Around Medieval Ludlow

Day 1: Arrival in Ludlow
Day 2: Choice of cycle routes; 12, 16, or 30 miles (18 to 48 km)
Day 3: Choice of cycle routes 14 or 22 miles (22 to 35 km)
Day 4: Choice of cycle routes 14 or 23 miles (22 to 37 km)
Day 5: Departure

Day 1: Arrival in Ludlow
You will start your bike tour in Ludlow. It is a medieval, fortified town dominated by a 900-year-old Norman castle that sits perched on a cliff above the River Teme, surrounded by fantastic cycling countryside and woodlands. It is a thriving market town, with a daily market and outstanding reputation for good food, and has been described by the poet Sir John Betjeman as ”the loveliest town in England”. There is plenty to do including guided walks, an outstanding church to visit, films, and live theater. During the summer months, Ludlow and its castle play host to many special events including a two-week arts festival, and Britain’s best food festivals. Your accommodation for the holiday is in historic Ludlow.

Day 2: Choice of cycle routes: 12, 16, or 30 miles (19 to 48 km)
After breakfast, a taxi takes you from your accommodation to Petchfield Farm (about 5 miles) to be fitted for your rental bike. Here, there will also be a briefing about the route for the week. You will cycle back to Ludlow, following the River Teme, and pass two country estates. Today you have a choice of routes: 12, 16, or 30 miles (18 to 48 km). There are many possibilities on your ride today. You can stop and look for Kingfishers and Sand Martins from the ancient stone bridges, have a drink in England's only remaining parlor pub, or have a relaxing lunch at a riverside inn. You can also visit Hopton Castle and learn more about its history in the English Civil War, or take tea at Britain’s best tearoom. On your return journey through the Downton estate, visit Bromfield church with its 17th century painted ceiling. Stop at Ludlow Farm Shop for a coffee and to watch local artisan food producers, then finish your day with a fabulous off-road ride through Oakly Park estate, past Clive of India’s former home, and back to Ludlow, with great views of Ludlow Castle. Returning to your accommodation for your second night's stay.

Day 3: Choice of cycle routes: 14 or 22 miles (22 to 35 km)
The Corvedale is a wonderful area to explore by bike - old farming villages, quiet lanes, and great views across to the Clee Hills. A 22 mile (35 km) ride takes you to the Stokesay Castle, England’s best-preserved fortified medieval manor house. Another option is to cycle along the Corve valley and under the Clee to visit the romantic Norman Heath Chapel, with its deserted village. You will also cycle along the longest ford in Clee, St Margaret. 

Day 4: Choice of cycle routes: 14 or 23 miles (22 to 37 km)
Today, cycle to the lovely market town of Tenbury Wells with its old-fashioned teashops and recently restored Victorian Spa buildings. Then, ride through orchards to Richards Castle, one of the first Norman castles built in this country before 1066. Also worth a visit is the grand National Trust house of Berrington Hall, with its ornate classical interiors or Croft Castle, a castellated manor house, home to the Croft family for 1,000 years. You will finish back at Petchfield Farm in the afternoon to drop off your bicycles. A taxi will take you back to your accommodations for the evening.

Day 5: Breakfast and Departure from Ludlow
 

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Hotel/Inn: Charlton Arms Hotel: a stylish country Inn on the banks of the River Teme in historic Ludlow (10 minute walk from the train station).

Guesthouse: The Mount Guesthouse: a Victorian house, with very friendly hosts. Just a few minutes walk from Ludlow’s historic center (5 minute walk from the train station).

Bicycles

City Touring Bike

Trek T-30

• Men's or unisex aluminum frame
• Upright riding position
• 21 speed Shimano gearing
• V brakes
• 700 35c Bontrager Satellite tires
• Bontrager saddle
• Flat pedals

Accessories

• Rear rack
• Front/rear fenders
• Rear pannier
• Handlebar bag
• Basic tool kit
• Pump
• Lock
• Ordnance survey map

*Clients can bring their own saddles and peddles and will be assisted in installation.

Electric Bike

Trek T 30 Electric Bike

• Step through aluminum frame
• Upright riding position
• 21 speed Shimano gearing
• V brakes
• 700 35c Bontrager Satellite tires
• Bontrager saddle
• Flat pedals
• Cyclotricity battery unit
• Front hub brushless motor (250 wattage)

Accessories

• Rear rack
• Front/rear fenders
• Rear pannier
• Handlebar bag
• Basic tool kit
• Pump
• Lock
• Ordnance survey map

*Clients can bring their own saddles and peddles and will be assisted in installation.