Day 1. Petchfield Farm to Leintwardine
A wonderful route along idyllic valley lanes past a string of picturesque villages including the historic Brampton Bryan with its grand yew hedge & castle. Stop at The Sun Inn, a unique parlour pub for local beer and cider from Hobson's brewery. Stay at The Lion Hotel. Total 5 to 28 miles
Day 2. Leintwardine to Bishops Castle
Cycle via Clun, along one of our favourite routes, following the Rivers Teme and Redlake, gradually leading you up through the hills. Clun is a great place for lunch, stop at The White Horse Brewery, eat at a teashop or picnic in the castle grounds. After lunch follow the River Unk, to the Kerry Ridgeway. Fabulous views across Wales to Cader Idris on the Welsh Coast. Then freewheel downhill into the border market town of Bishops Castle. Stay at The Castle Hotel. Total 25 miles.
Day 3. Explore from Bishops Castle
Bishops Castle is home to many special festivals during the year, the historic Three Tuns brewery and a Real Ale Festival in July. There are great cycle rides to the Georgian town of Montgomery, visit the Kerry Vale Vineyard, or take a picnic and explore the Onny Valley. Stay at The Castle Hotel. Choice of routes 12 or 24 miles
Day 4. Bishops Castle to Ludlow
Cycle past two of Clive of India’s former homes today; Walcot Hall with its grand Arboretum (the other is Oakly Park), and Hopton Castle, a 13th century hunting lodge situated in a beautiful valley. Lunch at a riverside inn, then follow the River Teme through country estates to the Ludlow Farm Shop to watch local artisan food producers. Explore Bromfield church with its painted ceiling, then cycle off road through Oakly Park to Ludlow. Stay at The Charlton Arms. Total 24 miles
Ludlow is a medieval, fortified town dominated by its Norman castle, with lots of really good places to eat and drink. Make the most of Ludlow's delicatessens, bakers and Farmer's market to pack up a stylish picnic. Look out for the Local to Ludlow signs for truly local food and drink. There is plenty to do from guided walks, an outstanding church, swimming pool & assembly room (films and live theatre) and don't forget to take a tour at Ludlow Brewery.
Day 5. Explore from Ludlow
Cycle through the Corvedale to discover the idyllic Heath Chapel and remote village inns. 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. This iconic fortified manor house, with its new tearoom is now managed by English Heritage. Stay at The Charlton Arms. Choice of cycle routes 14 to 22 miles.
Day 6. Ludlow to Petchfield Farm
Visit the lovely market town of Tenbury Wells with its old-fashioned teashops and recently restored Victorian Spa buildings. Known as the "town in the orchard", it is surrounded by orchard & hop-fields. Source of local beer and cider for Hobson's Brewery. You can also visit Berrington Hall or Croft Castle (National Trust) if you are feeling energetic. Finishing any time in the afternoon, back at Petchfield Farm. Total 14 to 23 miles
