The four Shropshire Way Short Break walks include:
Heart of the Hills and Far from the Crowds – Shrewsbury to Bishop’s Castle via the Bridges Pub in Rattlinghope
Distance: approx. 26 miles (2–3 days)
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Starting in the vibrant, foodie town of Shrewsbury with its Medieval backstreets and River Severn views, the route heads south into the Shropshire Hills via Lyth Hill, taking in quiet valleys then over the dramatic Stiperstones ridge, finishing in one of the county’s most characterful market towns at Bishop’s Castle.
Three Castles and One Quiet Sun – Ludlow, Bishop’s Castle, Clun and Craven Arms
Distance: approx. 32 miles (3–4 days)
Difficulty: Challenging
From Ludlow’s grandeur to Bishop Castle’s charm and onto Clun (described by A.E. Housman in his book A Shropshire Lad, as ‘the quietest place under the sun’) and Craven Arms. This flexible route linking historic towns, riverside paths and rolling hill country, passes castles, hillforts and wide open views across the Shropshire Hills.
The Wrekin Rises and the Iron Bridge Beckons – Wellington, Ironbridge and Much Wenlock
Distance: approx. 20 miles (2–3 days)
Difficulty: Moderate
Starting in Wellington, this varied walk through ancient woodland and panoramic hilltops, includes a climb of the Wrekin and a crossing of the iconic Iron Bridge in the heart of the Ironbridge Gorge and its many museums, before finishing in postcard pretty Much Wenlock with its Abbey and connection to the modern day Olympic Games.
Meres, Mosses and Canals Unfold – Circular from Shrewsbury via Ellesmere & Wem
Distance: approx. 36 miles (3–4 days)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Gentle walking through glacial meres, mosses, quiet lanes and canal paths, offering a flatter and more relaxed introduction to the Shropshire Way.
Together, the new Shropshire Way Short Break Trails make it easier than ever to explore one of England’s most quietly spectacular long-distance routes, whether for a first taste of the trail or as the start of a longer walking adventure. For more information visit www.visitshropshire.co.uk https://www.shropshiresgreatoutdoors.co.uk/
Tibor Del Grosso spent most of the winter chasing home Alpecin team leader Matteus Van der Poel in the cyclo cross season. The young Dutchman in his first season of top level racing has chosen the daunting double of Strada Bianche and Tirreno Adriatico to pit himself against the likes of Pogacar, Van Aert, Pidcock, Alaphilippe, Healey and George Bennett. With 19 year old Paul Seixas also in the field fresh from his ride alone victory in the Ardeche last Saturday, we are in for a treat.
The top riders in Cobblestone League have been slow to make their appearance. None undertook the long journey to Australia for the Tour Down Under, but in Period 2 Almeida was in Spain and Vingegaard was due to take on the UAE tour. Almeida was well beaten by Evenepoul in Valencia and my decision to go with the Danish number one looked a good one as I briefly sat in top spot following my top three full house in the Cadel Evans. The Visma leader has suffered both illness and injury and his replacement by Kelderman however negated all this. My week was further spoilt by Milan’s crash yesterday seeing my slip to 8th in the rankings. My hope now is that Yates climbs better than Del Torro tomorrow.