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New cycle route highlights Shropshire's heritage

Robyn Furtado Three cyclists are riding uphill on a small stone path. Surrounding them are rolling green hills that stretch into the horizon. The sky is bright with lots of white cloud.Robyn Furtado
The off-road route takes cyclists through the Shropshire and Welsh countryside

A cycling charity has created a new multi-day cycling route which links eight Shropshire and Wales heritage sites.

The Marcher Castles Way crosses the English and Welsh border eight times, starting and finishing in Shropshire's county town of Shrewsbury.

Cycling UK is behind other popular long-distance cycling routes, including King Alfred's Way in Wessex and the Rebellion Way in Norfolk.

The charity's chief executive Sarah Mitchell said such cycling routes connected cities, towns and villages, as well as having economic benefits for the areas.

What is the route?

Cycling UK An overhead view of an interactive map, that displays the route of the cycle path. The route is marked out in blue, and runs through Shrewsbury, Much Wenlock, Ludlow, Prestigne, Knighton, Clun, Newtown, Montgomery and Church Stretton, before the loop is completed in Shrewsbury.Cycling UK
The Marcher Castles Way crosses the English and Welsh border eight times

The route covers 180 miles (290km) with about 16,500ft (5,000m) of climbing, and Cycling UK says it is best suited for mountain or gravel bikes.

It begins and ends in Shrewsbury, but takes riders on a range of terrains in Shropshire and Wales, including bridleways, roads and cycle paths.

The route goes through towns and villages including Ludlow, Much Wenlock, Presteigne, and Montgomery.

Where are the heritage sites?

Robyn Furtado A wide angle of the red, metal Ironbridge, which stands above the River Severn. There are three cyclists riding over the bridge. On either side of the river are green trees and bushes, as well as a small white house on the banks of the river.Robyn Furtado
The loop shows off some of Shropshire's best-known heritage sites, including Ironbridge
  • Ironbridge
  • Wilderhope Manor, Much Wenlock
  • Ludlow Castle
  • Offa's Dyke
  • Clun Castle, Craven Arms
  • Dolforwyn Castle, Montgomery
  • Montgomery Castle
  • Mitchells Fold Stone Circles, Montgomery

Are there shorter options?

Yes, there are three separate shorter loops, which connect with other existing cycleways and transport links.

Cycling UK said the shorter routes were "ideal for people only in the area for the weekend or building their confidence with off-road riding".

Robyn Furtado A cyclist is standing in a field, leaning against their bike. They have a helmet on. They are looking out on a vast view of the horizon, which includes miles of green fields and hills in the distance. The sky is bright and grey, with white clouds that create a slight mist in the distance.Robyn Furtado
Cyclists pass through the Shropshire Hills as part of the route

Is it signposted?

No, the Marcher Castles Way is not formally waymarked.

However, it does incorporate other signposted paths such as the Jack Mytton Way, and parts of the National Cycle Network.

Where can I find out more?

The route, including the shorter loops, can be downloaded to GPS cycling computers or smartphone from the Cycling UK website.

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