Shropshire Hills & Ludlow

Cleobury Mortimer

Cleobury Mortimer by Val Simpson

Cleobury Mortimer

Explore Cleobury Country

You will find Cleobury Mortimer tucked between the Clee Hills (Titterstone Clee and Brown Clee Hill) and the Wyre Forest, surrounded by panoramic views and wonderful walks in Cleobury Country. Named after the medieval Marcher Lords, Cleobury Mortimer can be accessed directly from Ludlow town centre via the long distance footpath, the Mortimer Trail or the Severn Way extension all the way to Bewdley.

Cleobury’s St. Mary’s Church has a crooked spire and walls that lean at an alarming angle and the main street curves gently down to the River Rea. Cleobury Mortimer’s High Street was once described by English poet Sir John Betjeman as “A long airy curving street of brick Georgian houses and shops interspersed with genuine halftimber, the Rea brook making a splash at the bottom of the hill.”

There are many pubs in Cleobury Mortimer; try Cleobury’s own beer from the Hobson’s Brewery, one of Shropshire’s best real ales. There are also real butchers and bakers, a florist and traditional ironmongers and a well-stocked greengrocer. Look out for the cakes and the Shropshire brown loaves, from the ‘highest bakery in Shropshire’ at the top of Clee Hill (the highest bakery in Shropshire and probably the UK too!)

There are many ways to enjoy a stay in Cleobury Mortimer. Cleobury Mortimer Footpath Association, Stotty Strollers and Kinlet Countryside Group lead guided walks throughout the year and there areself guided walks available too. Cleobury Mortimer Golf Club is on your doorstep and The West Midlands Safari Park and the Severn Valley Railway are also easily accessible from Cleobury Country, Shropshire.

An Infinite Landscape

Cleobury Country merits exploration, whether on foot, bicycle or horseback. The Jack Mytton Way, a long distance cycle route and bridleway, has a spur into the town with local equestrian centres arranging treks. There are 250 miles of footpaths which you can discover using walking routes and guidebooks available from local shops. To get the best out of the glorious Cleobury Country, look out for the local Footpath Association programme of guided walks with local people who know the landscape well.
Beyond the town the Wyre Forest Visitor Centre guides your discovery of its area and the Clee Hills provide endless possibilities for independent exploration. Walk to the summit of Brown Clee, look due east and there is nothing higher until you reach the Urals!

A postman’s legacy

Close to St. Mary’s Church the start of the published walk, the Simon Evans Way, which follows the footsteps of a writer and broadcaster who was once the postman in Cleobury Mortimer. Seventy years ago Simon Evans who had been gassed and wounded in WWI, was prescribed “a little walking to strengthen my weakened legs and fresh air … to strengthen my lungs.” He carried the mail 75,000 miles around Cleobury Mortimer in the process. His books and broadcasts on the wireless captured the charm of the town and in particular of his ‘round’, along the River Rea. The Simon Evans Way traces his route and twists and turns along the meanders of the beautiful River Rea to form a figure of eight from the old post office, up and down the valley.

St. Mary’s Church

St Mary's Church Cleobury MortimerThe crooked steeple of Cleobury Mortimer, St. Mary’s Cleobury Mortimer, Shropshire.

Imagine Pisa without its leaning tower. Here it is the twisted spire of St. Mary’s. The church originally dates from the 12th century and has a 16th century octagonal wooden spire which over time has gained its twisted appearance.

The interior is not for those of nervous disposition with Betjemen observing: “The whole church seems to have slipped out of shape. Inside there isn’t a straight arch or doorway.” The church guide explains: “A prominent feature is the leaning of the walls and pillars, probably resulting from a combination of a badly tied roof at one period and ground movement” but local hero Thomas Telford, one of England’s most famous engineers, stabilised the building in 1790.

Cleobury Mortimer Visitor Information

Visitor Information Point – New Market Hall, Church Street – view the tapestry of key buildings and societies. Additional information is available at the Library/Business Centre.

Cleobury Country Walks – individual guides including the Simon Evans way and a set of 12 Walks Guides – available in local shops. Stottesden area walks – available only at the shop at the clocks, adjacent to the Fighting Cocks pub.

Guided Local Walks throughout the year vary from 3 – 7 miles. Cleobury Mortimer Footpath Association. 

Look out for Cleobury circular cycle trail leaflets in the Visitor Information Point.

Key Events

Chorley Show
August
Possibly the best small village show in Shropshire

Borders Classic Bike Show
September
Weekend of static displays by classic motorbike enthusiasts – information on 01299 270642