Ludlow and the surrounding south Shropshire countryside is an ideal cycling area. The beautiful hilly countryside which includes the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has many quiet country lanes, forest areas and planned routes to suit cyclists of all abilities.
Shropshire Council has produced several recommended cycling routes outlined in these downloadable leaflets:
- Ludlow Cycling Routes
- Ludlow Cycling and Walking Map
- Lady Halton Loop (Near Ludlow)
- Bromfield Routes
- Shropshire Hills 1 - Craven Arms to Acton Scott, Church Stretton and Longmynd
- Shropshire Hills 2 - Craven Arms to Clun, Bishop's Castle and Bury Ditches
- Cleobury Mortimer Cycle Rides
For other routes in the rest of Shropshire please visit Shropshire Councils Travel Shropshire Website.
There are a large number of marked trails, footpaths, bridleways and tracks through woodland owned by The Forestry Commission. Three car parks serve as the starting point for the all the trails, forest roads and other footpaths. Cycling is permitted by the Forestry Commision on all forest roads.
The landscape of the Forest is dominated by limestone ridges and can be fairly steep. The roads are generally gravel tracks so suitable bikes are neccesary.
Vinnalls Car Park, marked A on map, is the starting point for the several trails, offers ample parking, picnic tables and a pop up tea room on Saturdays and Sundays.
View Mortimer Forest Car Parks, Ludlow in a larger map
Hopton Woods is the home of mountain biking in Shropshire and consist of several unsurfaced trails. The following trails are available:
Warm-up Loop
Moderate Trails
Pearce XC - 12.6km of descents and climbs. Built in partnership with Pearce Cycles of Ludlow.
Downhill Trails - There are three downhill trails here for the experienced downhill rider.
For more information please download the Trail Map of Hopton Wood or visit the Forestry Commission's Hopton Wood page.
View Hopton Woods - Forestry Commission in a larger map.
OS Grid ref: SO 345 763, Postcode: SY7 0BG
The following businesses are based in Ludlow or nearby:
Wheely Wonderful Cycling - 01568 770755
Cycling holidays and Walking holidays, Cycle Hire Centre, Local Cycle maps for sale
Pearce Cycles - 01584 879288
Pearce Cycles sell bicycles and accessories from their shop in Ludlow, Shropshire. They provide full servicing facilities in their workshop.
IslaBikes - 01584 856881
IslaBikes are a specialist in the sale of Childrens Bikes. Clothing and accessories are also available.
Epic Cycles - 01584 879245
The UK's biggest dedicated road bike shop, set in a 12,500sq ft converted warehouse. Epic cycles offers bike sales, clothing and accessories.