Tour De Salop
Stocked up with Jelly Babies, tyres topped up with air, I headed out of the door before the forecast changed its mind.
My GPS was ready with a route I plotted. I created a route that allowed me to visit plenty of interesting places within Shrewsbury and believe me this town is packed with history and impressive landmarks.
The route has something for everyones taste and will not disappoint. You will be immersed in the wonders of this beautiful town. From delving into history to tasting local produce.
We are spoilt for choice in Shropshire with fantastic B roads connecting hamlets and villages. You rarely, if ever, need to ride on the busier A roads.
Soon I was alone pedalling along the undulating country lanes and quieter roads heading towards my first place of interest - Condover Hall. Without any warning I was wizzing past the beautifully carved stonework entrance. Steeped in history, the hall formed part of the estate of Roger De Monford, Earl of Shrewsbury. Now, the Elizabethan building is a residential activity centre for school, families and other group occasions.
Not too far from here is the small village of Pitchford. There is an 800 year old church hidden from the main road and Pitchford Hall lives a little further down and dates back to 1081, both Grade I listed. The hall has good reason to be known as one of England’s finest half timbered houses.
If you want to take a glimpse of this building, I suggest easing off with the peddling otherwise just like I did, you will whiz past it without realising. This mysterious beauty isn’t actually visible from the road.
Heading off the beaten track is the only way to witness this estate bursting with interesting history. I was once told that a lady once lived there with a semi tame fox called Toddy. The hall comes complete with a treehouse. One of the oldest treehouses, built in the 17th century by the architect Thomas Farnolls Prichard.
The effortless downhill slopes pushed me to the 13th century remains of Acton Burnell. For me, the highlight of the ride was visiting this fortified manor house. After being teased by the various signs leading up to it I reached a brick wall with an old gate. The small inconspicuous brown sign just stated ‘castle’ and pointed into the gloomy dark woods that I saw the other side.
Surrounded by curious squirrels I walked my bike through. i walked slow to take it all in. Once escaping the grasp of the woodland, the ancient manor house took me by surprise with its size and beauty. Built between 1284 -1293 and held 2 parliaments, this red sandstone shell is certainly worth a trip.
Heading back North now and before passing through Cross Houses I follow the lanes to a nature reserve. Venus Pool Reserve is 66 acres crammed with nature and wildlife. The pool comes complete with a wooden cabin for visitors.
Sitting in the cabin which is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund was one of the most peaceful relaxing places I have been to. A bird enthusiasts’s happy place.
Brief ride on the main road and up to the old Grade II listed Atcham Bridge. Dating back to 1769-1771, the structure still stands there.
With Wroxeter Roman City on my next port of call, I couldn’t help but nip down the road to have a look around the Wroxeter Vineyard. With a very France feel to it. I had a steady roll through the lanes with the Wrekin as my backdrop.
Even without the mass of grapes before me it’s worth a look as it has a great view from there. The shop is stocked with various wine and other beverages .I paused for a moment figuring out how I could get a bottle back with me. Disappointed I hadn’t big enough back pockets on my jersey. I had a quick taste of the two of there red wines. The Darwin and The Wrekin.
Only 20 miles into the ride already I had seen so much. Buffered by Cow Parsley all the way I was enjoying every bit of this ride.
Heading from the beautiful vineyard I rolled down the road and back 2,000 years to once the fourth largest city in Roman Britain. One of the 400 plus English Heritage sites, Wroxeter city is made up of ancient ruins that have survived and seen many changes since its creation. To give visitors the full affect there is a reconstructed town house from a city and the chance for some heritage style shopping.
Getting back onto the B roads and narrow lanes, I was traversing around the outskirts of the 18th - century mansion and estate, Attingham Park. Anyone from Shrewsbury and/or a National Trust member would have no doubt paid a visit to this impressive structure and beautiful gardens. I can easily spend a good few hours here with the lure of the walking trails, the resident deer, the gardens, mansion and it’s café.
Homeward stretch back to the town. I was taking it easy along the much appreciated flat path following the old canal. Rolling alongside the River Severn and back to where I started my cycling adventure. This was the perfect time to find a cafe. Eat some cake, drink some coffee and think back at all I had seen in just a few hours, and all while keeping fit.
Distance: 30 miles
Time: 3 hours
Elevation: 1,170 ft