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Walking in Shropshire - see below for information about car parking in South Shropshire

Shropshire Map / The Importance of Walking Maps / Long-Distance Paths / Some Areas to Explore / Walking Guides

Shropshire is a beautiful county. It is famous for the high moorland of the Long Mynd, the long wooded scarp of Wenlock Edge, the historic Severn Gorge at Ironbridge (the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution), the ancient rocky spine of the Stiperstones, and the Wrekin, the isolated hill which indicates 'home' to so many Shropshire people. There is more stunning countryside to enjoy – the tumbled country of the Teme Valley, the outlying hills rising up from the farmland of north Shropshire, with its quiet canals and meres, the abrupt edge of the Welsh hill country to the west, the remote upland of Clun Forest.
There is so much space for everyone. Fine weekends bring the crowds to Ironbridge and the Carding Mill Valley in the Long Mynd, but just a short distance away you can be alone. Walk on Clun Forest and you may not see anyone at all.

The Importance of Walking Maps
Shropshire is now covered by the new Ordnance Survey 1:25 000 Explorer maps. We strongly recommend that you walk with one of these. The downside to the quiet and emptiness of the countryside is that paths are not heavily used and the detail of field boundaries marked on these maps is essential for route-finding. You may not see any footprints.
Even with a map, you may encounter obstructions. If you can find a way through, you'll be helping to keep the way open for other walkers – especially if you then report the problem to Shropshire council.
Visitors to the area may well find it more rewarding to follow a long-distance path or use a walking guide. The websites of the National Trust, the Woodland Trust and Shropshire Wildlife Trust give details of conservation land in Shropshire open to the public.

Long-Distance Paths
There are several long-distance paths, marked on maps and also by signposts and waymarks along the way.
Offa's Dyke, a National Trail, traverses the west of the county along the Welsh Border. We say Shropshire has some of the best stretches of the whole 168-mile route between Prestatyn and Chepstow. There are several guidebooks available.

We have our own Shropshire Way, devised by Shropshire Ramblers' groups and affiliated walking clubs, a 125-mile circular route taking in much of the best Shropshire scenery. Much work has been done by Shropshire Council during the last 18 months to renovate and update the route.  In places the route has been changed to reflect the best of the South Shropshire countryside, and anyone planning to walk the route should obtain up to date information from the website (The Shropshire Way) where there are downloadable maps of each section.  These are supplementary to the Ramblers Guide to the Shropshire Way available from Pengwern Books, Fish St, Shrewsbury01743 232236. For more information look at www.walkingontheweb.co.uk/countries/england

The Severn Way runs from the heights of Plynlimon down to Bristol. The Shropshire stretch runs from Melverley down to Upper Arley. From Buildwas south the route is by the river, running through the Ironbridge Gorge. Upstream from Buildwas, however, there are considerable stretches away from the river including some roads. A great opportunity was lost in not negotiating for new public paths closer to the river. There is a handsome guidebook, the Severn Way Official Walkers' Guide (Severn Way Partnership/The Environment Agency).

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The Jack Mytton Way is a 74-mile route using bridleways and minor roads across the south of the country, from south of Bridgnorth to Much Wenlock, along Wenlock Edge to Church Stretton, over the Long Mynd and right across to Llanfair Waterdine in the upper Teme Valley. This trail takes you through some of Shropshire's most beautiful and unspoilt countryside. The development of the southern loop, through some of the lesser known parts of South Shropshire, means that you can now do a circular trip. A new guide will be available shortly from www.shropshire.gov.uk/countryside.nsf

Walking Guides
There are quite a lot of walking guides available in tourist offices and bookshops. We would draw attention to those published by Shropshire Books (part of Shropshire County Council), available from their website and local bookshops. The County Council's Countryside Service www.shropshire.gov.uk/countryside also produces a considerable number of walks leaflets, available at tourist information offices.

Some Areas to Explore

The Shropshire Hills are designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) one of 41 in England and Wales and along with National Parks they make up our finest landscapes. The area is looked after by the Shropshire Hills AONB Partnership, whose prime purpose is to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the landscape. For more information contact www.shropshirehillsaonb.co.uk

Carding Mill Valley & the Long Mynd (part of the AONB)
Carding Mill Valley lies on the edge of Church Stretton and is part of the Long Mynd, owned by the National Trust. Banked on either side by steep, grassy hills and with a stream running along its length, the valley is an excellent day out for the family. In summer, the stream is normally placid enough for children to paddle in their waterproof boots and the first, more open, half of the valley is accessible by car (plenty of parking space available, although it can get crowded at weekends).
Paths along the sides provide an easy walk to the head of the valley, after which a brief steep climb will take you on to the heathland of the Long Mynd. Back at the car park there's a National Trust information centre and tearoom. Chalet Pavilion, Carding Mill Valley, Church Stretton,01694 722631 Se also www.shropshirehillsaonb.co.uk

Accessing the Long Mynd by public transport
To minimise the impact of additional vehicles in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Long Mynd Shuttle bus runs from the car park at Carding Mill Valley driving passengers safely up and over the Long Mynd (some of the roads are tricky to negotiate, being narrow with steep drops), stopping at a number of places of interest, and accessing footpaths for varying length walks. The bus also joins up with the Stiperstones Shuttle and the Secret Hills Shuttle, at Bridges, offering even more scope for walks. A ‘Rover’ ticket enables you to get on or off any of the buses at any time during the day, or why not try the £1 ticket to get you to the top of the Long Mynd so you can enjoy the walk back down again? The services run from April to the end of October on weekends and bank holidays. Leaflets giving bus times and suggested walks are available from local tourist information centres, the National Trust shop at Carding Mill Valley, see the website at www.shropshirehillsshuttles.co.uk or phone TESS on 01588 673888 during office hours.

Parking at Bridges – please note that the parking area near The Horseshoes PH is not a public car park & permission should be sought from the landlord, preferably in advance, especially if using the area for a large party .

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Secret Hills Discovery Centre (AONB)

Ludlow Road, Craven Arms, Shropshire. This new(ish) visitor attraction, situated at the south end Craven Arms on the A49, provides information in a range of interactive formats on the making of the Shropshire landscape and its uses through the ages. It includes the famous Shropshire mammoth. The highlight is a simulated balloon ride, providing panoramic views over the Shropshire hills. There is also a series of way-marked walks from the Centre out into the surrounding hills and countryside. Refreshments available. Wheelchair accessible.

Getting there by bus
The Secret Hills Shuttle bus starts at Meole Brace Retail Park in Shrewsbury at 10.00am and goes to the Discovery Centre, Craven Arms. It then picks up along the Clun valley as far as Bishops Castle then goes up to Bridges where it meets the Long Mynd Shuttle and the Stiperstones Shuttle. You can remain on the bus, take a different bus, or get out and enjoy a circular walk here. The bus then returns back to the Discovery Centre and repeats this route several times during the day finally driving back to Meole Brace arriving there at 6.10pm. Leaflets giving bus times and suggested walks are available from local tourist information centres, the Discovery Centre, see the website at www.shropshirehillsshuttles.co.uk or phone TESS on 01588 673888 during office hours

Clee Hills (AONB)
The lovely rolling south Shropshire countryside rises up to Brown Clee Hill, the highest point in the county at 540 metres (1,772 feet) and is crowned by the ancient hill fort of Abdon Burf.
There is a car park south of Ditton Priors (on the grass verge at GR 608872), which is a good place to start your climb. Alternatively, it is the starting point for a forest nature trail.

Severn Valley Country Park
01746 781192
The Severn Valley Country Park, 180 acres of woodland, meadows and wetland, is dedicated for the quiet enjoyment of the countryside by the public. It covers both banks of the River Severn between Highley and Alveley, about 6 miles south of Bridgnorth. Once the site of the Highley and Alveley Collieries which ceased production in 1969 after almost a hundred years of mining, it was reclaimned in the late 1980s to create the country park. As well as reclaimed areas the park has large areas of ancient woodland and unimproved meadows, and the park attracts an increasing variety of wildlife. It contains some of the finest scenery in the Severn Valley and has a visitor centre (at Alveley) with a car park and toilets. There are marked walks, some of which are suitable for wheelchair access. For more information contact www.bridgnorth-dc.gov.uk

The Severn Valley Railway, from Bridgnorth to Bewdley in Worcestershire, runs through the park. It can be rewarding to alight at one of the other small halts along the way and enjoy the undisturbed scenery. See www.svr.co.uk and 01299 403816 for the talking timetable, 01299 401001 general enquiries.

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Stiperstones
The Stiperstones is a 3-mile-long outcrop of quartzite that has created a harsh landscape very different to the rest of the Shropshire countryside. It is the home of many myths and legends. One rocky outcrop is called the Devil's Chair, and it is reputed that the Devil holds court there.
The mineral wealth of the area has been exploited since Roman times and discarded shafts and engine houses can still be seen today. Steep-sided valleys called dingles reveal traces of old mining settlements.
You'll need walking boots if you plan to walk along the ridge; and some of the climbs up from the dingles to the top are extremely steep and eroded – it's best not to try and walk down from the top into Mytton Dingle, for instance. The pub at Stiperstones is an excellent source of local information and all-day refreshment. There's also a seasonal information centre at The Bog. Both of these, and Snailbeach village, have car parks.

Getting there by bus
If you catch the Long Mynd Shuttle bus from Church Stretton or the Secret Hills Shuttle at any point on its route, you can meet The Stiperstones Shuttle at Bridges and then stop off as required for walks or a meal. Some of the roads up on the hills are narrow with steep drops but the bus drivers are competent and extremely experienced! A ‘Rover’ ticket enables you to get on or off any of the buses at any time during the day. The services run from April to the end of October on weekends and bank holidays. Leaflets giving bus times and suggested walks are available from local tourist information centres, the National Trust shop at Carding Mill Valley,

see the website at www.shropshirehillsshuttles.co.uk or phone TESS on 01588 673888 during office hours.

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Wenlock Edge
Wenlock Edge is a wooded escarpment that runs from Craven Arms to Ironbridge. The most scenic part, however, lies along the B4371 which runs out from Much Wenlock towards Church Stretton, and is largely owned by the National Trust. As the name suggests, there is a very steep drop to the countryside below, and you would be well advised to keep a strong hold on your children. The limestone ridge is rich in fossils and wild flowers. There are a number of car parks off the B4371. The drop is best appreciated by parking your car on the west side of the road in the lay-by where the trees clear. From here it is just a few metres to the edge.

The National Trust has recently opened up more views from the Edge by selective felling, and has devised a series of walks from the old quarry car park on the B4371 just out of Much Wenlock; Presthope car park, just past the large modern quarry; and Wilderhope Manor. The leaflets cost £1 each and are available from automatic dispensers at each site, from Much Wenlock tourist office, or from Wilderhope Manor.
Clun Forest
An area of rolling hills and quiet villages in south west Shropshire, centering on the ancient medieval town of Clun in the heart of the Welsh Marches. Long term parking is available at Clun Memorial Hall (70 spaces) (GR302811). It can be reached either from Newport St or Ford St. For more information on Clun, visit the website, www.clun.org.uk .

Car parking for walks in South Shropshire Notes: (1) always park considerately; DO NOT OBSTRUCT GATEWAYS (2) Places designated "off the beaten track" may be in remote rural areas (3) IMPORTANT: Check before using Village Halls etc. by telephoning the number given
Exp- lorer map	Type of CP	Max. car spaces	Start point	Grid ref.	Comments
200	Off the beaten track	6	1.5 mile east of Dolau, just off A488	159674	By school - good access to north side of Black Mixen
		6	Llandegley - by church	139629	Radnor forest area
	Regular CP	12	New Radnor- water-break-its-neck CP	193593	Good access to Black Mixen and The Whimble
		12	Bleddfa - forest CP 1 mile to west of village	188683	Forest and farmland around Bleddfa
201	Off the beaten track	8	Whitton - opposite school	272672	Use only when school not in session. Offas Dyke path
		6	Whittton - by church	271673	Check service times. Offas Dyke path
		6	Bucknell - by school	354737	Bucknell Wood, Hopton Wood, Redlake meadow
		6	Bucknell - by church	354738	Bucknell Wood, Hopton Wood, Redlake meadow
		12	Knighton - Kinsley Wood forest CP	284734	Follow forest track for 1 mile off A488
		5	Lingen - by church	365673	Harley's Mountain (only if no church service in progress)
		12	Pentre - quarry	309768	Caer Caradoc, area south of Black Hill
		5	West of The Garn - "quarry" on B4368	233819	Bettws-y-Crwyn and Newcastle parishes
		4	Pentre Hodre pool	325767	Area south of Black Hill
			Northwest of Llanfair Hill	249796	Good access to Offas Dyke Path National Trail
		8	Hopton Heath - west of railway bridge	379774	Substantial grass verge
		5	Knighton - lay-by where Offas Dyke crosses B4355	282688	Good access to Offas Dyke Path
		6	Lloyney - lay-by by pub in Teme valley	245758	Wernygeufron Hill and other Welsh hills
			Bettws-y-Crwyn - 'phone box	206811	Track north from phone box towards church
		8	Knucklas - Heyope road other side of viaduct	248742	Grass verge opposite start of bridleway
		8	"Walkers" CP near monument, 2m south of Knighton	290685	Offas Dyke
	Regular CP	6	Clunton - CP in wood 0.5 mile to south of village	337807	Follow minor road up hill to spot height 237
		12	Hopton Castle - forest CP in Hopton Wood	347777	Follow forest track for 0.75 mile
		20	Knighton - cattle market	288722	Pay CP, free at weekends
	Village Hall etc	12	Clun Memorial Hall	302812	Tel: Peter James 01588 640027
			Clungunford - village hall	398787	Clunbury Hill, Shelderton Hill, Brandhill Gutter
			Bedstone - village hall		Tel. Chris Savoury on 01547 530282
203	Off the beaten track	6	Aymestrey - lay-by off A4110 0.4 miles north of village	426658	Good access to Croft estate and Mortimer trail
		6	Leintwardine - by river bridge	404738	Clun river valley, Downton
		5	Bromfield - by church	482768	Mortimer forest
		5	Knowbury - by church	572753	Access to Shropshire Way
		6	Ashford Carbonel - lay-by on A49	516706	Teme valley south of Ludlow
		5	Ledwyche Pool - on south verge to Squirrel Lane	537745	Opposite pool
		6	Grass verge on A4113 by Mocktree Barns	423754	Downton, Shelderton, Onibury
		7	Lay-by at bottom of Satel Wood	430683	The Leinthalls, Croft Ambrey and Mortimer Trail
	Regular CP	12	High Vinnals - Mortimer Forest CP	474732	Good access to Mortimer trail
		8	Mortimer Forest - forestry commission CP	495741	Good access to forest and Mortimer trail
		20+	Smithfield CP, Lower Galdeford, Ludlow	517746	Area around Ludlow - Corvedale, Shropshire Way
		8	Richards Castle - Black Pool CP off B4361	497717	Mortimer Forest
		8	Orleton - Ashley Moor (NT)	471674	Bircher Common
			Clee Hill Common CP	595753	Clee Hill
			Titterstone Clee summit	593776	Titterstone Clee
			Cleobury Mortimer - Child Road off High Street	673757
			Cleobury Mortimer - Social Club CP	672760
			Neen Savage Parish - Six Ashes CP	683773
			Cleetongate - just off road on common land	608788
			A4117 - anywhere between Clee Hill and Doddington		Titterstone Clee Hill, Clee Hill Common
	Village Hall etc		Clee Hill - village hall	595753	Titterstone Clee Hill
			Onibury - village hall	455791	Shropshire Way, Aldon & Brandhill Gutters
214	Off the beaten track	6	Anchor - entrance to Bettws Hill Wood & Open Access	175846	West of Anchor
			Llanllwyd - wide grass verge	188818	To west of junction of Byeway from Llanllwyd and BOAT
		12	Cider House - west end of Kerry Ridgeway	110846	West end of Kerry Ridgeway
	Village Hall etc	12	Felindre - village hall	169811	Access to either side of Teme valley
		8	Kerry - village hall	147899	Good access to Kerry Ridgeway
216	Off the beaten track	4	Crowsnest grass verge	258896	Close to junction Kerry Ridgeway & Offas Dyke Path
		12	Snailbeach	373022	Stiperstones area
		6	Rhos Fiddle - cattle grid	205856	Open Access
		6	Junction of track with Kerry Ridgeway	216881	Kerry Ridgeway
		8	1 mile south of Bishops Castle - lay-by on A488	315865	Opposite FP heading south west
		3	Grass verge on corner - yellow road west of A488	303852	Colstey Bank, Shropshire Way
		5	Near reservoir on white track south of road corner	302976	Access to Mitchell's Fold and Corndon
		8	Grass verge on road south-east of Brook House	224854	Clun forest area
		4	Two Crosses - grass verge at crossroads	240868	Mainstone & Newcastle parishes
		6	Linley Beeches - off road by Shropshire Way	350935	Shropshire Way and Stiperstones
		8	Lay-by on A489 east of Church Stoke	296931	Todleth & Roundton Hills, Corndon
	Regular CP	8	Bishops Castle - Harley Jenkins CP	323887	Kerry Ridgeway, Shropshire Way
		8	Bury Ditches CP	333839	Bury Ditches and Shropshire Way
	Village Hall etc		Lydbury North - village hall	350862	Oakeley Mynd
217	Off the beaten track	8	B4368 - lay-by north-east of Manor Adventure (grit dump)	478834	Culmington & Diddlebury areas, Wenlock Edge
		4	B4368 - lay-by, Hungerford (part of old road)	536892	Jack Mytton Way, Shropshire Way - Hope Dale
		4	Little Stretton - alongside stream	442919	Popular with walkers & orienteers (can get busy) - Long Mynd
		6	Little Stretton - lay-by on A49	445915	Good for Ragleth and hills east of A49 (useful when other one busy)
		4	Brown Clee CP (Used by dog walkers so check availability)	568834	Brown Clee Hill
		4	Plowden - 50m up yellow road off A489	383875	Long Mynd, Onny Trail, Shropshire Way
		5	Gaerstone lay-by B4371, north of Church Stretton	468932	High start point for Stretton hills
		5	Bouldon - grass verge opposite old pub	852544	Access to Brown Clee
		4	Loughton - grass verge opposite church	617830	Shropshire Way and Titterstone Clee
		8	Craven Arms - Long Lane - grass verge	407844	Hopesay Common
		8	Clee St. Margaret - verge of road	573849	Nordy Bank and Brown Clee
		4-5	Kempton - lay-by on B4385 by 'phone box	361831	Shropshire Way
	Regular CP		All Stretton CP	456955	Northern end of Long Mynd
			Rushbury - Roman Bank CP	521908	Jack Mytton Way, Wenlock Edge
		4	By Long Mynd hotel (Rectory Wood)	449936	Long Mynd - Townbrook Hollow etc.
		12	Nipstone Rock CP	355971	New forestry CP by Stiperstones
		6	Church Stretton railway station (east side)	456935	Good for Long Mynd and Stretton hills
		12	Craven Arms CP off B4368	434828	Pay and display
		12	The Bog CP	358978	Stiperstones area
		12	Craven Arms - Onny Trail CP (close to A49)	430845	Onny Trail
		6	Diddlebury - CP near Fernhill Hall	500868	Wenlock Edge
	Village Hall etc		Ticklerton - village hall	485909	Jack Mytton Way, Wenlock Edge
		8	Cardington - village hall	506951	Area east of Stretton hills
		6	Bridges (Horseshoes Inn CP)	393965	Only use if visiting pub - Tel: 01588 650260
		8	Aston-on-Clun village hall	393816	Hopesay Hill, View Edge
		6	Craven Arms - Secret Hills Discovery Centre	434828	Good for Flounders Folly etc. (check CP closing time)
		12	Craven Arms - community centre on A49	433832	Secret Hills walks
		12	Edgton village hall	385855	Shropshire Way

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