The Burway Climb, Shropshire Hills
The Burway Climb, Shropshire Hills
Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint
The Burway Climb, Shropshire Hills
Road cycling
4.8
(39)
Cycling
5.0
(27)
This Highlight goes through a protected area
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Shropshire Hills National Landscape
Tips
August 16, 2019
Road cycling
May 20, 2021
Road cycling
November 17, 2019
Cycling
3km at 10% average with stretches of 20%!
A real test, with rewarding views.
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Nearby routes
Best routes near The Burway Climb, Shropshire Hills
5.0
(1)
28
riders
42.6km
03:02
750m
750m
Embark on the Pole Bank loop from Church Stretton, a challenging touring bicycle ride through the Shropshire Hills National Landscape. This 26.5 miles (42.6 km) route, with a significant 2454 feet (748 metres) of elevation gain, takes approximately 3 hours and 1 minute to complete. You will navigate quiet country roads, stone forestry tracks, and grazed grassy upland paths, experiencing a mix of unpaved, gravel, natural, and asphalt surfaces. The trail features tough climbs and steep descents, leading you across heather-clad moorland with expansive views, especially from Pole Bank, the highest point on the Long Mynd.
Rated as difficult, this loop demands good to very good fitness levels due to its demanding climbs and descents. Be prepared for varied terrain; some paths can be loose and gravelly, and you might encounter singletrack sections. Inexperienced cyclists may find it necessary to dismount on particularly steep descents. The route starts from the historical market town of Church Stretton, providing convenient access to this rewarding journey.
As you cycle, keep an eye out for wild ponies and sheep roaming freely across the common land. The trail also passes through serene woodland areas like Rectory Wood and Townbrook Valley, and the popular beauty spot of Carding Mill Valley. You will traverse parts of The Portway, an ancient track along the crest of the Long Mynd, historically used by Neolithic traders. From Pole Bank, at 516 meters (1692 feet), you can enjoy impressive 360-degree panoramas, often extending into Wales on clear days, and even spot gliders from the nearby Midland Gliding Club.
7
riders
73.6km
05:33
1,480m
1,480m
Prepare for a challenging touring cycling adventure on the National Byway Church Stretton Loop, a difficult route spanning 45.7 miles (73.6 km) with a significant 4852 feet (1479 metres) of elevation gain. This demanding ride, estimated to take 5 hours and 32 minutes, guides you through the varied landscapes of the Shropshire Hills National Landscape. You will encounter quiet country roads, well-made stone forestry tracks, and open grazed upland sections, all offering expansive views across the hills.
When planning your visit, be aware that the route is typically signposted in an anti-clockwise direction, which can aid navigation. While much of the trail is on paved surfaces, some unpaved segments may require you to dismount and push your touring bicycle. Expect considerable elevation changes throughout the journey, including strenuous climbs followed by rapid descents, so ensure you are prepared for a physically demanding day.
This route offers a unique perspective on the Shropshire Hills, allowing you to experience its diverse terrain and charming villages. A notable highlight along the way is the opportunity to watch gliders soaring gracefully from the Midland Gliding Club on the Long Mynd, adding a distinctive and memorable element to your touring cycling experience in this beautiful region.
5
riders
72.7km
04:41
790m
790m
The National Byway Church Stretton Loop offers a challenging touring cycling experience through the dramatic Shropshire Hills. You will navigate diverse terrain, from quiet country roads to well-made stone forestry tracks and even grazed grassy upland paths. Expect significant climbs and descents as you traverse the vast, whale-backed plateau of the Long Mynd and the distinctive, jagged volcanic crags of Caer Caradoc. This difficult 45.1-mile (72.7 km) route involves gaining 2580 feet (786 metres) in elevation, typically taking around 4 hours and 40 minutes to complete. The effort is rewarded with expansive panoramas across the Shropshire Plain and into Wales from elevated points.
Church Stretton serves as an excellent starting point for this touring cycling adventure, providing convenient amenities for your trip. You will find parking options, various cafes, restaurants, and accommodation facilities in the town. The route is generally signposted in one direction, typically anti-clockwise, which helps ensure a safer and more straightforward ride. Plan your visit to allow ample time to enjoy the journey and the services available before and after your ride.
This route stands out for its unique geological features and the sheer variety of landscapes it covers within the Shropshire Hills National Landscape. Beyond the physical challenge, you will encounter the striking volcanic crags of Caer Caradoc, a site with ancient hillforts, adding a layer of historical interest to your ride. The Burway Climb is a particularly notable section, offering some of the most rewarding views and a true test of your cycling prowess.
Details
Informations
Distance 3.20 km
Uphill 290 m
Downhill 0 m
Weather
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Sunday 5 July
24°C
13°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 22.0 km/h
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