SHROPSHIRE BY FOOT

4 GREAT WALKS IN THIS MAGNIFICENT PART OF ENGLAND

Brushing the Welsh border, Shropshire is a mosaic of rolling hills, woodland and castle-pocked countryside. Medieval Shrewsbury is a great entry point, before tackling some of the county’s 5,600km of hiking trails. Whether you’re an ambler or a rambler, here are four walks that reveal Shropshire’s culture and nature…

STROLL THROUGH HISTORY

The county seat of Shropshire, Shrewsbury’s diminutive size makes it easy for a wander on foot. Don’t be fooled by its small appearance – it still squeezes in nearly 800 listed buildings. A stroll of its historic core will absorb some of its most striking, including the Elizabethan Old Market Hall and many half-timbered houses. Twisting passageways thread between the main streets, with one emerging in front of the medieval St Mary’s Church. Away from Shrewsbury’s time-honoured centre, a tree-lined pathway hugging the River Severn loops around part of the town and weaves past Shrewsbury School, which Charles Darwin attended.

MEANDER THE MINI LAKE DISTRICT

The second-largest network of wetlands in the UK, northern Shropshire’s cluster of glacial lakes (known as meres) has become unofficially known as the mini Lake District. It’s a watery wonderland you can tread on the 11km Meres Meander walk.

Tick off some of its most scenic meres along the route, including the woodland and hay meadow-flanked Colemere and the mirror-like Blakemere, keeping an eye out for wildlife such as dragonflies, kingfishers and goldeneyes. Cut through leafy countryside and end on the shores of The Mere, the largest of north Shropshire’s lakes. Spend some time exploring the historic market town of Ellesmere where you can refuel with a hearty lunch at one of its charming pubs.

MARVEL AT UNESCO WONDERS

When the world’s first Iron Bridge was built in the 18th century, it was thought impossible something so big could be built from cast iron. But it’s still standing today and the surrounding Unesco-protected Ironbridge Gorge is also where the Industrial Revolution spawned. The circular 5.5km Iron Trail knits together the revolution’s legacy and the landscapes in which it was forged. You’ll weave past woodlands and waterways that once powered the Industrial Revolution, industrial era homes and close to the site where a Doric Temple once stood. This folly was built by Ironmaster Richard Reynolds so his workers could admire widescreen views of the gorge during their Sabbath Walks.

GET OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

Rewind several centuries and south-west Shropshire was one of England’s most highly coveted patches. Now, there’s rarely a soul around but those wise enough can unravel its ancient legacies on the 10.6km Walking with Offa trail. Begin and end in Clun, a pint-sized village which boasts impressive remains of a Norman Castle. Gently climb the side of the leafy Clun Valley – once King Offa’s stomping ground – before summiting Bury Ditches, one of the country’s best-preserved Iron Age hill forts. Finish in the historic pub The White Horse Inn which has its own micro-brewery. Enjoy a welldeserved post-hike pint and raise a toast to what is bound to be a wonderful British break.

Revealing rambles (clockwise from this) The Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covers almost a quarter of the county; the world’s first ever iron bridge was erected over the River Severn in 1779; Clun Castle was originally built by William the Conqueror; The Mere at Ellesmere is the largest of all of Shropshire’s meres; historic Shrewsbury is home to more than 800 listed buildings