8yrs ago mind you so I do hope some of the info /shops still holds!
* Start in WEM Pretty village and bread here!(start where you like really what ever takes your Wem sorry whim!)
The town of Wem had a castle in the 12 Century close to the church.
All the shops of the nursery rhyme- Espleys Butchers, Bakers T. O Williams in the High St and an old fashioned Ironmonger ( well there was when I went proably get your candlesticks from there.
The Williams Bakers had some lovely bread.
*On to ELLESMERE on the B5063.
Bit like the Lake district I thought. Relax by the Mere watch ducks and wildfowl take a boat trip or tour the visitor centre there.
So bit peckish now? how about a real dairy ice cream?
Well Just up the road at Church St near the town is Cornucopia where the Johnsons who have a farm at Cockshutt (nearby) sell home made icecream.
*So out of Ellesmere- Carry on along the A528 towards Shrewsbury.
A good spot for a picnic is take a left turn signposted " Colemere" .
*Carry on the Shrewsbury Rd heading South.
*Pass thru the Village of Cockshutt Crown Inn pub.
Little further on is Wackley Farm they may still sell their award winning soft ewes milk cheese.
*The road from Ellesmere joins the road from Wem and a little while after you will see signs on the left for Pimhill.
Pimhill Organic Farm shop selling organically grown veg. (Ginny Mayall).
*An about turn at Pimhill and the right fork at Harmer hill (B5476) will take you straight back to Wem.
Or
*If you take a right turn ( for Yorton and Clive) a mile or so after Harmer Hill you can explore the lovely village of Clive.
Here opposite the church Mr and Mrs Blackhurst specialise in the production of oak smoked fish poultry and game in their traditional smoke house.
Clive sits on the edge of a wooded sandstone hill, Grinshill. Its quarries have supplied fine building stone for the country. The hill has many paths to burn off those calories!
A goot starting point is Corbet Wood where you can follow a nature trail . Head to the summit and the effort is well rewarded with panoramic views across south Shrophsire and the Welsh hills and perhaps a truly amazing sunset !
*From Wem head North on the B5476 to Whitchurch.
This is one of Shropshires historic market towns. Traditionally a great place for cheese.
Market day I think is Friday.
The tourist info centre will give you other ideas for exploration whilst there.
Eg short excursion out of the town to Mushroom World at Wickstead Old Hall Wirswall.
If this is still there you can’t eat these ones as they are Ceramic ones to decorate your garden/home.
South of the town lies Brown Moss nature reserve where you can take a walk around marsh pools, heathland and woodland. Just be careful you don’t become food for the flying insects with it being that type of area….boggy!!
*From Whitchurch leave on the A525 west for Nantwich after a mile turn right on a minor road thru the pretty villages of Ash Magna, Ightfield and Calverhall.
Heading towards….
*Market Drayton. Every Wednesday for over 700 yrs this town has had a bustling market.
Gingerbread is a must here. So stock up with ginger bread men and ladies of course.
*Leave Market Drayton southwards on the A529 and turn right just beyond Woodseaves for Wistanswick and Stoke on the tern.
The river tern meanders south from here…..and down stream at Village farm you will hopefully still find A.D and J.M Sadler and their farm fresh/Oven ready. Chickens and Turkeys.
*Further on and you come to Hodnet Hall.Beautiful Landscaped gardens ….thirsty work this nature business….. so how about a cuppa…phew! Afternoon tea in the tea room please!
*Refreshed leave Hodnet on the A442
(the first left -a minor road – leads to Hawkstone park Hotel- accommodation or meals).
*Do you feel you have just saved your bacon by avoiding a meal at the hotel?
Hmmmmm maybe not!.... As you reach the A49 turn right and you will hopefully still see a sign for Maynards farm bacon..traditional home cured bacon or ham. Go on be rash! Buy some.
*Finish the Shropshire Gastro tour by taking the next left turn B5065 back to Wem.
Enjoy!
xx
