Meriden Pond – Common Ragwort loop from Millison's Wood
Meriden Pond – Common Ragwort loop from Millison's Wood
3.0
(1)
4
riders
Meriden Pond – Common Ragwort loop from Millison's Wood
00:50
13.7km
110m
Cycling
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: March 16, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
650 m
Great Cycle Lane
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
2.06 km
Meriden Pond
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
2.30 km
View of the Warwickshire Countryside
Highlight • Viewpoint
2.61 km
Meriden Village Green: Centre of England Cross and Cyclists' War Memorial
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
2.94 km
National Cyclists' Memorial, Meriden
Highlight • Monument
In 1914, cycling was incredibly popular in the UK. During the war, the British army included a Cyclist Corps which employed bicycle-riding messengers, coastal lookouts and scouts. The two-wheeled troops often found themselves behind enemy lines. One division advertised for recruits with the slogan: “Are you fond of cycling, if so why not cycle for the King.” (It generously added, “bad teeth no bar.”)
While the majority of these specialist troops were actually converted to conventional infantry and sent to the gridlocked trenches of France, bicycle troops were used by the British all through the war. When the fighting was over, in 1918, members of cycling clubs realized how many people had not returned. A monument was built to honor all the cyclists who were killed in battle.
The 32-ton, Cornish Granite-faced obelisk was installed using donations from cyclists all over the country, and Meriden was chosen for its location at the center of the country. The future king Edward VIII (then Prince of Wales) even auctioned his own bicycle to contribute to the fund. It was unveiled on May 21, 1921 with a ceremony attended by over 20,000 people. An annual service of remembrance is held each May, which hundreds of cyclists pedal their way to Meriden to take part in.
Bicycles were also used in World War II by hundreds of paratroopers who were given a special folding bike, and commandos, during the second wave after D-day. In 1963, a bronze plaque was added to commemorate the fallen cyclists from the Second World War.
Citation atlasobscura.com/places/national-cyclists-memorial
Tip by
5.65 km
Flooded Rural Road Near Berkswell
Highlight • Natural
Tip by
5.85 km
Common Ragwort
Highlight • Other
13.7 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
11.6 km
2.15 km
< 100 m
Surfaces
9.63 km
4.09 km
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Elevation
Highest point (150 m)
Lowest point (90 m)
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Weather
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Sunday 17 May
13°C
6°C
-- %
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.