Walking in the Hills

The Shropshire Hills has great walking, and so it’s not unreasonable that there are some great walking festivals, plus a number of towns that are accredited as “Walkers are Welcome Towns”.  In addition Shropshire Council has a great resource with Shropshire Great Outdoors

Walking Video

Some great views and a good suggestion of places to walk in this video.

Walking Festivals

Mortimer Country Events spread from 16 April to 31 October 2016

A festival of guided walks: where nature and heritage lead the way In Mortimer Country, the area covering North Herefordshire/South Shropshire border.  Mortimer Country, is superb walking country, so local tourism group Mortimer Country Ltd has put together a series of guided walks  throughout the Summer. The guided walks offer local residents and visitors a chance to explore Mortimer Country’s outstanding historical and natural environment.

Ironbridge 29th April – 7th May 2017

The Festival is divided into two sections.  Part one, consisting of about 30 walks, most less than 6 miles (10 km) and focus on local heritage. The second part is for the more serious walkers, with a walk of about 11 miles which during the week covers the whole of the Gorge area. For the “serious walker” there are  15 – 20 miles walks and most will entail 3000 ft of climbing, if not more.  The aim is for the long walks to finish before 4 pm.  Within the Ironbridge Gorge we can show you canals, railways, blast furnaces, steel works and lime kilns.  Plus there are lots of cafes and museums to visit. Walking in the hills – photo courtesy Secret Hills Walking Holidays

Bishops Castle 13th -17th  May 2017

The original walking festival now in its 18th year. All the walks are led by experienced local volunteers and enquiries about specific walks can be made directly to the Walk Leaders who are glad to help. Contact  for any other queries. Where a walk finishes in Bishop’s Castle or near a cafe or pub, there will be the option of tea and cakes or a pint.  Walks costs £3 per person per walk; under-sixteens are free.  ‘Walk Details’ show any other costs involved, like possible transport fees.  When transport is needed to the start of a walk, we have tried to use local buses or community transport.

Church Stretton 22nd-25th June 2017

Walks from babies in buggies to strenuous 26 miles should provide something for everyone in this tranquil setting with the Long Mynd on one side and caer Caradoc and related hills on th eother. Not for nothing is this often refered to as “Little Switzerland”   To book, email churchstrettonwf@outlook.com

Ludlow Magnalonga 13th August 2017

The Magnalonga is a mobile feast, allowing you to stop at various points and consume mostly locally-based produce whilst taking in a scenic route around Ludlow and its countryside.  The food is washed down with locally produced beer, cider and perry plus water is also provided.  The walk itself is about 8 miles and involves some stiles, gates and normal  footpaths.  Booking opens in Juneand is essential. Starting times are staggered to allow all to enjoy the countryside.  A race it certainly is not.

Much Wenlock  8th  to  11th September 2017 inclusive.

Details to be announced, but a very friendly extended weekend

Wellington 11th to 17th September 2017

Each September Wellington Walkers Are Welcome group hosts a jam-packed, week long extravaganza of free events to suit walkers of all abilities. Covering everything from Nordic walking to natural and historic heritage and all points in between, it’s fair to say there really is something on offer for everyone. This year it is 12th – 18th September 2016

Cleobury Mortimer

Walking and literary weekend based on Simon Evans who was the local postman – but also an author and poet.  The Simon Evans Way is based upon his postal round. Festival probably 2nd or 3rd weekend in September . See a write-up about 2015’s festival  here