Highlights of the Shropshire Way

Walking information

Walks on this holiday are on village streets, country lanes, farm tracks and rural paths. Walking boots are essential. Walking poles are recommended.

Day 1: Arrive in Church Stretton

Arrive into Church Stretton for your seven night break and make your way to the guest house.
You stay at Victoria House, Church Stretton (breakfast included)

Day 2: BRIDGES TO BISHOP'S CASTLE 19 KM/12 MI/5.5 HRS

Transfer to the start of today’s walk in Bridges. As you meander through country lanes and pastured hills, the distinctive jagged rocks of the Stiperstones dominate your view. On reaching the quartzite ridge, the moorland comes alive with heather and bilberry. Steeped in myth and legend, the craggy peak known as Devil’s Chair, is said to be the place where witches convene to drink with the Devil. Descend back into the valley before climbing to Linley Hill. From here, the route gradually descends between an avenue of ancient beech trees, planted to commemorate the British victory in the Napoleonic Wars. The latter part of the descent brings you through a field of ancient earthworks, including a motte and bailey castle built to repel Welsh raids in the 12th century. Your day ends in the historic market town of Bishops Castle. Transfer back to your accommodation in Church Stretton.
You stay at Victoria House, Church Stretton (breakfast included)

Day 3: BISHOP'S CASTLE TO CLUN 17 KM/11 MI/6 HRS

Transfer back to the start of today’s walk in Bishop’s Castle. After leaving the town, the Shropshire Way takes you through pastures to the delightful Wood Batch valley. Ascend to Colebatch Hill, which affords extensive views of the rolling Shropshire hills, and then down into the Unk valley before joining the Offa’s Dyke long distance trail. After climbing the hill of Hergan and the Cefns ridge, drop into the Unk valley again to reach Clun, with its ruined castle and lovely packhorse bridge.
You stay at the White Horse Inn, Clun (breakfast included)

Day 4: CRAVEN ARMS TO LUDLOW 17 KM/11 MI/5 HRS

Transfer to Craven Arms to join the way and set off down the valley to Stokesay Castle. Built in the late 13th century, this unique fortified manor house is well worth a visit. After a short ascent, the landscape opens up with stunning views across the Clee Hills. Continue into the gorges of Aldon and Brandhill Gutter, passing Stokesay Court. Perhaps best known for its role in the 2007 Oscar winning film ‘Atonement’. The route now follows country lanes before joining a path alongside the river Teme. Passing the weir and old mill at Bromfield, the route now follows the Teme valley with striking views of Ludlow castle ahead. End todays walk crossing Dinham Bridge and entering the town through the castle walls. Renowned for its food, you are free to sample some great local produce at one the many wonderful restaurants in town.
You stay at the Mount Guest House, Ludlow (breakfast included)

Day 5: LUDLOW TO WHEATHILL 17 KM/11 MI/6 HRS

Today’s walk takes you to some of the highest hills in Shropshire. Leaving Ludlow, you once again follow the riverside trail, passing the well-preserved Iron Age hillfort Caynham Camp. The path begins to climb, initially through pastures before joining up with an old rail track, a remnant of old quarry workings. Eventually this brings you to the summit of Titterstone Clee, topped with rocks known as the Giant’s Chair. Enjoy splendid views of the surrounding agricultural landscapes as you descend towards Wheathill. Transfer back to your accommodation in Ludlow.
You stay at the Mount Guest House, Ludlow (breakfast included)

Day 6: WHEATHILL TO WILDERHOPE MANOR 17 KM/11 MI/6 HRS

After breakfast, transfer back to the start of today’s walk at Wheathill. Today, you take on Shropshire’s highest hill, Brown Clee. Consisting of two peaks, Clee Burf and Abdon Burf, both of which were sites of Iron Age forts. The route ascends to Clee Burf continuing to the Col at Five Springs before ascending further to Abdon Burf. Enjoy views westwards across the Shropshire Hills including Wenlock Edge, Long Mynd, Stiperstones and beyond into Wales. As you descend Brown Clee towards the Corve Dale valley you will discover a contrasting landscape of verdant pastures. Wind your way to the 16th century Elizabethan Wilderhope Manor. Transfer to your accommodation in Ironbridge.
You stay at The White Hart (breakfast included)

Day 7: WILDERHOPE MANOR TO IRONBRIDGE 20 KM/12.5 MI/

After breakfast, transfer back to the start of today’s walk at Wilderhope Manor. Today’s walk follows Wenlock Edge; a limestone escarpment formed over 400 million years ago, featuring a mix of flower rich grasslands and ancient woodland. At Major’s Leap, you will discover fine views across the Stretton Hills. The market town of Much Wenlock is well worth exploring, with its dramatic priory ruins and a museum telling the story of its links with the first modern Olympic Games. Meander through Benthall Edge wood before descending into Ironbridge Gorge, following the River Severn. Enter the town across the famous iron bridge.
You stay at The White Hart (breakfast included)

Day 8: Departure from Ironbridge

Depart following breakfast for your journey home.