Mercian Way

{{Short description|Long distance cycle route in England}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2017}}

{{Use British English|date=October 2017}}

{{Infobox cycling path

| name = National Cycle Route 5

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| photo = File:Mercian Way marker - geograph.org.uk - 666928.jpg

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| caption = One of the waymarkers

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| location = United Kingdom

| designation = UK National Cycle Network

| trailheads = Salisbury {{small|(south)}} to Chester {{small|(north)}}

| use = Cycling

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| surface = Varies from on-road to traffic-free tarmac to compacted surface

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The Mercian Way is a {{convert|230|mi}} long cycle path that runs from Salisbury in Wiltshire to Chester in Cheshire. Operated by Sustrans, it is part of National Cycle Route 45, but is also well used by walkers. The path is so named because it passes through what was once the ancient Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Mercia. To reflect its name a number of waymarkers depicting Saxon warriors were commissioned and have been placed along the route.{{cite web|url=http://www.ncr45mercianway.co.uk|title=NCR45 Mercian Way|publisher=ncr45mercianway.co.uk|accessdate=2011-01-15}}