In Shrewsbury, the beautiful Shropshire countryside is at your doorstep.
Back in 2008, Shrewsbury was awarded the status of Cycling Town — and since then, it has steadily improved its network of traffic-free pathways and bike routes, all of which take advantage of flat terrain and River Seven views.
Try a portion of National Cycle Routes 81 or 44, especially the 58-mile Six Castles Cycleway on 44, which passes by (you guessed it) six very different castles and on into Wales. Or venture through the rolling Shropshire hills to Ellesmere (serene canals, cute coffee shops), along the scenic lanes and B roads to Shawbury or over the punchy limbs of the Broom Hall Hills.
For mountain biking, hit Minton Batch–Long Mynd, with natural singletrack and stunning views of heather-covered peaks or push yourself at Hopton Wood, which hosts national-level competitions.
Gravel is great around here: Mortimer Forest is full of gorgeous back lanes and nearly weather-proof doubletrack, and the climbs up Brown Clee and Tittersone Clee (Shropshire’s two highest points) will make you mash your pedals.
The Shropshire Sportive and the Strade Shropshire both offer supported rides over the sweeping hilltops and quiet valleys, and the Poppy Ride brings together local cyclists and veterans in honor of the Royal British Legion. Just over in Wales, near Llangdwyn, the weekend-long Marin Valley Burner MTB features mountain bike and gravel races and rides — plus camping and live music.