CHURCH STRETTON

Shropshire’s beautiful green hills and high moors are criss-crossed with tiny, almost untrafficked lanes. ‘Housman country’ offers short sharp climbs, ridgetop rolls, long straight descents and expansive scenery. Church Stretton – ‘Little Switzerland’ – is our base, with pubs, hostels, train access... and from the precipitous alpine-like Burway, some of England’s most stupendous views.

ROUTE ONE

Salop’s steepest, 63 miles Those blue remembered hills Challenging back lanes day of stiff climbs, exhilarating downhills and constantly fabulous views. Up Burway; down, up, down to quirky Bishop’s Castle (cafes, beer garden). More undulating; serene Clun Forest and long freewheel down to Clun (cafe). Easier, scenic stretches before the final test of the day over Long Mynd. Get the route: komoot.com/tour/64764203

ROUTE TWO

Laidback Ludlow 48 miles On Wenlock Edge It’s a mighty climb to start up the Burway, but thereafter you can enjoy a fairly easy day of gentle Salop scenery. There’s a Roman road to the Teme valley, a gentle forest climb, then glorious downhill into gorgeous Ludlow followed by quiet, easy lanes back through Wenlock Edge. Get the route: komoot.com/tour/64764336

ROUTE THREE

Climb-free option 25 miles Country for easy livers A gentle half-day ride for those cyclists who prefer looking up at hills to actually climbing them. Follow the Roman road and quiet, flattish back lanes then finish with an amble up stunning Carding Mill Valley to rest and have a picnic or maybe afternoon tea. Get the route: komoot.com/tour/64764519