Hi James,
Hope you’ve been well. I saw your recent article in the Telegraph covering gravel bike riding and I just wanted to share the following release with you.
Cycling UK just unveiled a new gravel bike route and I think you’ll really like it!
Immediate release
Cycling UK announces first official multiday cycle loop through the West Midlands and Wales, linking eight heritage sites
- Multi-day cycling route to link eight heritage sites including Ludlow Castle, the Ironbridge World Heritage Site and Mitchell's Fold Stone Circle
- Designed by Cycling UK, the charity behind other long-distance cycling routes including King Alfred’s Way, the Rebellion Way and Traws Eryri
- Website with route information (go live date: 15 October)
Cycling UK has unveiled a brand-new, multi-day cycle route, named Marcher Castles Way, connecting some of the best roads, bridleways and cycle paths the West Midlands and Wales has to offer.
The name of the route combines the medieval word for borderland with ‘castles’, highlighting the history of the four important strongholds riders will pass that were built to battle the Welsh advances into England.
Crossing the English and Welsh border eight times, the full route starts in the historic town of Shrewsbury before taking in the Roman city remains at Wroxeter, the famous Ironbridge and crossing over Offa’s Dyke. The challenging route covers 180 miles (290km) and is best suited for a mountain or gravel bike. Prehistoric and medieval ruins can be found along the route offering riders the opportunity to take in centuries of history on their adventure ride.
The region, rich in natural beauty, provides riders with stunning vista views and a window into the diverse wildlife of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty providing. Those that cycle the route will also encounter charming villages like Much Wenlock and Clee Hill, known for their medieval history and friendly hospitality.
Points of interest include:
Shrewsbury
- Cycling through Shrewsbury, you’re greeted by half-timbered buildings and the meandering River Severn, which reflects the town's historic charm. The vibrant flower displays in the Quarry Park create a picturesque backdrop, inviting you to take a leisurely break.
Clun
- Riding into Clun, the enchanting ruins of Clun Castle rise above the quaint village, surrounded by rolling hills and lush meadows. The peaceful atmosphere invites you to explore its narrow streets, where every turn reveals another picturesque scene.
Ludlow
- As you glide through Ludlow, the medieval market town unfolds with its stunning castle and vibrant food culture, showcasing local produce in charming shops and cafes.
Offa
- In Offa, the ancient history can be seen throughout the landscape, with remnants of the Offa's Dyke trail weaving through the area. The scenic views from the heights invite you to pause and take in the beauty of the rolling hills and vibrant wildlife.
Knighton
- As you cycle through Knighton, the quaint charm of this border town unfolds with its colourful houses and the gentle flow of the River Teme. The rich history and welcoming community create a delightful ambiance that makes you want to linger a little longer.
Despite being shorter than King Alfred’s Way, Rebellion Way and the Great North Trail, Cycling UK’s new route should not be underestimated. Marcher Castles Way covers several key valleys and hills with around 16,500ft (5,000m) of climbing. However, riders can choose to break up the route into different stages with access to local transport offering a variety of ways to explore the region.
Cycling UK has also developed shorter options to the main route, linking in with other existing cycleways and transport links, to provide riders with the option of doing three separate shorter loops; ideal for people only in the area for the weekend or building their confidence with off-road riding. These shorter loops also offer a feel of the landscape and terrain, and just enough off-road to know what to expect on the full route.
Despite Marcher Castles Way not being formally waymarked, it does incorporate signposted paths such as the Jack Mytton Way for several sections and parts of the National Cycle Network. Adventurers can download the route file to a GPS cycling computer or smartphone from the Cycling UK website.
Those downloading the route file will also receive a summary of the main safety and navigation tips along with guidance about respect for the countryside and historic monuments the route passes. The printed guide for Marcher Castles Way will start shipping early 2025 with the full range of short loop options and suggested itineraries for the full route.
Sarah Mitchell, chief executive at Cycling UK, said:
“Long-distance cycle routes are a fantastic way to explore the UK. They connect cities, towns and villages together, creating new economic avenues for tourism in the region. They also offer people a healthy and green way to explore the UK’s beautiful countryside.
"Cycling UK’s new route, Marcher Castles Way, provides endless options for people looking to explore the West Midlands and Wales. Riders can choose to break up the loop into stages, use public transport to visit different points, or take on the challenge of the whole ride. We know exactly what benefits come with cycling and we can’t wait to see and hear all the incredible stories that come from riders enjoying this epic route!”
ENDS