Highlight • River
Old Shrewsbury Canal Towpath
Cycling
5.0
(62)
Gravel riding
5.0
(1)
Road cycling
5.0
(1)
Tips
September 30, 2022
Cycling
January 23, 2021
Cycling
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Old Shrewsbury Canal Towpath
4.8
(21)
84
riders
24.5km
01:26
110m
110m
Embark on an easy touring bicycle ride along the Shrewsbury Canal & River Severn loop from Shrewsbury, a route that combines peaceful riverside and canal paths with rural landscapes. You'll cycle on mostly paved surfaces, with some fine gravel sections, enjoying scenic views of the River Severn and passing through the beautiful Quarry Park in Shrewsbury. This accessible 15.2-mile (24.5 km) loop involves a gentle 349 feet (106 metres) of elevation gain, making it an easy ride that typically takes around 1 hour and 26 minutes to complete. Keep an eye out for wildlife like kingfishers and otters as you pedal through varied scenery.
This route is highly accessible and suitable for all skill and fitness levels, making it a popular choice for family-friendly cycling adventures. Its easy rating means you can enjoy a relaxed pace, and much of the route is traffic-free, particularly the section from Shrewsbury to Uffington, which enhances safety and enjoyment. The combination of tarmac and gravel paths makes it suitable for a variety of touring bikes. You can start this loop directly from Shrewsbury, a historic market town, and enjoy a largely traffic-free experience for a significant portion of your ride.
Discover the rich history woven into this trail, which follows the path of the old Shrewsbury Canal, an engineering marvel built by Thomas Telford between 1792 and 1796. This canal notably featured the world's first iron aqueduct and innovative lock gates. A significant portion of the route is also part of National Cycle Network Route 81. As you follow the River Severn, you will pass under several historic bridges and near the Shrewsbury weir, all while enjoying the backdrop of Shrewsbury's largely unaltered medieval street plan and timber-framed buildings.
5.0
(2)
13
riders
20.2km
01:14
80m
80m
Embark on the Shrewsbury City loop from Upton Magna, an easy touring bicycle route covering 12.5 miles (20.2 km) with a gentle 263 feet (80 metres) of elevation gain. This ride typically takes around 1 hour and 14 minutes to complete. You will cycle through picturesque rural landscapes, passing charming thatched cottages in Upton Magna and enjoying glimpses of historic Shrewsbury, known for its medieval street plan and timber-framed buildings along the River Severn.
This accessible loop is largely on paved surfaces, including sections of National Cycle Route 81, making it suitable for any fitness level. While the research does not specify parking, Upton Magna serves as a clear starting point for your journey. The route's easy difficulty means you can enjoy the scenery without strenuous effort, making it ideal for a relaxed outing.
The Shrewsbury City loop is a popular choice for touring cyclists, blending tranquil rural lanes with historic charm. A notable feature is the
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
Elevation 60 m
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Tuesday 4 August
21°C
13°C
41 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 28.0 km/h
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