Tibberton Loop

This ride really is suitable for everyone as it is gently rolling with a few inclines that will get our hearts pumping, but not so hard that it will stop the chat!  At least that means we will have earned our cake when we have finished. From the Sutherland Arms car park we head out of the village towards Cherrington.  Cherrington Manor was popularly supposed to have been the building referenced in the nursery rhyme the House That Jack Built! From Cherrington we meander along country lanes towards Meeson, crossing the River Meese.  As we head towards Eaton upon Tern, which still has the disused airfields that played a major role in the Second World War, we can see sweeping views of the Shropshire countryside with lots of sunny yellow from the Oilseed Rape that is in bloom at the moment. The next village in our loop is Ollerton and then Child’s Ercall, which was mentioned in the Doomesday Book of 1086.  Prehistoric ruins show that Child’s Ercall has been in existence since before the Bronze Age.  The church at Child’s Ercall is significant as it has been rebuilt many times on the same site; originally thought to be a Celtic Church as the village’s name comes from a Celt work meaning Holly Thicket on a Slope. From Child’s Ercall we start to head back towards Tibberton, crossing the River Meese again on Mill Lane.  Here you will see the old Water Mill with views across the water meadows.  If we’re lucky we’ll see the pair of swans that nest there. The lane sweeps round a sharp corner with a short sharp incline to get us back to The Sutherland Arms for coffee and cake around 11am. A helmet is strongly recommended, but not essential.  Spare inner tubes are essential; please ensure you bring at least one each - we will provide the necessary tools in case of punctures and mechanicals. It is also important that you complete the section for an emergency contact and telephone number. Please bring money for coffee and cake and also a drink and something to snack on in case you can’t wait for the cake! Our meeting point is in the car park of The Sutherland Arms; parking is free.  Please arrive at 09:45 for a 10:00 start to allow for bike checks and route discussion. We hope you can join us and look forward to seeing you on the day. Jill, Jenny, Rhian and Sally