SHROPSHIRE LAVENDER RIDE

This ride is mainly on quiet country lanes. It's Shropshire but it is gently rolling with no steep pulls up hills, so don't worry! It's suitable for beginners as it is gently paced. From Edgmond Village Hall we cycle out through the village, cross the B5062 and cycle along Chetwynd Road to Chetwynd, past St Michael and All Angels Church with its red sandstone square tower surmounted by a spire (Grade II listed Victorian Gothic style) and then cross the A41 on  cycle route 75. We cross the River Meese over a humpback bridge and climb gently up a straight stretch of road through the wooded area of Puleston Common. We ride a short stretch of the Roman Road and then turn south to travel past Chetwynd Airfield and its windsocks and past a family run nursery full of lovely perennial plants, before we turn down a slightly more bumpy lane down towards Pickstock Manor. (If we have time there will be an opportunity to browse around the nursery, should anyone so wish). We pass the few houses that comprise the hamlet of Pickstock before we reach the blue fields of lavender of Pickstock Lavender Farm. This is our half way destination where we will be making a cafe stop.  Gorgeous homemade cakes are available, some of them with a lavender twist!  You can also buy other lavender items at the Farm Shop, so remember to bring some money.  We return back through Pickstock and Puleston, to return by the same route over the humpback bridge past the donkeys to cross the A41 and return to Edgmond via Chetwynd Road. Please ensure that your bike is road worthy and that your tyres don't have punctures. As it's summer it is recommended that you wear sunscreen. Things to bring: The weather has been very warm to please bring plenty to drink and perhaps a snack in case you can't wait to get to the half way point! Also bring some money for refreshments and any shopping that you wish to do at the Lavender Farm oh and don't forget a rucksack or similar to carry things. helmet (strongly recommended);spare inner tube and a puncture repair kit if you have one; extra sunscreen in case it's a scortcher.