Sheriff's Ride (Cycle Event) 2026

Supporting the Sheriff’s Ride The annual perambulation of the boundary of the old City and County of Lichfield, each September, in accordance with the 1553 Charter from Queen Mary

The Sheriff’s Cycle Ride is a unique opportunity to ride Lichfield’s City boundary in support of preserving this 470 tradition and raising money for charity and other organisations. The route is both on and off road, using paths that cross private farm land as well as bridleways, footpaths and disused roads.

The route takes riders through some of Staffordshire’s best unseen countryside on a route that can only be ridden once a year, starting and finishing in Lichfield’s town centre (with extended loops into the surrounding area), stopping at Freeford Manor for Lunch, Pipe Hall for an afternoon stop and then Maple Hayes School just outside the city for a parade back in to the City after a full loop of the old City & County boundary

The route is suitable for mountain bikes, gravel bikes and cyclocross bikes. Road legal ebikes may be be ridden. The route crosses challenging terrain, so all bikes and riders will need to be in good working order. Riders will need to lift their bikes over styles or gates in places to add to the challenge.

Route description is available on SheriffOfLichfield.org.uk
Please note that this traditional event will take place regardless of the weather but in the interests of safety during adverse conditions the organisers may change the published route.

Please note - under 16 year olds must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

SheriffOfLichfield.org.uk

Details

Join us at Stowe Field at 9:30am (near the City Centre https://what3words.com/hood.roses.carbon off Cross Keys Lane) for registration to allow you to access private land. Then participate in the ceremonial departure at 10:00am of the Sheriff's Carriage and a group of horses to celebrate the 470 year old tradition of the Sheriff's Ride. The cycle ride will then peel off through Beacon Park and begin a circuit of the old City and County of Lichfield with extended loops into the surrounding area. The route will involve access to private land as well as permission to ride cycles across what would normally only be public footpaths. This access will be restricted to registered riders and certain times.

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Host or Publisher Sheriff's Ride Supporters Group