One of my all-time favourite routes, this route takes in some truly stunning scenery and makes for a super dayÆs riding. An easy start and finish with all the hills and the views in the middle section.
A straightforward flattish start all the way to the first control at Baschurch, at about 50km. From here we visit the confluence of the River Severn and the River Vyrnwy, from the River Severn Flood Plain it is now up, up, up.
The first climb out of Crewgreen is about 2km long at an average of about 6.5% includes a hairpin and a 10% maximum to get you warmed up. You now lose nearly half of what you just gained to dump you at the bottom of the next uphill, this time 3.5km at an average of 5.5% with a max of 9% so not as tough as the previous hill, but nearly twice as long. Usually you drop straight down after all the climbing however we have just reached the lofty heights of Long Mountain, we now ride the length of Long Mountain staying on the high ground for 7km with stunning vistas in all directions before a super-fast descent.
Next up is the historic town on Montgomery which we pass by and use the old road to climb up to pass the castle ruins. We pick up the main road into Newtown at Abermule which is a bit of a shock to the senses as the 4km section usually has a bit of traffic. You pass plenty of feeding opportunities in Newtown and there are many more just slightly off route if you do a quick google search.
The climb out of Newton is on a great road surface but the first 2.5km is at an average of 4.5% with a 10% max section, once you have crested the summit there is literally 15km of well surfaced road which is all downhill all the way to Church Stoke.
At Church Stoke we head to the last real challenge of the day, up to the Stiperstones. This really is the highlight of the route for me, we use quite lanes through some incredible countryside, passing near Linley Drive passing several massive old trees and some interesting forest sections, you are likely to sight several red kites in this area and catch glimpses of several interesting stone features nearer the top (The Stiperstones themselves), eventually you summit near the Bog Visitor Centre.
From here is down hill all the way to the hallowed Dinkys Dinah Transport CafΘ for a final refuel to get home. Straight forward roads now to get you home quickly where free refreshments and a warm welcome await.
NOTE: there a several descents through the ride including a very fast descent after the Trelystan control to Kingswood and a long descent from The Bog Visitor's Centre to MInsterley which require additional care.

The provisional route can be seen here - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36961989