Shropshire Castles - 5 days

 

Price 2024	Guest House	Hotel/ Inn
Per person	£710	£725
Single room	£55 p/n	£65 p/n
E-bike	£105	£105
Extra night	£75	£85

 

Based on two adults sharing a room and luggage transfers.

Solo price. Own bike reduction £50pp

Day 1. Petchfield Farm to Clun

You are fitted out with your bikes & equipment. Cycle along idyllic valley lanes past a string of picturesque villages, gradually leading you up through a cleft in the hills. Plenty of inns and teashops, on your route, including one in the historic village of Brampton Bryan with its grand yew hedge and castle. Clun is a charming border village, with a castle, museum, teashop and two pubs that provide excellent food.  Total 20 miles (32 km).

 

Day 2. Clun to Church Stretton

Today’s tour takes you to the border market town of Bishops Castle then over the heather covered grouse moors of the Long Mynd hills (the easy way). If you want to make this day more of a challenge you can also visit Montgomery with its spectacular castle and the dramatic Stiperstones.  Total  26 - 43 miles (42 - 69 km)

 

Day 3. Explore Church Stretton

Explore The Strettons by bike, cycle to the hidden Batches Valley on the Long Mynd, great picnic spots by the mountain stream. Or cycle the roman road to visit the ruined Acton Burnell Castle (site of the first parliament) and Pitchford Hall, with its unique treehouse (Queen Victoria had a tea party in the treehouse!). You can even explore the Long Mynd by foot along the mountain streams of Ashes Hollow. Choice of rides 9 - 22 miles (14 - 35 km)

 

Day 4. Church Stretton to Ludlow

Cycle to Ludlow, via Wenlock Edge. Visit Stokesay Castle constructed at the end of the 13th century by Laurence of Ludlow, who at the time was one of the richest men in England.  Now run by English Heritage with friendly tearoom. You can also visit Acton Scott Heritage Farm and Acton Hall, made famous by the BBC's Victorian Farm series.  Ludlow is a medieval fortified town with a magnificent Norman castle. There are lots of very good inns and restaurants in Ludlow.  Total  21 - 27 miles (34-43 km)

 

Day 5. Ludlow to Petchfield Farm

Your last cycling day - either 5 miles (8 km) through Mortimer Forest, 10 miles (16 km) via Richards Castle, one of the first Norman castles built in this country before 1066! Or 22 miles (32 km) via the River Teme and Tenbury Wells. Finishing any time in the afternoon, back at Petchfield Farm.  Total  5 - 22 miles (16 - 32 km)

Clun Farm. A sixteenth century farm, right in the middle of Clun.  This 500 year old farmhouse has lots of beams, inglenook fires, cosy guest lounge & sunny garden. Quiet location.

 

White Horse Inn. Frendly, local inn, specialising in excellent local food with its own small brewery. Rooms are above the pub, so can be noisy on Friday and Saturday night.

 

The Mynd House  An Edwardian villa in Little Stretton with great views of Caer Caradoc and Ragleth hill.  Spacious rooms, and excellent breakfast.  There is a bar, lounge and garden for relaxation.  

 

Charlton Arms Hotel. Riverside Inn, with great reputation for food (AA Rosettes and Michelin Bib Gourmand award). Riverside terraces, comfortable rooms and great views of historic Ludlow. 

 

The Mount Guesthouse.  Victorian guesthouse, with spacious rooms and great views of Mortimer Forest.  Very welcoming and excellent breakfasts.