The theme for this cycle tour is castles – there
are lots of them. But itÕs just an excuse to spend a few days exploring a
wonderful area and staying in some special places. There are big castles
at Clun, Montgomery & Ludlow and fortifications everywhere. DonÕt miss
the spectacular Caer Caradoc Iron Age hill fort at Church Stretton. A more
relaxed tour with a mixture of daily mileages and rest days. Staying in
Clun and Church Stretton and the medieval town of Ludlow.
Easy to moderate cycling. Our special route guides and
maps offer lots of alternatives. Total 72 miles (min) - 153 miles (max).
Opportunities for longer rides each day.
Day 1. Petchfield Farm to Clun. 20 miles/ 32km. You
are fitted out with your bikes & equipment. Cycle along idyllic valley
lanes past a string of picturesque villages, gradually leading you up
through a cleft in the hills. Plenty of inns & teashops, on your
route, including one in the historic village of Brampton Bryan with its
grand yew hedge & castle. Clun is a charming border village, with a
castle, museum, 2 teashops and two pubs that provide excellent food.
Day 2. Clun & the Clun valley. Choice of Cycle
rides 10-26 miles (16-42km). Cycle up river to the tiny hamlet of Newcastle
& OffaÕs Dyke, or the Iron Age fort of Bury Ditches. If you want a
rest from cycling, Clun is a great walking centre.
Day 3. Clun to Little Stretton. 26 miles/ 42km. TodayÕs
tour takes you to the border market town of BishopÕs Castle then over the
heather covered grouse moors of the Long Mynd hills (the easy way). If you
want to make this day more of a challenge you can also visit Montgomery
with its spectacular castle and the dramatic Stiperstones.
Day 4. Little Stretton. Choice of rides 9-40 miles
(14-64km). Challenge yourself to cycle to the Roman town of Wroxeter and
the Grand National Trust house of Attingham Park, cycle to a Saxon village
or the ruins of Acton Burnell Castle. Explore the Long Mynd & Caer
Caradoc Iron Age hill fort by foot.
Day 5. Church Stretton to Ludlow. 21miles/ 34km. Cycle
to Ludlow, via Wenlock Edge. Don't forget to stop at the outstanding Acton
Scott Historic Working Farm, star of TV series ÒVictorian FarmÓ. Ludlow is
a medieval fortified town with a magnificent Norman castle. There are lots
of very good inns and restaurants in Ludlow, including two with Michelin
stars.
Day 6. Ludlow to Petchfield Farm. Your last cycling day
- either 5 miles/ 8km through Mortimer Forest or 10 miles/ 16km via
Richards Castle, one of the first Norman castles built in this country,
before 1066! Finishing any time in the afternoon, back at Petchfield Farm.
© Wheely wonderful cycling
