Norbury loop by Liz Colebrook

Liz Colebrook contributes to Cycle magazine and the Cycling UK website, she is also a bespoke bike builder and the owner of Beaumont Bicycle based in the Shropshire Hills. Here's her favourite family friendly-ride. 

South Shropshire is hilly hence its outstanding beauty but hills are not always appreciated by children and parents new to cycling. I mapped this ride purposefully avoiding close contours and busy roads. It’s gently undulating with things of interest along the route and the lure of a baked potato for lunch half way round.  There are plenty of sections where you can ride two abreast, enjoy a chat and learn how to manage different road surfaces; which is another way of saying you’ll encounter mud, gravel and potholes.

‘The Inn on the Green’ is a friendly pub with a garden, plenty of room for bikes and you can eat outside if it’s fine; a very agreeable resting place with a gentle ambience. I take paper and pens as a ‘waiting for lunch’ activity.

You retrace your steps slightly on the return leg back towards Norbury with a deviation along a short section of ‘off-road’. This is a permitted way with public access and great for introducing younger riders to opening gates and riding along dirt tracks, grass and tree roots. The last section brings you back to Bishop’s Castle along the same route you headed out along.This can feel very reassuring and familiar if energy is flagging. 

I chose this route for the Cyclofemme ride aimed at encouraging women and girls to feel confident on two wheels.  It’s fast becoming an annual event with us. The length is just right for 7-12 year olds with the potential to leave everyone feeling chuffed and wanting to do it again another day.

Places along the route to stop:

The Inn on the Green, Wentnor, SY9 5EF. 

A family-friendly pub with weekend carvery and excellent menu/bar snacks.