Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
16.0Kg CO2e
Printed route
directions
Sharing a border with Wales, Shropshire is a quiet and tranquil county, considered one of UK's last remaining rural idylls. Yet, this was not always the case, and its location has shaped its history across the centuries. Ancient feuds with the Celtic princes to the west is evidenced in the numerous castle ruins, each with their own tales to tell.It is here, in Shropshire the early 18th century that modern industry originated. In 1779 the world's first cast iron bridge was erected at Ironbridge over the River Severn and became one of the greatest symbols of the birthplace of the industrial revolution. Its significance has been recognised with UNESCO World Heritage status and today is Shropshire's most famous landmark.
From rolling hills to meres and moorland, Shropshire's varied landscape reflects the geologically unique nature of this area. This geodiversity has created a distinctive environment with special habitats which has been recognised through its designation as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The Shropshire hills provide the backbone of this landscape, from the rocky Stiperstones to the craggy volcanic Stretton Hills and Wrekin and the quarried landscape of the Clee Hills, each with their own distinguishing characteristics. Found amid Shropshire's natural beauty are its many attractive market towns, including Church Stretton, nicknamed 'Little Switzerland' due to its situation in the heart of the South Shropshire hills and Ludlow, described by John Betjeman as 'Probably the loveliest town in England'. Shropshire's accessibility from many of the UKs major cities make this the perfect rural escape.
Taking in much of the county's best countryside, the Shropshire Way is a long-distance route covering some 200 miles. The route explores the north and south of the county, centring on Shrewsbury. Our route features the southern section, which follows much of the original Shropshire Way conceived by the Ramblers Association in the 1980s. Discover some of England's best kept secrets as you wander through the unique landscape of the Shropshire Hills. Cross the rocky crags of the Stiperstones to the summit of the Clee Hills and Wenlock Edge before reaching the magnificent Ironbridge Gorge. Our route features the charming towns and villages of Church Stretton, Bishop's Castle, Clun, Ludlow, Much Wenlock and Ironbridge. From ancient hill forts to unique geological features and spectacular views, walking the Shropshire Way allows you to discover far more of this spectacular county.
Why not spend an extra day or two in Ironbridge? Explore the UNESCO Ironbridge gorge following the River Severn through its beautiful surroundings. Visit the numerous museums which will transport you back to the time of the industrial revolution.
Walks on this holiday are on village streets, country lanes, farm tracks and rural paths. Walking boots are essential. Walking poles are recommended.
Arrive into Church Stretton for your seven night break and make your way to the guest house.
You stay at Victoria House.
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Tea/coffee
The charming Victoria House is centrally located in Church Stretton, yet within close proximity to the Shropshire Hills. Using antique furniture, original artwork and luxury soft furnishings, the interiors have been individually styled and tastefully decorated to a high standard to create guest rooms with character. Breakfasts are cooked to order using fresh local quality produce.
All rooms feature Wi-Fi, television, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
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 The White Horse Inn.
Mastercard
VisaHairdryerWiFiTVTea/coffee
Enjoy a friendly and comfortable stay at this lively country inn. Located in the heart of the village of Clun and surrounded by the beautiful Shropshire Hills, relax in this beautiful unspoilt part of the country. Specialising in local real ales and serving food from local suppliers.
All rooms feature Wi-Fi, television, tea and coffee making facilities and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
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 Mount Guest House.
MastercardVisaHairdryerWiFiTVTea/coffee
Walkers will receive a warm welcome at the friendly and comfortable Mount Guest House. The Guests’ Lounge benefits from great views of the surrounding countryside including Whitecliffe Common and Mortimer Forest. The secluded garden offers a space to relax and take in the tranquillity. A wide breakfast selection includes a cooked breakfast made to order.
All rooms feature Wi-Fi, television, tea and coffee making facilities and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
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 White Hart.
MastercardVisaWiFiTVTea/coffee
This eighteenth century Ironbridge beer house offers comfortable rooms with a contemporary feel. All rooms are individually designed, some with views overlooking the river. You can enjoy dinner at their modern British Gallery restaurant.
All rooms feature Wi-Fi, television, tea and coffee making facilities, and private bathroom with WC and shower/bath.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
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.
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.
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.
Depart following breakfast for your journey home.
We do not currently have departure dates and prices available on-line. The season may have ended for this tour, or we are still in the process of adding these details to our website.
Please contact our sales team on 01606 720199 to for further details or to discuss alternavie trip options.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
16.0Kg CO2e
Printed route
directions
