Baschurch brings together architectural history, archaeology and routes to suit a range of travel interests. The Church of All Saints and the Baschurch Bronze Age Hoard offer two distinct historical points of interest; Baschurch Circular and the cycle route from Wem differ in length and starting point. Moor Farm Shop adds food from its own kitchen, bakery and farm to these themes. Before your trip, you can weigh up whether cultural history, a tour or locally produced food is your priority.
Cultural history and archaeology
The Church of All Saints is Baschurch’s listed parish church and is classified as Grade II*. Its surviving fabric dates from the late 12th century, as well as the early 13th, 14th and 15th centuries. Its history therefore spans several centuries; the church cannot be reduced to a single medieval building date. For context, its listed status and building history are two different perspectives: one describes its heritage designation, while the other reflects the chronological variety of its surviving fabric.
The Baschurch Bronze Age Hoard consists of three tools from the Late Bronze Age. The larger, slender axe is particularly striking: it is considered highly unusual, and few comparable examples are known. The find can therefore be understood both as a small group of Bronze Age tools and through the distinctive nature of one particular object.
Routes for different kinds of tour
Baschurch Circular is 8½ miles (13.7 km) long. It is included in a route guide that describes the advertised routes as suitable for cyclists, walkers and horse riders. This classification helps you understand the route in the context of the guide; conditions on individual paths can change. Check them before setting out if you are planning the route in advance. The distance also gives you a concrete starting point for comparing the length of a walk with the time you have available.
A second route is Wem Cycle Rides Route 3: To Cockshutt, Baschurch & Myddle. This 23-mile circular cycle route starts in Wem and passes through Baschurch. For orientation, it is useful to distinguish the starting point from the route: Wem is the starting point, while Baschurch lies along the way. Compared with the 8½-mile Baschurch Circular, the cycle route is considerably longer; the two routes also differ in type.
Food from the farm shop
Moor Farm Shop in Baschurch offers bread, cakes and delicatessen products from its own kitchen and bakery. It also sells its own beef and pork, produced using regenerative farming methods, as well as eggs. The range can therefore be divided into two groups: prepared baked and delicatessen products on the one hand, and farm produce on the other. If food and local production are part of your stay, this is a specific place to visit; the availability of individual products may change. Check ahead if you are planning to buy a particular item.
Discover more destinations: Whitchurch, Bucknell, Welshampton, Alberbury, Halford, Chetton, Minsterley, Wem.
For the main travel overview: Shropshire.
