Cycling UK, the people behind the King Alfred’s Way bikepacking hit, announce another new history-loaded cycling route, this time in the West Midlands and Wales <\/p>
The creators of the hugely successful King Alfred\u2019s Way bikepacking<\/a> route have today unveiled a new, multi-day cycle route<\/a>. Cycling UK\u2019s Marcher\u00a0Castles Way will link a mix of the tarmac roads, bridleways and cycle paths over a 180-mile (290km) loop that starts in Shrewsbury, Shropshire<\/a>. Three shorter taster loops are also incoming.<\/strong><\/p> Similar to the cycling charity\u2019s King Alfred\u2019s Way<\/a>, which became a massive hit after its launch in 2019 and boasted Winchester, Stonehenge<\/a>,<\/a> Avebury and much more on its history-loaded 217-mile (350km) route, the Marcher\u00a0Castles Way is heritage-filled. The route\u2019s name (march\/marcher is the medieval word for borderland) aims to highlight the history of the strongholds \u2013 built to prevent Welsh advances into England \u2013 that cyclists will encounter on the loop.<\/p> After starting in Shropshire\u2019s country town of Shrewsbury, the full route crosses the English and Welsh border eight times. Along the way it visits the Roman city remains at Wroxeter<\/a>, the World Heritage Site<\/a> of Ironbridge<\/a> and crosses over Offa\u2019s Dyke<\/a>, the earthwork from circa 784CE that largely runs along the border.\u00a0<\/p> Cycling UK<\/a> suggest the route is best suited for a mountain or gravel bike. The 180-mile (290km) route<\/a> is shorter than Cycling UK\u2019s King Alfred\u2019s Way, West Kernow Way and the Great North Trail, but it\u2019s a hilly devil, with a thigh-busting 16,500ft (5,000m) of elevation gain. We\u2019ll be using an ebike when we attempt it next month.\u00a0<\/p> Cycling UK have also initially released a taster route of 60-miles (96km)<\/a>, which is far more weekend-friendly and cuts the climbing down to 1,391m.\u00a0<\/p> That route does miss out the foodie town of Ludlow<\/a>, however, which acts as a wise overnight stop for the full route. You can take your bike on some local trains, but reservations are recommended. Two more separate shorter loops will be released soon.\u00a0<\/p> Similar to the King Alfred\u2019s Way, the\u00a0Marcher\u00a0Castles Way isn\u2019t formally waymarked, but it does incorporate signposted paths such as the Jack Mytton Way for several sections and parts of the National Cycle Network. Cyclists can download the route file to a GPS cycling computer or smartphone from the Cycling UK website.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p> Those downloading the route file will also receive key safety and navigation tips, as well as the historic monuments that the route passes. Cycling UK\u2019s regularly brillaint printed guide for\u00a0the route will start shipping in early 2025 and contains the full range of short loop options and suggested itineraries for the full route.\u00a0<\/p> And if all that sounds like hard work, you can always driv<\/a>e it<\/a>\u2026\u00a0<\/p>What is the Marcher Castles Way cycle route?<\/h2>
Where does the Marcher Castles Way cycle route go?<\/h2>
What sort of bike do I need for Marcher\u00a0Castles Way and how tough is it?<\/h2>