Shropshire Castles

The theme for this cycle tour is castles – there are lots of them. But it’s 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 and Ludlow and fortifications everywhere. Don’t miss the spectacular Caer Caradoc Iron Age hill fort at Church Stretton. This is a relaxing tour with a mixture of daily mileages, lots of alternatives and possible rest days.

Day 1: Arrive Teme Valley and ride to Clun, 20 miles (32 km).

Arrive at Petchfield Farm by 11-12am, you are fitted out with your bike & equipment. A wonderful cycle route along the idyllic Teme valley. Visit Wigmore, Brampton Bryan and Hopton Castles, a “roman” village and plenty of Norman churches. (Optional longer routes plus 10 miles)

Day 2: Round trip from Clun, 26 miles (42 km).

Staying in Clun for 2 nights, “the quietest place under the sun". Clun is a charming border village, with a castle, 2 teashops and two pubs that provide excellent food. Spend the day relaxing by the river or scaling the castle - or cycle up river to the tiny hamlet of Newcastle... or visit the Iron Age fort of Bury Ditches.

Day 3: Clun to Church Stretton, 26 miles (42 km).

Today’s tour takes you to the border market town of Bishops Castle then over 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 the Georgian town of Montgomery with its spectacular castle - or explore the Stiperstones. (Optional extra 8-18 miles).

Day 4: Round trip from Church Stretton, 6 to 38 miles (10 to 61 km).

Church Stretton for 2 nights - as a health resort the Victorians called Church Stretton “little Switzerland”. With its alpine like hills and valleys it’s easy to see why. Church Stretton still retains its spa town feel with natural springs providing the source of Stretton Hills bottled water. Explore the Long Mynd & Caer Caradoc Iron Age hillfort by foot. Or cycle to Acton Burnell Castle or the roman town of Wroxeter and the Grand National Trust house - Attingham Park.

Day 5: Church Stretton to Ludlow, 21 miles (34 km).

Cycle to Ludlow, via Wenlock Edge and Acton Scott Historic Working Farm. Ludlow is a medieval fortified town with a magnificent Norman castle. There are lots of very good inns and restaurants in Ludlow, including two Michelin starred chefs - it’s a great place to celebrate your last night, described by John Betjeman as “the loveliest town in England”. (Optional extra 9 miles)

Day 6: Ludlow to Teme Valley, 10 miles (16 km).

Your last day returns you to the Teme Valley via Richards Castle– the first Norman castle ever built in England (built before the Norman invasion of 1066)!