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From What MountainBike Magazine issue 18 - Steve ThomasTHE LONG MYND

DISTANCE: 23.21km (14.5 miles) TIME: 2.5-3 hours RATING: Medium-hard Map: OS Landranger 137, Minton Batch and Pole Bank, Long Mynd.

No matter where I get to ride in the world - and that's been a whole load of places over the past years - there's always one special trail dream that still lingers, kind of like the smell of mum's Sunday roast wafting through the old family home. And as you do every now and then I dive in for a good fill of it. What am I talking about? Well, I was lucky enough to have spent a huge slice of my life living at the foot of the Long Mynd in south Shropshire, and it's an absolute nirvana for any mountain biker - and one of my all time favourite trail hunting grounds.

This route is a true classic, it may only be a short route, but it has everything a true mountain bike ride should have: loads of technical climbing, a granny ringer, singletrack blinders, plenty of descending and enough flat to recuperate - not to mention having some fantastic views available. Oh, and it's a great all-weather ride too.

We're heading around the ride in an anti-clockwise direction, which tackles things in a very different way to most people - call it the inside line if you like (though it's equally as good the other way around). Heading out from the teashops and antique centres of Church Stretton we warm up on a nice flat road section before the Tarmac takes us uphill to the head of the deserted Minton Batch. Now this is a classic descent, if ridden in the opposite direction, but doing it this way around makes for a long and technical climb - although you do get to take in the serenity and eye candy Minton Batch offers.

After a sharp leap over the top of the Mynd we plummet down to the other side of the hump courtesy of a narrow grassy snake before heading for another climb - the monster Pole Bank, an evil and steep long grind back to the summit. The good news is that after this the climbing is complete. Now it's a fast and really visually pleasing ride along the Mynd before washing up with one of the fastest and most spectacular descents in the area - the narrow ledge like drop into 'The Batch'. By riding relaxed, keeping your eyes open for untimely undulations, and by approaching blind bends with caution, you'll be able to ensure you finish this challenging yet rewarding route looking like a Cheshire cat after polishing off a tasty fish supper.

ESSENTIAL INFO

DISTANCE: 23.21km (14.5 miles)
TIME: 2.5-3 hours
RATING: Medium-hard
Best time to go: This is a cracking year-round ride. It also steers well clear of the regular tourist haunts.

Getting there: Church Stretton is situated on the main A49 trunk road, which runs between Shrewsbury and Hereford, making it easily accessible from the North West, Midlands and the South West. The town is also on the main Shrewsbury to Newport rail line. For times and fares call BR on 0345 484950.

Where to stay: There are several Bed & Breakfasts in and around Church Stretton, as well as a Youth Hostel at Bridges, another at Clun, and a larger hostel, which mainly takes groups, and is based in Wilderhope, that's about five miles from Stretton. Plus there's a couple of small camp sites if your budget's tighter.

Eating and drinking: Church Stretton is a veritable honey pot for cafes and teahouses. Just to the north of town is the Little Chef. In Beaumont Road there is the Cafe Beaumont, which serves traditional cafe fare and welcomes dirty bikers. On Burway Road there's the Holly Bush, which only serves food to clean bikers at weekends. In Sandford Avenue there's Finders and the Acorn vegetarian restaurant, which are all a tad posh. Pub wise there's the old Hotel, the Vaults and the Bucks Head, all of which are nice for a pint and a bite. Meanwhile there's also the Green Dragon and the Ragleth, while at All Stretton you have the Yew Tree, all of which are pretty good for food and drink. There are also a couple of decent Indians in town if you like your food hot and spicy after a long ride.
Bike shops: At present there is no serious bike shop in town. That said there is Terry's Cycles, which is okay for basic spares and emergencies, and you'll find that shop in the antiques arcade on Burway Road. Alas the closest serious bike shop, Pearce Cycles, is based in Fishmoor in Ludlow.

Tourist Info: The local office in Church Stretton on Church Street. In season opening times are 10.00am-17.00pm on weekdays and Saturdays. For more details and information call them on 01694 723133.

YHA: The closest major YHA is the impressive Wilderhope Manor, Longville in the Dale in Shropshire. Phone (UK) 0870 770 6090. From Much Wenlock take B4371 towards Church Stretton for approx seven miles to Longville in the Dale. Take first left in village, after 1.2km (0.75miles) the drive can be found on left. Grid Reference: 544928.

What to take: Naturally you'll need all the usual tools, puncture repair kit and a spare tube. You can take some food and drinks although there is a cafe and nice little tea houses to be found if you need to satisfy your palate and thirst. And there's pubs on route too.

Map: OS Landranger 137, Minton Batch and Pole Bank, Long Mynd.

ROUTE DETAILS

The start: You will begin this enjoyable selection of roads and tracks in Church Stretton, off the B4730, heading out from the teashops and antique centres.
1 0.00km (0.00 mile) Starting off from the town square you need to head south along the B4730 until you reach the pub in Little Stretton.
2 2.00km (1.25 miles) Just in front of the pub turn right in to a narrow lane. Follow the lane as it veers back to the left, and then bear right over the stream towards Minton. Follow the narrow road as it climbs steeply (granny cog time) in to the hamlet of Minton.
3 4.34km (2.71 miles) Bear to the right in Minton then follow the road as it descends into a dip.
4 5.63km (3.52 miles) From here you need to turn right, and cross over the cattle grid. Follow the farm track, and then keep to the right of the stream in front of the farm. Follow the track besides the stream.
5 8.8km (5.50 miles) When you reach the top of the Long Mynd cross the road and follow the grassy single-track descent ahead of you. Continue down to the farm road, then turn right and continue straight on to the sharp bend and the cottage at Medlicott.
6 12.00km (7.5 miles) Turn right at this bend and climb steeply up hill. Continue up hill, past the derelict cottage, and over the top of the climb. As the track levels out at the top of the hill you will reach a trail cross roads.
7 14.40km (9.00 miles) At this point you could take a right and ride up to the trig point, which is the high spot of the Mynd. Alternatively turn left and continue with the ride. Go straight over the road junction, take the left fork, then follow the fast track until you reach a distinctive forked junction.
8 16.00km (10.00 miles) Bear right at this fork and follow the track as it becomes more and more rutted. As the trail opens out bear right and follow the grassy track off to the right. This track descends down to Jinlye, which is marked by a cottage and road junction.
9 19.20km (12.00 miles) Turn right and follow the fence behind the house. As you start to drop in to the valley cross the stream to the right and pick up the singletrack on the opposite side. Follow the track down in to the valley, bearing sharp left at the valley floor. Keep following the track as it drops
out of the valley, then on to a road to a T-junction at All Stretton.
10 21.6km (13.50 miles) From here you simply turn right at the road junction and then follow the B4370 all the way back to the starting point in Church Stretton. Time for some hot liquid refreshment and cream buns. Bale out option At the top of Minton Batch turn right and follow the road until you see the trail to your left leading to the trig point. Follow this over Pole Bank and continue with the ride. This cuts out the long climb of Pole Bank.

Total distance: 23.21km (14.5 miles)