“Clunton and Clunbury, Clungunford and Clun are the quietest places under the sun”
Sometimes it’s nice to take it easy, keep it simple, and get back to a more relaxing way of life
. Clun is a good place to start. Poet A.E. Housman described Clun as the quietest place under the sun in his book, ‘A Shropshire Lad’. So if you are looking for rest and relaxation, Clun will not disappoint.
Enjoy a picnic or strolls beside the Clun River and keep an eye out for brown trout. We are told that careful observers may, with patience, also spot a king fisher or a dipper too, or even the elusive Clun otter! If you’re feeling energetic you can walk up to Clun Castle which overlooks the town and also makes a scenic picnic spot.
Clun is divided in two by the 15th century Packhorse Bridge, the ancient part of Clun on the south and the newer Norman town on the north. See Clun’s Green Man battle with the Frost Queen on the narrow Packhorse Bridge to bring Spring to the Clun Valley, in the town’s Green Man Festival each May. Another popular event is Clun Carnival and Show in August and Clun Valley Beer Festival in October. Enjoy local ale in The White Horse Inn or The Sun Inn, both in Clun. Other pubs and inns cans also be found nearby in Aston-on-Clun, Newcastle-on-Clun and Purslow, in the idyllic Clun Valley.
Perhaps Rocke Cottage Tea Rooms in Clungunford may be more your cup of tea. The UK Tea Guild named it the top UK tea place in 2011. Return to a bygone age as background music from the 1920s and 30s sets the scene for this traditional Shropshire tearoom.
Back in Clun, visit St. George’s Church which overlooks the River Clun and Clun Castle. By the Church path is the grave of playwright, John Osborne, who lived nearby. Visit Clun Museum (housed in the old Town Hall) and learn about the history and heritage of this ancient Shropshire town. Offa’s Dyke still remains and Bury Ditches Hill Fort, near Clunton, has been described as one of the finest hill forts in Britain. You are rewarded for the climb with ramparts and ditches towering above the slopes and wonderful views from the interior. It looks as if Clun’s ancestors were determined to protect their peace and quiet.
To download The Clun Heritage Trail leaflet please click here.
Clun is surrounded by the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so Clun walks are on your doorstep, including the 1200-year-old Offa’s Dyke and the Offa’s Dyke Path, a National Trail 177 miles long.
Shorter walks are also available! Contact Clun Amblers and Per Amblers on the details below; visitors are always welcome.
Clun Visitor Information
Visitor Information Point – Bright Flowers by Clun bridge.
Information on Clun www.clun.info
Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural beauty – www.shropshirehillsaonb.co.uk
Walking Groups
Clun Amblers – under 5 miles, gentle walks on the first and third Wednesday of the month. Contact Maurice Young on Tel: 01588 640846
Clun Peramblers – 5-8 miles every Wednesday. Contact Jean Smith on Tel: 01588 640551
Clun Ramblers – 9+ mile walks every Wednesday. Contact:Peter James on Tel: 01588 640027 or visit www.clun.org.uk/walking.htm
Clun Heritage Trail – an easy to carry guide to the places you want to see – leaflets at local shops.
For more information about Shropshire, including Accommodation, Atrractions and Activities, visit Virtual Shropshire
Key Events
Clun Valley Beer Festival
www.cvbf.co.uk or Tel: 01588 640305
Clun Green Man Festival
www.clungreenman.org.uk or Tel: 01588 640305
Clun Carnival & Show
1st Saturday in August. www.clun.org.uk or Tel: 01588 640541 (9.00-5.00)