Marked on the map above as National Cycle Route 45, the Mercian Way is one of the most scenic and historic cycle routes in England, stretching for around 427 kilometres (around 265 miles) from Salisbury in the south to Chester in the north. The route passes through areas of the former kingdom of Mercia, combining cultural heritage with the beauty of the English countryside.
Routing and attractions
The route starts in Salisbury, known for its impressive cathedral and the magnificent landscape of the Wessex Downs, before heading through the prehistoric stone circles at Avebury and the rural surroundings of Swindon. It continues through the charming villages of the Cotswolds and the Cotswold Water Park area, offering moments of relaxation at one of over 150 lakes.
Further north the route follows the River Severn, the longest in Great Britain, passing historic towns such as Gloucester and Worcester, with their historic cathedrals and charming town centres. More challenging climbs await cyclists in the Bridgnorth area, but the reward is the opportunity to visit Ironbridge - the birthplace of the industrial revolution with the world's first UNESCO-listed iron bridge. The route continues through Wrekin - a hill with an almost mountainous character - and then crosses the Wyre Forest, one of the largest in England, ideal for a leisurely ride among the trees. The route ends in Chester, a delightful town with Roman walls, black and white buildings and a unique atmosphere.
Level of difficulty
The Mercian Way has a moderate level of difficulty - although most of the surface is tarmac country roads, there are also gravel and dirt sections, so a trekking or mountain bike will work best. The entire route takes between 5 and 9 days to complete, depending on your pace, and there are numerous accommodation options along the way - from campsites to guesthouses. The trail is well signposted (NCN 45), although it is advisable to take a map or GPS navigation with you as the markings can be incomplete in some places. With its wealth of historic, natural and diverse terrain, the Mercian Way is a great choice for anyone looking for a cycling adventure combined with an exploration of English history and landscape.
Are cycle services available along the route?
There are bike shops and services in the larger towns along the route, such as Gloucester, Worcester and Shrewsbury. However, on some sections of the route, especially in the more desolate areas, access to services may be limited, so it is worth taking basic tools and spare parts with you.
