An 89km/55 mile third day of the Monmouth to Mersey Cycle Trip.
Route: leaving the Victoria House B&B and heading north on the B5477 through All Stretton, turning right to cross the railway line and A49 to join the start of a Roman road. Making swift progress to Pitchford and Atcham to have coffee at the National Trust property Attingham Park (£5 cyclist entry for non-members to use the café). Then picking up Sustrans Route 45 to Shawbury for a beer at the Fox and Hounds. Continuing along the 45 to just south of Marchamley but detouring east and west to turn a steep hill into a smoother gradient. Descending to Prees and leaving the 45 to pick up the B5476 and, in gathering gloom and drizzle, proceeding at speed to Alderford Lake for tea and crumpets. In rain, crossing the centre of Whitchurch to head north east to Marbury and then Buckley, picking up Sustrans Route 56 to Bickerton to stay with Angie and Alistair.Conditions: initially sunny though cool but becoming murky and then wet around tea time.
Pubs: at lunchtime, the Fox and Hounds, Shawbury, for Rowton Blonde. In the evening with Angie and Alistair, the Cholmondeley Arms for Cholmondeley Best, Salopian Shropshire Gold and Weston’s Old Rosie.
