Cycling UK announces new multiday cycle loop, linking eight heritage sites

The name of the route combines the medieval word for borderland with ‘castles’, highlighting the history of the four important strongholds riders will pass that were built to battle the Welsh advances into England. 

Crossing the English and Welsh border eight times, the full route starts in the historic town of Shrewsbury before taking in the Roman city remains at Wroxeter, the famous Ironbridge and crossing over Offa’s Dyke. The challenging route covers 180 miles (290km) and is best suited for a mountain or gravel bike. Prehistoric and medieval ruins can be found along the route offering riders the opportunity to take in centuries of history on their adventure ride. 

Despite being shorter than King Alfred’s Way, Rebellion Way and the Great North Trail, Cycling UK’s new route should not be underestimated. Marcher Castles Way covers several key valleys and hills with around 16,500ft (5,000m) of climbing. However, riders can choose to break up the route into different stages with access to local transport offering a variety of ways to explore the region. 

Cycling UK has also developed shorter options to the main route, linking in with other existing cycleways and transport links, to provide riders with the option of doing three separate shorter loops; ideal for people only in the area for the weekend or building their confidence with off-road riding. These shorter loops also offer a feel of the landscape and terrain, and just enough off-road to know what to expect on the full route.

Despite Marcher Castles Way not being formally waymarked, it does incorporate signposted paths such as the Jack Mytton Way for several sections and parts of the National Cycle Network. Adventurers can download the route file to a GPS cycling computer or smartphone from the Cycling UK website.

Those downloading the route file will also receive a summary of the main safety and navigation tips along with guidance about respect for the countryside and historic monuments the route passes. The printed guide for Marcher Castles Way will start shipping early 2025 with the full range of short loop options and suggested itineraries for the full route.

Sarah Mitchell, chief executive at Cycling UK, said:

“Long-distance cycle routes are a fantastic way to explore the UK. They connect cities, towns and villages together, creating new economic avenues for tourism in the region. They also offer people a healthy and green way to explore the UK’s beautiful countryside.

"Cycling UK’s new route, Marcher Castles Way, provides endless options for people looking to explore the West Midlands and Wales. Riders can choose to break up the loop into stages, use public transport to visit different points, or take on the challenge of the whole ride. We know exactly what benefits come with cycling and we can’t wait to see and hear all the incredible stories that come from riders enjoying this epic route!”