5 night strenuous holiday

Day 3 – From here pass Attingham Hall and Gardens and the large roman ruins at Wroxeter. Then on to Much Wenlock with its lovely market hall and Priory. Enjoy lunch at one of the nice pubs/tea shops. Short day about 26 miles from Shrewsbury

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. From here to Acton Burnell which has lovely castle ruins, past the old Langley Chapel and to Church Stretton at the foothills of the Long Mynd. 38 miles.

Day 6 – Two options today, either a gentle ride keeping 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 to spend a night in Crew Green/Melverley area. About 40 miles

Day 7 – Cycle through Melverley, on the banks of the River Severn, with its 13th century timber church and then on through very peaceful countryside through Burlton, to Whittington Castle and the small market town of Ellesmere with the largest of the meres (lakes) in the area. About 40 miles

Day 8  – Leave Ellesmere following a lovely section of canal towpath to Colemere Country Park from here cycle to Hanmer Mere (lake) then quiet lanes passing Whixhall Moss nature reserve and we meet you back at your starting point with you luggage and to collect the bikes. About 30 miles.

Accommodation

Farms/B & B’s or Hotels/Country House Hotels

Pricing

Prices shown are per person

Discounts & Offers

Child Discounts – (Children sharing with 2 adults)

Under 2 – free
Under 4 – 80%
Under 12 – 50%
12 to 16 – 25%

Group Discounts – 10% for groups of 4 or more adults

Discount for using own bikes – £10 per day

What's Included?

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