Byways Breaks Brochure 2010 by Carolyn Yates

Cycling and Walking Holidays

2010

Your Holiday

Short Cycling Breaks

Longer Cycling Breaks

Walking Holidays

Walkers’ Accommodation Booking & Luggage Service

Cottage Breaks

More Information

How Do I Book?

How Do I Get There?

The gentle, unspoilt, countryside of Shropshire, Cheshire and Welsh borders is a lovely area for cycling and walking. Discover beautiful unspoilt countryside, pretty villages, quiet rural lanes and footpaths, as well as interesting places to visit and great pubs and tea shops. With more than 12 years experience, we know the area inside-out. Our routes have been carefully planned so you explore the best of the countryside, stay in the nicest places and eat good, local food. Holidays are selfled, so you have the freedom to explore at your own pace, take detours stopping when and where you want. Routes are graded (gentle, moderate or strenuous) and flexible - we can always tailor holidays to suit your specific requirements - so there's something for all ages and abilities. Detailed itineraries are on the website. Each party has a holiday pack with detailed maps and directions highlighting things to see and do along the way. We move your luggage each day so you travel light, and we are always just a phone call away if you need our help. We were pleased to have been awarded ‘Tourism Experience of the Year 2008’ by Visit Chester and Cheshire. Customer feedback was an important factor in us winning the award and 98% of our customers rate their holiday experience as ‘excellent’ and ‘very good’ and many return for another holiday with us. Our Walkers’ Accommodation Booking and Luggage Service on longer distance trail walks are popular and this year we have added the Dales Way and Glyndwr’s Way to our trail walks.

Cheshire and Shropshire are ideal for cycling; gently rolling countryside with variety, views, and few steep hills! Routes follow quiet lanes, bridleways and canal towpaths and can be managed by most people. Gentle routes are 10 – 15 miles and moderate are 20 – 25 miles. We also have longer, more strenuous routes for keen and regular cyclists. As a guide, in gentle countryside, 20 miles will take someone who doesn't cycle regularly 2 – 3 hours, so there's plenty of time to explore and have a leisurely lunch. Quality hybrid bikes are provided - see page 15 for more information.

Our walking holidays are in Shropshire, Cheshire, Lancashire, Welsh borders and Anglesey. Routes follow well-marked footpaths, bridleways and towpaths and many are along signed trails like Offa’s Dyke. Walks are graded with gentle 4 - 6 miles, moderate 6 - 10 miles and strenuous ones 10 - 14 miles. Our Walkers’ Accommodation Booking and Luggage Service along trail walks offers flexible walking distances to suit your specific requirements.

We know at the end of the day it’s important that a comfortable bed, warm welcome and good food are waiting for you. Over the years we’ve gathered a variety of lovely places to stay with individual character. These range from quiet farmhouses, inns and hotels with good food and beer, to luxury country houses with swimming pools and award winning restaurants. See page 15 for more information.

Holidays are self-led and you receive a holiday information pack containing written directions, an Ordnance Survey Map marked with the route and background information about the area including places of interest, pubs, shops and teashops. If you don't want to stick to our directions, you have enough information to discover your own detours! For people using the Walkers’ Accommodation Booking and Luggage Service directions to each night’s accommodation are provided but maps and guides can be purchased separately.

On all holidays (except the Walkers’ Accommodation Booking and Luggage Service) we meet you on arrival to answer any questions you may have about routes and other arrangements. On cycling holidays bikes are delivered to the first nights accommodation as you arrive and we will adjust your bike to make sure you are comfortable. Each day we transfer your luggage to your next destination - you only take what you need each day. If you buy anything on route, call us and we'll move it with your bags! During your holiday, in the unlikely event that you break down or need any help we are only a phone call away. You will have a mobile number to contact us throughout the day.

Canals, Castles & Chester

Peckforton Hills & County Inns 4 One Centre Breaks

Hidden Highways & Shropshire Lakes

Cheshire & Shropshire Lakes

Delamere to Ellesmere

2 nights/3 days or 3 nights/4 days

Gentle or Moderate

3 nights/4 days

Moderate

Highlights • Roman City of Chester • Cheshire Ice Cream Farm award winning ice cream and farm shop • Cholmondeley Castle Gardens • Beeston Castle, Tarporley, Bunbury • Shire Horse Centre

Highlights • Great pubs, good food • Delamere Forest, Little Budworth Common, and Stretton • Peckforton Hills and Beeston Castle • Pretty villages - Farndon on river Dee, Tarporley and Tattenhall

Accommodation Farms, hotels or country house hotels

Accommodation A mixture of traditional country inns and hotels

Holiday A relaxing short break. This gentle holiday is ideal for children and those wanting easy cycling and plenty of time to explore. The moderate option offers longer distances exploring this interesting part of Cheshire. Begin in, or near Chester and visit this Roman city at the start or end of your break (cycling out along the canal, so no traffic).

Holiday Cheshire is a fertile farming county, renowned for its good food and drink. This route visits some of the finest pubs, tea shops and farm shops with opportunity to taste some of its finest produce many award winners! Start near Tarporley at the Alvanley Arms with its Shire Horse Centre and Lakeside Cafe.

Cycle through rolling farmland past pretty villages, canals and castles south of Chester. There are plenty of places to visit, including the Cheshire Cheese and Ice Cream Farm, a working Water Mill, Beeston Castle, antique shops and pretty villages like Tarporley and Bunbury. Adding a fourth day takes you to Wrenbury on the Shropshire Union Canal and Cholmondeley Castle Gardens.

Cycle over the Peckforton Hills (not high!) to Farndon and Bangor on Dee on the welsh border. From here go through Malpas to spend a night at the Cholmondeley Arms. This tour explores the quiet countryside and villages in the west of Cheshire. Stop at some of the excellent pubs on the route, (many in the Good Pub and Good Beer Guides) like Dysart Arms at Bunbury, Rising Sun in Tarporley, and Cholmondeley Arms.

Holiday includes • Accommodation, breakfast (based on two sharing)

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Detailed routes, maps, background information Quality bikes and equipment (discount for own bikes) Luggage transport and full support Transfer to and from station (Chester) or car parking

2 nights/3 days or 3 nights/4 days

Gentle or Moderate

Borders Break Highlights • Lakes & Colemere Country Park • Whittington Castle, Hawkstone Park • Cholmondeley Castle Gardens • Ellesmere Explore the canals, rivers, meres and mosses of North Shropshire. Stay in a country house hotel in Wem, a hotel in the hamlet of Hanmer or a comfortable farmhouse in Ellesmere. Circular cycle rides along peaceful lanes past the many small lakes to Colemere Country Park, Whittington Castle, Hanmer Mere, Hawkstone Park Follies and Cholmondeley Castle Gardens. Visit pretty market towns of Ellesmere and Wem.

“beautiful quiet country lanes...many thanks for a very enjoyable break!” Mary J

Accommodation Farms, hotels or country house hotels

Tarporley and Bunbury Break Highlights • Delamere Forest, Little Budworth • Beeston Castle (views of 8 counties) • Ice Cream Farm, Tarporley • Bunbury village and the Dysart Arms Stay in, or near, Tarporley, close to the Peckforton Hills and Beeston Castle. Tarporley has a pretty High Street (shops, choice of pubs and tea shops). The surrounding countryside offers quiet lanes and pretty villages. Visit Beeston Castle, Cheshire Cheese and Ice Cream Farm, Delamere Forest, Shire Horse Centre and villages of Tattenhall and Bunbury with the Dysart Arms, one of the best pubs in the area. Accommodation Farms, hotels or country house hotels Holiday includes • Accommodation, breakfast (based on two sharing)

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Detailed routes, maps, background information Quality bikes and equipment (discount for own bikes) Luggage transport and full support Transfer to/from station (Chester or Wem) or car parking

2 nights/3 days or 3 nights/4 days

Gentle or Moderate

Highlights • Lakes and Colemere Country Park • Hawkstone Park • Hodnet and Wollerton Old Hall Gardens • Ellesmere canal, market, lake and visitor centre Accommodation Farms, hotels or inns Holidays Explore the gently rolling Shropshire Plain with its many small glacial lakes, mosses, rare plants and wildlife. The cycling is quiet with little lanes and few cars making it an ideal holiday for children or those wanting a peaceful wind down for a few days. Shrewsbury is nearby allowing opportunity to visit this historic town either at the start or end of your break. Cycle through pretty villages like Loppington, English Frankton and Clive. Visit Colemere Country Park and the pretty town of Ellesmere (with its weekly market, Mere, heron watch and canal wharf). The three night break passes Hanmer Mere, Hawkstone Park and Follies, Wollerton Old Hall Gardens and Hodnet. Holiday includes • Accommodation, breakfast (based on two sharing)

“Thoroughly enjoyed this break...very good planning, routes were so easy to follow” Liz C

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Detailed routes, maps, background information Quality bikes and equipment (discount for own bikes) Luggage transport and full support Transfer to and from station (Wem, Whitchurch) or parking

3 nights/4 days

Strenuous

Highlights • Delamere Forest • Tudor town of Nantwich • Cholmondeley Castle Gardens, Beeston Castle • Market towns of Ellesmere, Wem • Whittington Castle Accommodation Farms or hotels

“Beautiful countryside, excellent food!” Martin

3 nights/4 days

Moderate or Strenuous

Highlights • Whittington Castle • Marbury Mere • Cholmondeley Castle Gardens • Market towns of Ellesmere, Wem and Whitchurch • Beeston Castle (views of 8 counties) • Colemere Country Park Accommodation Country Inns or farms Holidays Begining in quiet countryside, at Cholmondeley (pronounced ‘Chumley’!) near the Peckforton Hills. The first afternoon has with a gentle afternoon ride to the Candle Workshops and Pheasant Inn at Higher Burwardsley. There is an additional, optional loop to Beeston Castle.

Holiday This holiday with longer distances is ideal for keen, regular cyclists. Visit the quieter parts of Cheshire and North Shropshire along the Welsh borders. Start near Tarporley, explore Delamere Forest and then head south through Nantwich and Audlem across rolling Cheshire farming country. From here head into North Shropshire passing many small lakes and visiting the market town of Ellesmere. Explore the small glacial lakes, mosses and Whittington Castle. Head back to Tarporley along the Welsh border through villages of Bangor-on-Dee and Farndon. 35 - 40 miles a day cycling distance (misses Nantwich) or 40 - 50 miles a day. Can upgrade to Country House Hotel some nights. Holiday includes • Accommodation, breakfast (based on two sharing)

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Detailed routes, maps, background information Quality bikes and equipment (discount for own bikes) Luggage transport and full support Transfer to and from station (Chester) or car parking

The next day cycle through quiet countryside and pretty villages to the market town of Ellesmere with its busy canal and large lake (farm option) or the quiet hamlet of Hanmer (hotel). Spend two nights here and take a circular ride exploring the lakes in the area and Colemere Country Park or to Whittington Castle. Head back to Cholmondeley past Whixhall Moss, a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) and on through the market town of Whitchurch. From here to Marbury village, with its lovely views of the Mere from the churchyard. Holiday includes • Accommodation, breakfast (based on two sharing)

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Detailed routes, maps, background information Quality bikes and equipment (discount for own bikes) Luggage transport and full support Transfer to and from station (Chester) or car parking

“A very easy family holiday — ideal for everyone” Mr and Mrs W

Black and White Villages 7 Vale of Clwyd

Marches Meander

Castle and Meres

Cheshire Cycleway

Nantwich, Waterways and Meres

4 nights/5 days

Gentle or Moderate

Highlights • Chester - roman ruins and museum • Nantwich - shops, market, museum • Delamere Forest, Little Budworth • Cholmondeley Castle Gardens • Black and white villages of Bunbury, Audlem, Tattenhall Accommodation Inns or farms

4 nights/5 days

Moderate

Highlights • Market town of Ruthin with old gaol, craft centre, places to eat • Denbigh Castle • Quiet countryside with a few hills, fantastic views • Moel Famau and Loggerheads Country Park Accommodation Inns or B&Bs

Holiday A leisurely tour of some of Cheshire's finest black and white villages and the lovely Tudor market town of Nantwich. Starting near Chester, explore Delamere Forest or Little Budworth Common, then to Tarporley with its Georgian High Street and good selection of places to eat.

Holiday A cycle tour for cyclists wanting moderate cycling with a few hills, rewarded by fantastic views! The route mainly follows river valleys and then crosses the Clwydian Hills, picking the easiest route and providing the challenge of some varied cycling. Distances allow for more hilly terrain.

From here the route takes you to pretty villages like Bunbury and the market town of Nantwich. On to Audlem with the busy Shropshire Union Canal and Wrenbury where you can watch the boats negotiate the swing bridge from a canalside pub. Head back to Chester through the unspoilt borders area around (not up) the Peckforton Hills, past Stretton Mill and through the pretty black and white village of Tattenhall.

The break starts near Moel Famau Country Park and you spend the first day on a short local cycle ride. You then follow the Clwyd Valley to market town of Ruthin for two nights, staying on the outskirts in a quiet comfortable B&B with a village pub just down the road. There are circular ride options for this day, and also opportunity to visit Ruthin. Then on to Denbigh before crossing the hills and returning down the Alyn Valley.

Holiday includes • Accommodation, breakfast (based on two sharing)

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Detailed routes, maps, background information Quality bikes and equipment (discount for own bikes) Luggage transport and full support Transfer to and from station (Chester) or car parking

“I would recommend Byways Breaks...you take the hassle out of the holiday!” Mark K

5 nights/6 days or 7 nights/7 8ays

Moderate

5 nights/6 days, 6 nights/7 days Gentle, Moderate or Strenuous

Highlights • Ellesmere busy canal and lake • Moreton Corbett Castle, Wroxeter Roman ruins • Attingham Park • Ironbridge Gorge and Museum • Melverley Church • Foothills of Long Mynd and Church Stretton

Highlights • Roman Chester • Delamere Forest or Little Budworth • Shire Horse Centre • Cheshire Ice Cream Farm • Cholmondeley Castle Gardens • Lakes, Colemere Country Park • Beeston Castle (views over 8 counties)

Accommodation B&Bs, hotels or country house hotels

Holiday This holiday explores the quiet countryside and history of Shropshire, starting gently on the Shropshire Plain and heading to the market town of Shrewsbury. Pass Moreton Corbet Castle, Attingham Park, Roman ruins at Wroxeter and a vineyard. From here the route takes you into the beautiful countryside close to the Long Mynd. There is an optional climb over the Long Mynd for the more energetic, (worth the effort for the views), then back through Melverley on the banks of the River Severn with its 13th century timber church and on to the small market town on Ellesemere on the edge of a pretty lake and the Shropshire Union canal.

Holiday This cycling holiday starts near Chester allowing an opportunity to visit the Roman city at the start or end of your break. Meander through the quiet countryside of west Cheshire, through Delamere Forest, crossing canals, and circling the Peckforton Hills (dotted with castles) before exploring Shropshire's Lakeland. The Shropshire Lakes area has many small glacial lakes, mosses, rare plants and wildlife and cycling is particularly quiet and peaceful with some lanes rarely seeing a car!

The seven night holiday loops to Wenlock Edge with National Trust woodland, and Ironbridge for 2 nights to visit the world famous heritage site

Head back to Chester along the Welsh border through the pretty villages of Bangor-on-Dee and Farndon. We can add an extra night staying in the Ellesmere/Wem area with circular rides to Colemere Country Park and Whittington Castle.

Holiday includes • Accommodation, breakfast (based on two sharing)

• • • •

Detailed routes, maps, background information Quality bikes and equipment (discount for own bikes) Luggage transport and full support Transfer to/from station - Wem (or Whitchurch) or parking

Detailed routes, maps, background information Quality bikes and equipment (discount for own bikes) Luggage transport and full support Transfer to and from station (Chester) or car parking

“Overall a wonderful experience. Various 5 — 8 nights

Moderate to Strenuous

Highlights • Little Moreton Hall, Gawsworth Hall • Delamere and Macclesfield Forests • Beeston Castle, Arley Hall and Gardens • Foothills of the Peak District • Ness Gardens and Cholmondeley Castle Gardens

Thank you so much!” Tony and Christine W

Accommodation A mixture of farms, B&Bs and inns Holiday The Cheshire Cycleway is a signposted 176 mile route looping around the county. From Chester it follows quiet country lanes and crosses the gentle Cheshire plain to the edge of the Peaks. Cycling is varied, mostly rolling countryside, with some hilly sections on the edge of the Peak District. There are many places to visit on, or close to the route including houses like Gawsworth Hall, half timbered villages like Barthomley, and the ruins of Beeston Castle. We offer flexible options on this holiday. For keen cyclists, the full route can be done over 5 nights. For those wanting moderate distances there is an 8 night holiday, with options to shorten to 7 or 6 nights by missing the Wirral, and/or hillier Peak District section. We can tailor this holiday to suit. Holiday includes • Accommodation, breakfast (based on two sharing)

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Detailed routes, maps, background information Quality bikes and equipment (discount for own bikes) Luggage transport and full support Transfer to and from station (Chester) or car parking

“Thank you for organising a memorable holiday” Mr and Mrs B

6 nights/7 days

Gentle or Moderate

Highlights • Beeston Castle and Cholmondeley Castle Gardens • Tudor town of Nantwich • Canal-side villages of Bunbury, Audlem and Wrenbury • Hanmer and Marbury Mere and many other smaller lakes Accommodation B&Bs or hotels Holiday This cycling holiday visits quiet parts of West Cheshire and North Shropshire. Starting in Tarporley, explore Delamere Forest or Little Budworth Common and then head south to Nantwich, a Tudor market town with many black and white buildings, antique shops and a museum. From here criss-cross canals, going through Audlem, with its long set of locks, and Wrenbury - both have lovely pubs overlooking the canal. Then on to Cholmondeley Castle Gardens with a lunch stop in Malpas before heading to the Shropshire lakes. Spend two nights in Wem or Ellesmere exploring some of the small glacial lakes in the area. Choose a circular ride, or have a rest from the saddle. Head back to Tarporley through Farndon on the River Dee. Holiday includes • Accommodation, breakfast (based on two sharing)

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Detailed routes, maps, background information Quality bikes and equipment (discount for own bikes) Luggage transport and full support Transfer to and from station (Chester) or car parking

Sandstone Trail

Gritstone Trail

One Centre Breaks Peckforton & Bunbury, Borders Walks, Kington Walks 11 Llangollen Canal

Wild Edric’s Way

Offa’s Dyke - Shropshire Hills

Offa’s Dyke - Clwydian Hills

2, 3 or 4 nights

Gentle/Moderate/Strenuous

2 nights/3 days, 3 nights/4 days

Moderate

Highlights • Beeston Castle (views of 8 counties) • Delamere Forest • Primrose Hill woods • Peckforton Hills • Frodsham, Tarporley and Whitchurch • Lock Gate Cafe

Highlights • Pretty village of Disley • Lyme Park and Hall • Mill town of Bollington • Teggs Nose Country Park • Macclesfield Forest • Bosley Cloud and Mow Cop

Accommodation B&Bs or inns, hotels on some options

Accommodation Farms or B&Bs

Holiday The Sandstone Trail follows a ridge from Beacon Hill at Frodsham, through Delamere Forest, past Beeston Castle over the Peckforton Hills to Whitchurch on the Shropshire border. The ridge, characterised by rocky outcrops and wooded areas, divides the plains of the River Dee to the west and River Weaver to the east. There are lovely views over to the Welsh Hills.

Holiday This 35 mile signed trail stretches from Disley to Kidsgrove and skirts the edge of the Cheshire Peaks. There are some fine ridge walks with stunning views over the Cheshire Plain and over to the Peak District. There are some steady climbs, and a few steep but short ascents.

The walk is relatively easy with a few hills and is 30 - 35 miles depending on overnight stops. The gentle option is 3 nights, 4 day break with a max of 10 miles a day, the moderate is 3 nights, 3 day break of 11 - 12 miles a day and the strenuous break is 2 nights, 2 days walking of 15 - 17 miles a day. Option of extra last night in Whitchurch, we can also tailor this holiday - please contact us.

The walk starts in the pretty village of Disley, goes through Lyme Park (pictured) then climbs onto the moors on the edge of the Peak District. The trail then goes through Teggs Nose Country Park and Macclesfield Forest and then along the Dane Valley. Finally it follows Congleton Edge finishing in Kidsgrove. Stations at each end of the trail. 2 night holiday walking distance 8 - 14 miles per day, 3 night is 10 - 13 miles per day.

Holiday includes • Accommodation, breakfast (based on two sharing)

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Packed lunches Detailed routes, maps, background information Luggage transport and full support Transfer to/from station (Frodsham/Whitchurch) or parking

Packed lunches Detailed routes, maps, background information Luggage transport and full support Transfer to and from station (Disley/Kidsgrove) or parking

2 nights/3 days or 3 nights/4 days

Gentle or Moderate

Borders Walks Gentle walks along canals, meres and mosses of Shropshire. Stay in a farm B & B in the market town of Ellesmere. Gentle walks (4 - 6 miles) or moderate (8 - 10 miles) to Colemere Country Park along the canal, round Marbury Mere. Llangollen is nearby with more strenuous walk to Castle Dinas Bran ruins. Can also cycle.

Peckforton and Bunbury Stay in or near Tarporley (farm, hotel or country house hotel) near the Sandstone Trail. Lovely walking along quiet footpaths and canals, pretty villages. Gentle (4-6 miles) or moderate (8-10 miles), walks to Bunbury with its restored water mill, Delamere Forest, Beeston Castle and round the Peckforton Hills. Can also cycle.

Kington Walks Stay in the market town of Kington, a popular walking centre surrounded by hills and on Offas Dyke Path. Moderate walks, (8 - 10) miles, from where you stay, along Offa’s Dyke over Hergest Ridge to Gladestry and the Mortimer Trail to Titley for lunch at the renowned Stagg Inn. B & B or country hotel with leisure facilities including pool.

Llangollen/Glyn Ceiriog Walks Stay in Llangollen or the nearby Ceiriog valley, with moderate walks, (8 - 12) miles, to Castle Dinas Bran, along Offa’s Dyke path to Chirk Castle and on to the famous Pontcysyllte aqueduct. Accommodation in comfortable B&B in Llangollen or country hotel near Glyn Ceiriog. Holiday includes • Accommodation, breakfast (based on two sharing)

• Detailed routes, maps, background information • Luggage transport and full support • Transfer to and from stations (Chester, Wem, Knighton, Gobowen) or car parking

“I have thoroughly enjoyed this break. Arrangements have been fantastic ” DB

6 nights/8 nights

Gentlel/Moderate

Highlights • Chirk Castle • Whixhall Moss, meres • Pontcysyllte and Chirk aqueducts • Market towns of Nantwich, Ellesmere, Whitchurch, and Llangollen • Colemere Country Park Accommodation B&Bs and farms Holiday Walk this beautiful canal from Nantwich through the market towns of Whitchurch and Ellesmere to Llangollen. The canal is a major engineering feat starting on the Cheshire Plain, crossing the Chirk and Pontcysyllte Aqueducts and as you reach the Welsh hills, following the Dee Valley through Llangollen to its source at the Horseshoe Falls. There's plenty of boat traffic and lots of wildlife. Accommodation in quiet B&Bs and farms close to the canal. A short day to Ellesmere, so time to explore this market town with its pretty Mere. On the 6 night option walk 10 - 12 miles a day, with one short day to Ellesmere of 6 miles. The gentle holiday of 8 nights covers 6 - 9 miles a day so plenty of time to take in the wildlife and scenery. Detailed itineraries can be found on the website. Holiday includes • Accommodation, breakfast (based on two sharing)

“We really enjoyed the lovely country pubs - thank you for your recommendations!” Sheila P

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Packed lunches Detailed routes, maps, background information Luggage transport and full support Transfer to and from station (Nantwich/Gobowen) or parking

“I have thoroughly enjoyed this break. Arrangements 6 nights/5 days or 8 nights/7 days

Moderate

Highlights • Long Mynd • Stiperstones • Church Stretton, Bishops Castle, Clun • Bury Ditches Iron Age Hill Fort • Medieval Ludlow with Castle, market, and good food!

have been fantastic” Liz C

Accommodation B&Bs Holiday This holiday used to be Wild Edric’s Way. The Shropshire Way improvements include a loop from Church Stretton so we now offer this holiday which follows the better marked Shropshire Way. Walk the whole loop which is 85 miles, or the 52 mile section from Church Stretton to Ludlow. From Church Stretton, cross the Long Mynd to the Stiperstones, past Devils Chair and through the market town of Bishop’s Castle. From here follow part of Offa’s Dyke to Clun, pass Bury Ditches Hill Fort, continue through Craven Arms, past Stokesay Castle and on to Ludlow. The full walk heads over Wenlock Edge and back to Church Stretton. Walking distances are 10 - 12 miles, (there is one short day of 7 miles) but we can tailor to suit - please contact us.

3 nights/4 days or 4 nights/4 days

Moderate

Offa's Dyke was built by King Offa 1200 years ago to mark the border between Wales and England. This National Trail is 177 miles long and runs from Prestatyn in North Wales to Chepstow in the south. The path follows the line of the original Offa's Dyke, and the old earth works can be seen in several places along the walk. The path has views over some of the most spectacular mountains and valleys in Wales and England. Our short breaks offer a taster of this lovely and varied trail walk.

Shropshire Hills - 4 nights Holiday includes • Accommodation, breakfast (based on two sharing)

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Detailed routes, maps, background information Quality bikes and equipment (discount for own bikes) Luggage transport and full support Transfer to or from station (Church Stretton/Ludlow) or car parking

Start from Knighton, head over the hills to the Clun Valley for a night. From here on to Montgomery and Welshpool. The first 2 days are hilly, with spectacular views, passing some of the best preserved sections of the Dyke. Spend a night in the pretty town of Montgomery and then on to Welshpool with chance to visit Powis Castle. Walk 8 - 10 miles a day. Accommodation & Arrival B&Bs. Stations at Knighton and Welshpool.

Clwydian Hills - 3 nights Follow Offa’s Dyke along the Clwydian range from the attractive town of Llangollen to Bodfari. Some lovely hill walking with fantastic views towards Snowdonia and the sea. Cross the Pontcysyllte aqueduct, pass Castle Dinas Bran and walk on across the Llandegla moors, over the Clwydian hills to Bodfari. Walk 8 -10 miles a day. Can extend a further day to the end of the walk at Prestatyn - contact for details Accommodation & Arrival B&Bs. Station - Gobowen nr Llangollen, Prestatyn Holiday includes • Accommodation, breakfast (based on two sharing)

“We appreciated the attention to detail and friendly service” Fiona W

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Detailed routes, maps, background information Quality bikes and equipment (discount for own bikes) Luggage transport and full support Transfer to and from station (Knighton & Welshpool/ Gobowen & Prestatyn) or car parking

Tell us how far you want to walk, your ideal daily mileage, if you want a rest day and any other particular requirements. We help you plan the stages, make accommodation bookings and payments, help with arrangements for packed lunches and evening meals as well as arrange luggage transfer. We visit all accommodation and have carefully selected the farms, guest houses, pubs and hotels we use. All are comfortable and welcome walkers. Almost all rooms have en suite or private bathrooms (very occasionally in more remote areas this isn’t possible). The standard price is for farms and guest houses, but we also have a number of lovely hotels along the routes should you want to upgrade some nights. Dogs can be accommodated on some trails, contact us for further information.

Offa’s Dyke - The 177 mile National Trail follows the original Offa’s Dyke, built by King Offa in the 8th century to mark the Welsh/English border. Walk from Chepstow on the Severn estuary, to Prestatyn on the North Wales coast. The scenery is varied with views over some of the most spectacular mountains and valleys in Wales. Highlights include Wye Valley, Tintern Abbey ruins, Black mountains, Hay on Wye, Shropshire Hills, Powis and Chirk Castles and the Clwydian Hills.

Anglesey Coastal Path - This 125 mile walk has some of the finest coastal scenery in Wales, much of it an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The walk crosses wide estuaries, sandy dunes, cliffs and rolling farmland with fantastic views to Snowdonia. Highlights include Telford's Menai Suspension Bridge, South Stack Lighthouse, villages of Cemaes and Moelfre, Penmon Priory and Beaumaris with its pier, castle and courthouse.

Glyndwr’s Way - The 135 mile National Trail starting at Knighton on the English border , crosses moorland, rolling farmland, woodland and forest of Mid Wales finishes in Welshpool. A quiet walk through some remote areas, suitable for more experienced walkers. Fabulous countryside and views.

Ribble Way - The 71 mile Ribble Way starts on the salt marshes near Preston and follows the plains between Preston and Clitheroe. From here it climbs onto higher ground on the Lancashire border then up to its source in Yorkshire. The Ribble Valley has a fascinating history with evidence of Roman roads, ancient abbeys, and landmarks from the Industrial Revolution.

Shropshire Way - This 136 mile tour of Shropshire offers great views and varied walking, including the Shropshire Hills, Wenlock Edge and Long Mynd as well as gentler pastoral walking in valleys. The trail visits Shrewsbury, Bishop’s Castle, Clun, Stokesay Castle, Ludlow and the World Heritage Site at Ironbridge.

Dales Way - This 81 mile well signed path runs from Ilkley in North Yorkshire to Bowness on the edge of Lake Windermere in the Lake District. The route mainly follows riverside paths along the rivers Wharf, Dee and Lune, although there is some higher level walking as it crosses the Pennine Moors near Ribblehead. The walk passes Bolton Abbey and villages of Burnsall, Buckden, Kettlewell and Dent.

Service includes: • Help planning your walk • Accommodation bookings and payments • Help with evening meal & packed lunch arrangements • Detailed directions to B&Bs and information about where to eat in the evening • Luggage transfer each day • Advice on transport arrangements • All the trails are way marked and easy to follow

• Our cottage breaks include walking or cycling routes, or a combination of both. • Self catering breaks are great for families, they offer flexibility as you don't have to cycle or walk every day. • Plenty of places to visit - Peckforton Hills, Delamere Forest, Beeston Castle and pretty villages like Bunbury and Tarporley, Chester with zoo, museum and Roman walls. North Wales is only a short drive away.

Milton Brook Farm Cottages In quiet countryside, 4 miles from Chester and 1/2 mile from a pub, these 6 cottages include a games room, heated indoor pool and laundry. All cottages are furnished to a high standard with TV, DVD or video, radio, cooker, fridge/ freezer, microwave, dishwasher, ironing board and iron. Bed linen and bath towels are provided and heating is included. Well-behaved dogs welcome (£50 deposit for dogs payable to owners on arrival). A selection of cycle rides (and bike hire) or walks are included. Dairy Cottage - Sleeps 5/6 The cottage sleeps 5/6 in a double room, twin room & single/bunk rooms. Upstairs there is a bathroom with bath and shower, downstairs there is a dining/kitchen, living room with french doors and cloakroom with WC. Interconnecting door with Stable Cottage. Stable Cottage - Sleeps 4/5 The cottage sleeps 4/5 in double, twin and cot room. Upstairs a bathroom with bath and shower. Downstairs is a dining/kitchen and living room with french doors and cloakroom with WC. Interconnecting door with Dairy Cottage. Rose Cottage - Sleeps 12 A spacious house, sleeping 12 in 4 double rooms (1 with en suite bathroom) and 2 twin rooms. The large family bathroom has a bath/shower. There is also a ground floor wet room. There is a kitchen/diner, separate dining room, large living room with french doors into garden. Cloakroom with WC.

Woodpecker Cottage

Sleeps 2+ A lovely spacious cottage in quiet countryside, next to the owners’ house, just over 1 mile from Farndon a pretty village on the Welsh border. Chester is 10 miles, Wrexham about 8 miles. Llangollen less than ½ hour drive.

The cottage has 1 twin bedroom, kitchen/diner (washing machine, fridge, microwave), living room with double sofa bed (TV, video, CD player). Central heating, towels and bed linen included. The bathroom has bath and separate shower. There is a patio area with garden furniture and shared use of the owners’ garden. Please phone for prices for 3 or 4 if cycling. A selection of cycle rides (and bike hire) or walks are included.

Delamere Cottage

Sleeps 4 Delamere Cottage is on the edge of Kelsall, next to the owners’ cottage, and just a few hundred yards from the Boot Inn (regular Good Pub Guide entry), Kelsall has a general store, butchers and a chemist. The cottage has two bedrooms, one with double bed and one with twin beds. The lounge has a TV, radio and living flame gas fire. There is, a separate dining room and well equipped kitchen with separate utility. The cooker is electric and there is a washing machine. Heating, electricity, bed linen and towels are provided. Delamere Cottage is no smoking. There is a patio/garden area through the living room with great views over to the Welsh Hills. There is also shared use of the owners’ orchard. A selection of cycle rides (and bike hire) or walks are included.

At the end of a days activity, a warm welcome, comfortable bed and good food are essential. Over the years we have found many special places to stay. Whether you prefer a quiet farmhouse, country pub or hotel with good food or luxury country house hotel we have found the best places to stay along our routes. We inspect accommodation regularly, and insist on high standards. We pay a great deal of attention to customer feedback which helps us ensure that accommodation standards are high. All holidays include bed and breakfast; some walking holidays include a packed lunch. Evening meals are not included as we find people prefer to make their own arrangements. Most accommodation is in villages with choice of places to eat in the evening and we provide advice about the best options. Farmhouses can be a distance from villages but all accommodation (except for some of the trail walking holidays, where evening meals are provided) is close to at least one good pub and somewhere to eat in the evening.

You do not need to be super-fit to enjoy one of our holidays, they are pleasurable - not an endurance test! Routes are graded so there is something for all abilities. You have all day to go at your own pace so one of the gentle holiday options is easily manageable for most people. If you do not cycle or walk regularly it is a good idea to do some preparation before you begin. If you are reasonably fit then the moderate distances should be fine. Please contact us if you would like guidance on selecting the most suitable holiday.

We have a range of quality hybrid bikes, which are at home on bridleways, towpaths and country lanes. We also have children's trailer bikes and buggies, and can arrange hire of tandems/cycles for disabled people. A safety helmet, bike lock, gel seat cover, and handle bar bag are provided with each bike and a tool kit per group. All bikes have 'puncture resistant' tyres filled with â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;slimeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; which prevents most punctures. If you prefer to bring your own bikes we offer discounts.

Cycling or walking is an ideal family holiday provided the right distances are chosen for the younger ones in the party. Many routes are manageable by older children and gentle cycling holidays with daily distances of 10 - 15 miles are suitable for younger children. One centre or cottage holidays are good for families - they are flexible and you don't have to cycle or walk every day. Please ask us for advice on what might suit your family best. We have a range of children's bikes, seats and trailer bikes. We offer discounts for children sharing rooms with parents on all breaks, except cottage holidays.

While we offer a wide range of holidays many people do not find exactly what they are looking for. We arrange many individually tailored holidays including alterations to holidays featured in the brochure to tailored personal itineraries. We can also cater for larger groups and at several of the one centre bases we can offer very competitive dinner, bed and breakfast breaks.

• To check availability, or if you have any questions or do not find exactly what you want, please email us at info@byways-breaks.co.uk or call us on +44 (0)151 722 8050. • Complete the enclosed booking form indicating the dates you require. Please return the form along with a deposit payment of £30 pp for breaks up to 4 nights and £50 pp for breaks over 4 nights. • Payments can be made by Credit or Debit Card, Cheque or International Bankers Order in GB pounds (£). We do not take payment over the internet. Please note we do make a 1% charge for Credit Cards, (there is no charge for debit cards). • Once we have received your deposit payment we will confirm your booking with details of where you are staying. We will also send an invoice showing the balance outstanding and date on which it is due. You must ensure your holiday is paid in full 6 weeks prior to your departure date. Once we receive full payment a final confirmation will be sent to you. • One to two weeks before the start of your holiday you receive your full holiday pack including directions, routes, maps, background information and arrangements for meeting you at the start.

Cheshire, Shropshire and the Welsh borders has good road (M6, M56 and M54) and rail links. Most holidays are easily accessible by train and there are stations in Chester, Shrewsbury, Whitchurch as well as other local stations. Now upgrading works are complete on the West Coast rail line, London is only 2 hours from Chester, Leeds and Sheffield are also about 2 hours. If booking in advance there are many cheap ticket offers. Manchester airport is only 45 minutes from Chester and Liverpool is less than 40 minutes. Airport transfers can be arranged. On walking and cycling holidays come by car and we will arrange parking for you or come by train and we will collect you from the nearest local station. Detailed instructions on how to get to the start of your holiday will be sent to you in your holiday information pack. For walkers using the Accommodation Booking and Luggage Service, there are accessible stations on Offa’s Dyke, Anglesey Coastal Path, Shropshire Way and Ribble Way. We can help with parking arrangements and taxis to collect you from stations – please email or give us a call. Detailed instructions on how to get to the start of your holiday are included in your holiday information pack.

Thanks to Visit Chester and Cheshire and Shropshire Tourism who provided some of the photographs.