8 Of The Best Shropshire Hill Walks
With so much gorgeous scenery around, arguably the best way to explore Shropshire is on foot. To do that, you need to know where the best walks in the Shropshire Hills are – so we've pulled together a list of our favourite places to get out for a day of walking in this beautiful county.
The Shropshire Hills area has been designated as a National Landscape, and it’s not hard to see why. Whether you choose to climb the peaks, wander through meadows full of wildlife or explore historical landscapes dotted with Iron Age forts, there's plenty of fabulous scenery to explore in the Shropshire Hills.
That fabulous scenery also makes an excellent backdrop to a camping or glamping holiday, so if you're looking for a place to stay, check out Pitchup’s range of Shropshire campsites here.
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Wenlock Edge
A thousand-year-old pub at the end of a steady hillwalk
If you like the idea of stretching your legs and then rewarding yourself with a nice pint, this one is for you. Head out to Wenlock Edge for a 4.5-mile hike that takes you up a limestone escarpment and through the quiet valley of Ape Dale before ending up at a cosy and historic pub.
In the early part of your walk, you’ll pass the old railway line that once went from Craven Arms to Much Wenlock, and walk along a scenic woodland ridge before descending along a path (beware it's often quite muddy in this bit).
Start and finish this walk at The Plough Inn in Wall under Heywood. This Shropshire pub has been serving customers for over 1,000 years, so it’s only right to continue the tradition by stopping in for a drink.
Caer Caradoc
Stunning views and historic sites
Fancy a proper hill hike? Follow the 3.5-mile trail up to the summit of Caer Caradoc from the village of Church Stretton for views across to Wenlock Edge and The Wrekin. There's added historic interest here too, with an Iron Age fort to explore at the top of the hill.
After a steep climb to the top you’ll walk across the ridgeline and see Three Fingers Rock, a well-known feature of Caer Caradoc. As you walk back down, watch out for cyclists who also use this bike-friendly track.
Onny Meadows
An easy stroll from the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre
From the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, wander out to the Onny Meadows behind the site and walk down to the riverbank. In spring and summer, there’s a lot of wildlife to see here, especially in the ponds. You can make a walk here as long or short as you like – perhaps also taking a picnic and sitting on one of the benches overlooking the ponds or the river.
The paths around the Discovery Centre are usually accessible for wheelchairs and buggies unless there’s been heavy rain, and well-behaved dogs are welcome. Once you’ve learnt a little about the natural history of the area, stop in at the award-winning café for a hot lunch or some cake and coffee. You can also camp at Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre if you’d like to extend the experience.
Long Mynd
One of Shropshire’s most popular hills
Long Mynd is one of the most popular hills in Shropshire and there are a few walks to choose from at this seven-mile ridge of heathland with steep valleys cut into the side. The most popular of these is Carding Mill Valley, which is managed by the National Trust.
In Carding Mill Valley, take the short New Pool Hollow walk to the reservoir, passing millponds as you go. If you want a longer walk, try the Burway Loop to the highest point of Long Mynd for long views over the hills and valleys.
There is Bronze and Iron Age archaeology to discover on Long Mynd, including the hillfort of Bodbury Ring, and wildlife to spot, like the red grouse and rare bilberry bumblebees in spring.
Linley Beeches
A tree-themed walk
Like to wander among the trees? Start from the village of Lydham and stroll out into the quiet Welsh border area to Linley Beeches, a mile-long row of beech trees on Linley Hill. The trees lead to Linley Hall, a Georgian country house.
The 6.8-mile circular walk takes you towards the house, passing between a row of oak trees and stopping in the village of Norbury to see the Ancient Yew, one of the oldest trees in Shropshire. After that, you’ll take the Shropshire Way to descend through the peaceful beeches.
Rectory Wood
A gentle walk in landscaped parkland
Looking for a short, easy walk from Church Stretton? Set straight off from the town’s visitor centre into Rectory Wood and Fields, a mixed area of woods and meadows. There are winding paths and steps to make easy work of climbing up steep hills, plus brooks to cross and wildflowers during spring.
The area was laid out in the 18th century and was probably influenced by Capability Brown, who designed some of the UK’s best-known parks. While walking, look out for the remains of buildings like the old grotto, a summerhouse and an icehouse.
Ironbridge Gorge
The birthplace of the Industrial Revolution
There’s loads to do around Ironbridge Gorge – the place where the Industrial Revolution started is now home to 10 excellent museums as well as the cast-iron bridge (built in 1779) that gave the town its name. You could easily fill a couple of days here, so it's definitely earned its place on our list of the best things to do in Shropshire.
Beyond the museums, there’s also some interesting scenery in the surrounding area, where the natural landscape is dotted with historic remnants like disused furnaces and a former railway line. A 4.7-mile trail is a good way to explore some of it, with options to take detours to museums along the way.
Brown Clee
The highest point in Shropshire
The name may not be the most appealing, but the views may well be more to your liking – because Brown Clee, at 540 metres, is the highest point in Shropshire. A seven-mile circular walk – arguably one of the best hikes in the Shropshire Hills area – explores sunken lanes, moorland, abandoned industry and Iron Age relics.
Start in Abdon, a hamlet that was a busy farming community in medieval times before being abandoned during a mini ice age. Pass the sites of medieval coal mines as you climb towards the peak of Brown Clee, then descend past Nordy Bank, an Iron Age fort where you can still see the steep ramparts.
Fancy giving your walking boots a few more outings? Head out into neighbouring counties with our ideas for walks in Worcestershire and Herefordshire, or stay local and take a stroll around one of Shropshire's best castles.
If you're planning to stay for a night or few to see more of this wonderful area, how about booking a camping or glamping break? Staying outdoors lets you enjoy more of that fresh air and scenery, whether you opt to keep costs down with a simple camping pitch or treat yourselves to a stylish glamping break. Have a look at the full range below to find something that suits you.