The first section of the route I have detailed is described from South to North from Shrewsbury and Wroxeter North to Chester. A direction of travel has to be picked so we could do worse than by following the path of the Legions in particular the XXth. This does not mean that it cannot be followed from North to South or in sections or in any way you please. As time goes on and if there is support I would hope to add some suggestions for diversions off 45 and perhaps circular routes, we will have to see.
Now I know that NCR 45 does not go into Shrewsbury, although for much of its length it is signed as though it does. This is an omission that this guide will put right by using a diversion along NCR 81 from Shrewsbury to Upton Magna. 45 does however link Uriconium; Rutunium; Mediolanum and Deva places described in the Atonine Itinery II; their modern names being Wroxeter; Harcourt, (Booley); Whitchurch, and of course Chester. Sadly the route does not follow the Roman Road, taking many wanderings off the more direct line. By way of compensation the cyclist who takes the trouble to complete this section will be rewarded with fine views and a unique experience of this area impossible to achieve by any other means.
The section between Shrewsbury or Wroxeter and Chester is divided into 'Legs'. These are accessed from the menu at the top of the page. You will find a menu to access the junction guides on the page for each leg. I suggest that you print a copy of the junction guide first and then refer to the route description. The junction guide should print out A4 B&W sheets the same as you will see in the print preview in your browser. That way you can make any notes on the junction guide to remind you of places of interest or other route information so that you will have it with you on the route.
Please study the schematic below explaining the junction diagrammes. I have tried to simplify it as much as possible but please let me know if you have any suggestions to improve it.
To find out more contact Mike Clarke at email mikeclarke@ncr45mercianway.co.uk
