The Sprosons at the Stiperstones

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/

Coast to Coast (Wainwright) is planned to be opened as a National Trail on 31st March 2026. The most eroded parts of the route have been improved, and additional public rights of way (including bridleways and step-style-free routes) created. New wooden fingerposts and waymark posts featuring Wainwright’s ‘aw’ signature monogram have been installed throughout, and the LDP will appear on Ordnance Survey maps for the first time. Issues remaining to be addressed are a new A19 footbridge, and repairs following last year’s North York Moors wildfire. Three kilometres of the route out of St Bees were also closed before Christmas due to at least one landslip. For further information, please email ldp@ldwa.org.uk.

Once again the South Shropshire Circular has been blessed with a fair weather forecast but the two dry days we had last week have done little to improve the state of many of the fields and paths en route.  In fact runners and walkers may find themselves looking forward to a good climb to get away from the mud.

If you were lucky enough to secure an entry, the car park at Minsterley opens at 6.30 with the event starting at 8.00 sharp.

Steve says”Temperatures on the up for the weekend, so hope you can make Laurel’s walk in Herefordshire. Hope to see you there! Best of luck.”
Find  all our future walks on our Social Walks Calendar