Start and finish
Birchwood Cafe
A friendly local café on Main Street, Shap, run by a family who sorted the village’s post for generations. The start and finish of the Postman’s Challenge.
Stacy’s story
Stacy’s family ran Shap’s post office and sorting office for generations. Growing up, the family sorted the post at six every morning, and her father was one of the last postmen to walk the round.
Today Stacy runs Birchwood Cafe on Main Street. The post always started here, so the challenge does too.
The old post office
The post office is still part of the furniture. Look out for an original post office counter, the old post office clock on the wall and a collection of postal memorabilia.
Your start and finish
- Before you go: fill your water bottles and buy your pre-run sustenance over the old post office counter.
- Start the clock: check your time against the old post office clock.
- When you’re back: sit down, relax and replenish with homemade lunches and cakes. Then post your round.
- Read the book: Alan Cleaver’s The Postal Paths is available at the café.
Visiting
Birchwood Cafe, Main Street, Shap CA10 3NJ. Usually open Tuesday to Saturday, 9am to 4pm; check the café’s Instagram for any changes. Walkers, cyclists, dogs and children are all welcome. Park in the village.
Questions about the route or the round book? Please use our contact form rather than calling the café.
On Instagram
Follow the café
Share your round with #ThePostmansChallenge and tag @birchwoodcafeshap.
