Route L6 – Brown Moss & Alderford Lake (29 miles-moderate)

Here's a chance to enjoy two beautiful attractions in one ride, with a circular loop towards its end.
Brown Moss Countryside Heritage Site is a Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest located south of Whitchurch. Popular with nature lovers and dog walkers, it is worth exploring on foot. Stout footwear is required and the path round the pool can be very muddy after rain. Please keep to the footpaths and away from the edges of the pools. Cycles can be parked on the car park. Do not cycle on the reserve.

Alderford Lake (formerly known as Dearnford Lake) was created from the sand and gravel pit used in the building of the Whitchurch bypass. Today it offers a landscape of scenic beauty, with circular walks, wild swimming in season (charges apply) and refreshments at the café, which gives a 10% discount for visitors who arrive by bike!

Route L6 (29.6 miles-moderate)

The exit from Audlem is achieved by back lanes to the south of Audlem.

• This involves setting off in the opposite direction from Whitchurch but only for a short distance to pick up the quiet lanes. This avoids lengthier sections of busy main road involved in the more direct routes.
• This includes a short section of the A525 Woore Road. Care is required here and also at the crossing of the A525 at the end of School Lane.
• The crossing of the main A529 road at Coxbank has limited line of sight and requires great care.
• The crossing of the A41 Dual Carriageway at Prees Heath is effected by using the footpath crossing to the north of Prees Heath roundabout. Outward bound cyclists must dismount at the end of the lane and walk north for a few metres on the grass verge to where the footpath forms a break in the central reservation barrier arriving in the car park of the Raven Hotel. Cross on foot with extreme care as this road is busy and fast. There is, however no need to cycle on it at all, if the footpath crossing is used. Returning cyclists should reverse the process.
• The centre of Tilstock operates as a small one way system with which you should comply.

Route L6* (29.6 miles -moderate)

• West of Ightfield the southern section of the routes circular loop offers the option of a section of bridleway through a working farm- Lea Hall. The surface is generally good with a short stretch in the middle which can be muddy. Please be aware and respectful of farming activities if using this section and look out for agricultural vehicles.

Places of Interest

Brown Moss Countryside Heritage Site
Alderford Lake

Refreshments

The White Lion, Ash Magna
The Raven Hotel, Prees Heath
The Horseshoes, Inn, Tilstock
Alderford Lake Cafe (10% discount to those arriving by bike!)
Transport cafes, Prees Heath