Selected walks in the Shropshire Hills
The Shropshire Hills are exceptional walking country: rugged enough to excite; gentle enough to pose no danger. And all the while presenting discovery after discovery, beneath a tableau of big, wide skies, commanding views, and tranquil valleys.
We’ve selected just a few walks around specific themes and in specific areas, but Shropshire’s Great Outdoors website enables you to search for walks in particular areas and around specific themes.
History and heritage walks
Myths and Mines on Stapeley Common – A four-mile walk that takes in the ancient site of Mitchell’s Fold Bronze Age stone circle, and traces of the lead mining industry. Stay at Castle Hotel, Bishop’s Castle; Stiperstones Inn.
Newcastle-on-Clun Walk. An eight-and-three-quarter-mile walk, first of all exploring an impressive section of the Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail, then returning via part of the Shropshire Way – and then following an old green lane back to Newcastle, with the option of visiting the Fron Iron Age hill fort. Stay at the White Horse Inn, Clun.
The Bog and Stiperstones – A five-and-a-half-mile circuit along the edge of the spectacular Stiperstones, then easy walking across a valley scattered with mining remains. Stay at Castle Hotel, Bishop’s Castle; Stiperstones Inn. Enjoy homemade cakes at The Bog Visitor Centre in season.
Hill Forts and Woodlands of Bury Ditches – A four-and-a-half-mile walk from Clun following the Shropshire Way to Bury Ditches, and taking three to four hours.
Walks from pubs
The Bridges, Ratlinghope – A six-and-a-half-mile walk with a steady climb, beside the Darnford Brook and along an ancient drovers road.
The Feathers, Ludlow – A selection of four circular walks in the Ludlow area, from just half a mile to four miles, featuring Ludlow Castle, the River Teme and Mortimer Forest.
The Castle Hotel, Bishop’s Castle, comes up with a suggested walk for its guests every day, hosts the annual Bishop’s Castle Walking Festival and also invites guests to explore the local Roberts Family collection of walks from the town.
The White Horse, at Clun, is another great walking pub and has a number of suggested walks on its website. In addition, the local walking group has published a collection of 33 favourite walks in the area.
The Long Mynd
The National Trust suggests an excellent self-guided route to the summit of the Long Mynd, starting out from Carding Mill Valley, for which there are suggestions for a number of shorter walks.
Walks around Craven Arms
Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre has produced six circular walks around Craven Arms – pick up a leaflet at the centre.
