Hikes & Walks in Shropshire

The first walk on our list starts of with a visit to the Ironbridge Gorge area which is home to the worlds first cast iron bridge a UNESCO World Heritage Site and aptly named Iron Bridge. This walk starts by crossing Iron Bridge over the River Severn before ascending a set of steps through the Benthall Edge Woods and returning via a segment of the Shropshire Way long distance hiking path. This short walk is ideal for those looking to blend beautiful views with heritage in an area seen as the heart of the industrial revolution.

Our next walk follows the River Severn upstream and takes you into the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This is where you will find a great deal of the counties best walking and hiking routes. This walk takes you up The Wreken, a short but steep hill that is popular amongst the locals. This is a rewarding walk allowing you to take in uninterrupted views west towards Wales and South to the Shropshire Hills.

Another great walking option takes you on a short tour around the historic market town of Shrewsbury. This short 4km walk follows along the banks of the River Severn and can be easily modified to add in Shrewsbury’s main attractions. Take in the medeival Tudor town centre, Shrewsbury Castle and explore the town that was Charles Darwin’s childhood home. This is the only urban walk on our list and is a fantastic option if you’re looking to blend beautiful architecture, history and a pleasant walk all in one.

Taking you form Shrewsbury deep into the Shropshire Hills lands you near the town of Church Stretton. This is a great base for keen walkers who want to tackle some of Shropshire’s more rugged peaks. A walk to the little Sprout waterfall takes you through the Cardigan Mill Valley and into the heart of the Long Mynd. This area is known for its open heathland and is best experienced in the late summer when the heather is blooming blanketing the hills in shades of purple.

Travelling across Shropshire to its northern reaches lands you in the town of Ellesmere. This walk starts at the Llangollen Canal which is part of a wide network of canals in the region. The industry might have left but the canal is still popular with narrow-boats and has become increasingly attractive for walkers. The route continues along the Shropshire Way before splitting and turning back towards Ellesmere at Colemere. Both Colemere and The Mere at Ellesmere are sanctuaries for aquatic life with the area also known for its ancient woodlands. This is a brilliant walk to take in even more of Shropshire’s unique blend of nature and industrial heritage.

Starting in Llynclys the Wats Dyke and Offas Dyke walk takes you along the English-Welsh border and offers a long day out for keen walkers. It takes in a long stretch of the Shropshire Way before traversing up and over Llanymynech Hill, offering stunning views on a clear day. The return leg takes you along the Offa’s Dyke Path which follows ancient earthworks which looked to separate the kingdoms of Mercia from Powys and now marks the rough boundary of the modern England-Wales border.

Those looking for longer more rugged trails should look to the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This walk offers a great starting point to take in panoramic views of the area with Hope Bowdler hill offering a stunning vista north to The Wreckin and west to the Long Mynd plateau. This route also takes in the neighbouring peak of Caer Caradoc and finishes in the town of Church Stretton. Good navigation skills and fresh legs will go a long way in this steep but rewarding hike.

If you’re still looking for a long day out walking but don’t fancy the ascent this walk starting and ending in the medieval town of Bishop’s Castle is a great option. This walk offers beautiful countryside, quiet trails and benefits from the option for a pub dinner on the return leg. Getting away from the crowds should be a lot easier in this rural area just a stones throw from the Welsh border.

Similar to our last hike this route to the Bury Ditches takes you into some of the Shropshire Hills most pleasant rolling hills. Starting in the small town of Clun this route passes through an area rich in wildlife and agricultural heritage. Following along yet another segment of the Shropshire Way path before arriving at Sunny Hill. This is the site of one of England’s oldest mountain forts dated back to around 500 BC. The route returns via quiet country paths to round out a long but beautiful hike in the countryside.

Heading back to the Long Mynd is the last of our walks in the Shropshire Hills starting and ending again in Church Stretton. Unlike the Long Mynd route above this is much longer and more challenging but is rewarded with the best views around. Following the Pole Bank Walk takes you to the summit of Pole Bank which is the highest point in the Long Mynd plateau. Despite its size this route takes a gentler approach to the summit than others, before descending back to Church Stretton.