The best cycling routes around Great Hanwood
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Touring cycling around Great Hanwood offers routes through varied terrain in Shropshire, England. The area features gently rolling hills and some steeper ascents, with elevation gains ranging from under 200 ft to over 1500 ft. The Rea Brook flows through the village, contributing to riparian lowlands and woodland areas, with some routes utilizing dismantled railway lines. Many paths are paved, while some segments may be unpaved, providing options for different cycling preferences.
Best touring cycling routes around Great Hanwood
- The…
Last updated: June 26, 2026
17
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
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Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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riders
29.4km
01:46
210m
210m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
8
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Worth a visit this time of year as it’s nice and warm with good beer, coffee & food open every lunch time 🥲
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The great thing here in Shrewsbury is the accessible of good quality cycle lanes and trails and general traffic free areas. This cycle lane section is no exception.
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There have been several churches built on this site. The church was first founded in around 1155 but fell into disrepair and the present building was built in 1856. Not the oldest of churches by any means but still a very nice modest replacement for the godly flock of Uffington.
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Shrewsbury weir was constructed in 1909. Its function is to keep the water level around the loop of the River Severn that encloses the town centre at a nominal height for pleasure boating and the rowers at Shrewsbury School. It also makes an attractive feature for those out on foot alongside the river. The Weir Cafe, just next to the weir, is open daily.
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Shropshire's lost waterways were once a hub of industry, transporting coal from Telford to Shrewsbury in the 18th century, and iron ore and limestone during the 19th century. Several feats of engineering grace the now peaceful canals, including the Trench Incline, which raised boats by some 75ft and continued working until 1921; Longdon-on-Tern Aqueduct; Berwick Tunnel - the first tunnel of a significant length which had a towpath through it - and eleven guillotine-gated locks, two of which can still be seen at Hadley Park, Telford. Today, the fine gravel of the towpaths, leisure and liveaboard boats and abundance of wildlife offers a perfect playground for cyclists, walkers and runners.
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Absolutley wonderful gravel track with amazing views, however the way up from the south, is rocky and you'll likely neeed to walk.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Great Hanwood?
There are over 240 touring cycling routes around Great Hanwood, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. These routes have been explored by over 1900 touring cyclists using komoot.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in Great Hanwood?
The area around Great Hanwood features diverse terrain, including gently rolling hills and some steeper ascents. You'll find a mix of paved surfaces and some unpaved segments, particularly along the Rea Brook Valley and through woodland areas. Elevation gains can range from under 200 ft to over 1500 ft, catering to various fitness levels.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Great Hanwood offers 64 easy touring cycling routes. An example is the Very Quiet Country Road loop from Shrewsbury School, which is just 5.8 miles (9.4 km) long with minimal elevation gain, making it ideal for a relaxed ride.
What are some notable landmarks or attractions I can see along the cycling routes?
Many routes offer opportunities to explore local attractions. You can visit historic sites like Shrewsbury Abbey, a Benedictine monastery, or pass by Shrewsbury Castle. The Old Shrewsbury Canal Towpath – The Quarry Park loop from Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, for instance, takes you through The Quarry Park in Shrewsbury, a pleasant natural scenery attraction.
Are there circular touring cycling routes available in Great Hanwood?
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Great Hanwood are circular, allowing you to start and end your ride in the same location. For example, the Christ Church, Annscroft – View of Earl's Hill loop from Shrewsbury School is a popular circular route offering scenic views.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Great Hanwood?
The touring cycling routes in Great Hanwood are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 140 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, the scenic Rea Brook Valley, and the mix of paved and unpaved sections that provide options for different preferences.
Are there any challenging routes for experienced touring cyclists?
Yes, for more experienced touring cyclists, there are 53 difficult routes available. A challenging option is the Christ Church, Annscroft – All Stretton Bunkhouse loop from Shrewsbury School, which covers 29.4 miles (47.4 km) with significant elevation gain, taking over 3 hours to complete.
Can I access touring cycling routes in Great Hanwood using public transport?
Great Hanwood is situated just 3 miles (4.8 km) southwest of Shrewsbury town center, which is well-served by public transport. Many cycling routes originate from or pass through Shrewsbury, making it feasible to combine public transport with your cycling trip. You may need to check local bus services for specific routes that allow bicycles.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Great Hanwood?
The area is enjoyable for touring cycling throughout much of the year. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring the Rea Brook Valley and woodlands. Autumn provides beautiful scenery with changing leaves. While routes are generally accessible, it's always advisable to check local weather conditions, especially during winter, as some unpaved sections might be affected by rain or frost.
Are there any routes that pass through historic Shrewsbury?
Absolutely. The Shrewsbury Abbey – English Bridge loop from Great Hanwood is a popular route that leads through the historic town of Shrewsbury, allowing you to experience its charm and visit landmarks like Shrewsbury Abbey.
Are there options for parking near the touring cycling routes in Great Hanwood?
While specific parking information for each route isn't always detailed, Great Hanwood is a village with various access points. Given its proximity to Shrewsbury, you can often find parking options in or around the town center, or at designated car parks near trailheads, depending on your chosen starting point.
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