Map (zoom in for more detail)
Directions & GPX etc
Route directions PDF (right click to download)
GPX file (right click to download)
TCX file (right click to download)
FIT file (right click to download)
Glorious Bike Rides
Glorious Bike Rides
Route directions PDF (right click to download)
GPX file (right click to download)
TCX file (right click to download)
FIT file (right click to download)
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Cant seem to download the GPX file??
Just to be warned that the “good green lane” from Lee Brockhurst and then over Papermill Bank is now largely overgrown towards the end of the first stretch past Besford Wood and then a mix of bare sandstone and deep muddy ruts over the Papermill Bank that is steep and was very slippery in the wet where we went. We were on an etandem and had to walk most of the way. Probably manageable on a mountain bike. Not to be discouraged as it is an attractive stretch but goes beyond ‘easy’ on the green lane.
I’ve done this route twice now, and plan to do it this weekend again with some other riders. I rode it on a hybrid with 33mm road biased tyres, and found it was easily rideable, even the “good green lane” after Lee Brockhurst in the wet! That was challenging but immensely enjoyable, although I see why a previous commentator said it was unrideable with a tandem. I’ve only recently sold a tandem, and neither me nor my other half reckon we would have managed that uphill section over the sandstone on that! Although, Jack Thurston does write a fair bit in the books about what type of bike to use on these routes and he doesn’t mention tandems. Off-roading, even gentle green laning, is very difficult on tandems, so it’s fair to say these routes aren’t written with these bikes in mind. That being said, it’s a great route for solo bikes. Sadly, the obelisk is now locked, and you can’t get inside to climb up and enjoy the view. There’s an excellent cafe at Whixall Marina, just off the route by about half a mile at GR495341. At Dobson’s Bridge, take a left down Alders Lane and the cafe is there. Highly recommended route, and one of my favourites. Jenko.
hi steven
thank you thats good advice will try that cafe when we do this in spring
regards glenn
My wife and I just completed this ride yesterday and found it really enjoyable.
The first green lane as mentioned above is almost impassable without getting stung by nettles etc; very over grown. The second green lane section past Papermill Bank had very soft sand which gave no traction to our gravel bikes (30 and 35mm tyres), so we needed to push there.
The biggest problem we found was that the route does not pass any cafés, village shops or pubs until nearly the end of the ride at Wrenbury (Post office and village store). There were some in Wem but they were unwelcoming looking and far too early in the ride to stop at. There may be facilities near the route, but if you don’t know the area, as we didn’t, then you won’t know where to stop / divert off the route unless you plan for these beforehand (also lots of cafés seem to close on Mondays so check opening times as well when planning). Taking enough water / food for the whole route is recommended. I barely made it to Wrenbury with 1500ml of water.
I did this route today (thanks Jack). Just wanted to report that the overgrowth on the green lane past Besford Wood looks to have been cut back recently; there is still a very muddy section which I walked the bike though.