Church Stretton Leg Tester

Church Stretton will live long in the memory if you take on this ride. With over 2000 feet of climbing packed into just over 26 miles, this could be a marathon on a bike. However, the rewards for all that effort include great views, fantastic scenery, and interesting places to visit. Throw in a few cafe stops, and this ride truly has everything. 

Route Description

From the start at Church Stretton station, the ride takes a short trip down Sandford Avenue, before turning north along Shrewsbury Road. The start is a gentle downhill for approximately the first three miles, so we’d recommend using this time to warm the legs, as those hills in the distance will soon be under your wheels. 

After a couple of miles take a right turn down a narrow lane on the right, leading to the A49. Cross the road here and turn immediately left. Keep an eye on those hills to the right, you’ll hit them soon. About a mile after the crossing take the sharp right / ‘U’ turn and wind up those legs as the first climb begins. About a third of the way up the climb look out for a fork in the road and continue to the left, signposted for Cardington. Continue climbing for another 3/4 mile and then after cresting the peak, enjoy the downhill free wheel to Cardington.

Shortly after leaving Cardington take the right-hand turning on to Gilberries Lane and continue south and downhill. At the ‘T’ junction with the B4371 take a left-hand turn and then after a short stretch, take the first right. After around half a mile, as you pass through the hamlet of Rushbury, prepare to wind up the legs again. As you leave Rushbury, the most brutal climb of the ride begins with gradients upto 15% to test those legs. There is no shame in getting off and walking here. 

As you go over the top of the climb take in the incredible scenery and cruise downhill for a couple of miles as you pass through Upper Millichope. As the ride hits the B4368 turn right and enjoy a couple of relatively flat miles as you cruise through Munslow and Aston Munslow. Shortly after passing Aston Munslow take the right hand turning signposted Bache Mill and Middlethorpe. Its no surpise to find there’s a climb again here. Follow the road, skirting Middlethorpe and head towards Hartford before dropping down to Alcaston.

Continuing to follow the road here through Henley Common and Acton Scott the ride eventually drops down to meet the A49. Turn right here for a very short stretch along the A49 before turning left at Marshbrook on to the B4370 and then immediately right after the railway bridge. The final climb of the ride awaits here as you push on north around Minton before dropping down in to Little Stretton and a short, flat cruise back in to the start at Church Stretton. 

There are a number of cycling friendly cafe’s in Church Stretton, so a sweet treat and drink before your journey home is well deserved!

Route Summary

Start Point – Church Stretton Railway Station SY6 6PG, O.S. Grid Ref – SO 45590 93589

Distance – 26.4 miles / 42.5 km

Elevation Gain – 2226ft / 678 metres

Places of Interest

• Caer Caradoc Hill Fort – just off the Route at the 2.4 mile point.
• Harton Hollow Nature Reserve – just off the route at the 17.6 mile point.
• Acton Scott Heritage Farm – on the route at the 21.5 mile point.

Refreshment Stops

• The Royal Oak, Cardington – on the route at the 6.2 mile point
• The Swan Inn, Aston Munslow – on the route at the 11.9 mile point
• Acton Scott Farm Cafe, Acton Scott – on the Route at the 21.5 mile point

Local Bike Shops

• Blazing Bikes, Marshbrook, Shropshire, SY6 6QE  Tel 01694 781515 

Closest Railway Stations

• Church Stretton – at the start / end point.

 

Ride With GPS Link – https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54184191

GPX file direct download – Click Here

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