A stunning cycle tour, (this is a shorter version,
missing out the extra night in Ironbridge) which gradually leads you to the
world famous Ironbridge gorge - the birthplace of the Industrial
Revolution. Overnight stops take you to Clun, Church Stretton and
Ironbridge - enabling you to explore this unique gorge & heritage
museums. Leave Ironbridge to cycle down through the Clee Hills to the
medieval town of Ludlow. Your last day takes you through Mortimer Forest back
to Petchfield Farm.
This cycle tour covers slightly longer distances (up to
32 miles/52km a day), but with lots of interest all the way. The Long Mynd
is the biggest hill you have to cycle over. Total 114 miles/ 184km.
Opportunities for longer rides each day.
Day 1. Petchfield Farm to Clun. 20 miles/ 32km. Cycle
to Clun, along one of our favourite routes, following the Rivers Teme and
Redlake. A wonderful route 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.
Day 2. Clun to Church Stretton. 26 miles/ 42km. TodayÕs
tour takes you to the border market town of Bishop's Castle then over the
heather covered grouse moors of the Long Mynd hills (the easy way) to the
spa town of Church Stretton. 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 3. Church Stretton to Ironbridge. 32 miles/ 52km.
From Church Stretton you follow Apedale to the River Severn. You can visit
the ruins of Wroxeter Roman city & Buildwas Abbey en-route.
Ironbridge is situated on the River Severn in a quiet,
deeply wooded gorge - very different to the atmosphere 200 years ago - when
it became the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. The town and its
museums are a World Heritage site. You can cycle or walk to all the museums
in the gorge – Blists Hill Victorian village is the most popular -
but the others are fascinating too, from the Ironmasters houses to the Tar
Tunnel & Jackfield Tile Museum.
Day 4. Ironbridge to Ludlow. 32 miles/ 52km. Cycle
through the Corvedale to Ludlow. Visit BroseleyÕs Pipeworks museum,
National TrustÕs Benthall Hall and Much Wenlock - home to the medieval
Wenlock Priory. Under the Clee you will find quiet hamlets, Norman
churches, superb cycling and the longest ford in the UK. Ludlow is a
medieval fortified town with a magnificent Norman castle. There are lots
of very good inns and restaurants in Ludlow, including two Ò MichelinÓ
chefs.
Day 5. Ludlow to Petchfield Farm either 5 miles/ 8km
through Mortimer Forest or 10 miles/ 16km via Richards Castle (one of the
first four Norman castles built in this country, before 1066!). Finishing
any time in the afternoon, back at Petchfield Farm.
© Wheely wonderful cycling
