I need to head up north to Shrewsbury (well a bit north anyway), next Wednesday to see family and stuff. I usually do the trip in car on M1/M6/M54, but this time will be on bike, my first proper long distance ride out of town (I’ve been busy alright). So rather than just sitting on the motorway getting bored, I was thinking it might be a laugh to follow the old A5, Watling Street all the way up. I know it’s mostly an old Roman straight road, but figured it would still be interesting that M1/M6. What do you reckon? Anyone done this route on bike? Know of any decent pitstops on route? Any other suggestion?
As you say, it’s an old Roman Road so VERY straight. Might as well take the motorway as not particularly scenic.
How about A413, A41, A44, A442, A458 ? Little longer, but more fun / interesting.
Yeah I did the A5 from Birmingham back down to Luton once (picking up a 125 I’d bought on Ebay). As Ally said, it’s not the prettiest route, so either blast up the M1 and save the time or try the A road routes Ally is suggesting…
Actually, plugging that route into Google Maps quotes me similar time to taking the A5… Vaguely know the route from Kiddie up to Shrewsbury, travelled it a lot as a kid. Cool, thanks, I’ll nail the details some more.
M40, then old A40 from High Wycombe to Oxford, head up to Banbury then across to Stratford Upon Avon. From there, Redditch - Bromsgrove - Kidderminster - Shrewsbury.
Cool, some good options there. So, I’ve whacked them all in Google maps to check out:-
A5 route: http://goo.gl/maps/ZAu6U
Aylsebury, Bicester, Chipping Norton, Kidderminister: http://goo.gl/maps/Re2vI
High Wycombe, Oxford, Banbury, Stratford, Kidderminster: http://goo.gl/maps/ffwMX
All come in at around 165 miles, 4.5hr ish.
Oooh decision time…
+1 for route 2.
If you do the A5 - when you get to Wilnecote, pop into the Globe pub and say Nick says hi. (Used to be my local 
)
Also - there’s a biker bird near by, that has a thing for leather (so I am told)
Am sure Arfa’s wife would be delighted to meet her!! 
And besides, my wife is a biker bird and does have thing for leather (so I’ve discovered…) 
Am back from this little ride out. Took route 2 there and back in end: Aylesbury, Bicester, Moreton-in-Marsh, Evesham, Worcester, Kidderminster, Bridgnorth, Shrewsbury. Really good route, not the quickest and a lovely ride, great countryside, mostly fairly quiet roads, lots of interesting and winding roads. Loads of much needed cornering practice. Definitely a recommended ride out. Glad I did this instead of old A5!
Here’s my little write up anyway: http://www.beginnerbiker.com/2013/05/great-ride-shropshire/