|
 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 the county 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.
Return to Top
 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. The
Rambler's Guide to the Shropshire Way is 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).
Return
to Top
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 .
Return to Top
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.
Return to Top
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.
Return to Top
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
| |
