Legends, history and hills — hikes in the Shropshire Hills AONB
Hiking Collection by Dan Hobson
10
Tours
36:38 h
74.8 mi
13,225 ft
The Shropshire Hills is an enchanting part of England where myths and legends collide with history and beauty.
Forged by shifting tectonic plates and shaped by man over thousands of years, the rolling hills tell the tales of times past through geology and ancient remains scattered upon them. With a rich heritage of hillforts, castles, mottes and Offa’s Dyke, this area linking England to the Welsh mountains tells a story of centuries of border strife.
On top of breathtaking beauty, history and heritage, the Shropshire Hills is also famous for absolute peace and serenity. Despite being very close to Birmingham, Shrewsbury and other big towns and cities in the midlands, the area is a haven away from the hustle-bustle where one can revitalise with solitude in nature.
Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1958, the area covers a quarter of the county of Shropshire. It’s a living, working place that’s renowned for tranquillity and beauty. It’s a place remote heathland merges into pastoral lowland and volcanic hills afford breathtaking views over the surrounding lowlands.
Interestingly, the Industrial Revolution is said to have begun in Shropshire. Owing to this, there are some excellent examples of the county’s industrial heritage that are worth exploring, too.
This Collection takes you to some of the most iconic spots in the Shropshire Hills and to some hidden gems. You will discover the heathland plateau of Long Mynd, a glorious ridge that stretches for miles offering spellbinding views; the iconic summit of Caer Caradoc, shaped by tectonic plates and topped by a fine example of an iron Age fort. You will be taken to the best ridge walk in Shropshire, The Lawley, and hike over the jagged quartzite tors of the Stiperstones, which were formed nearly 500 million years ago.
You will also see the Bronze Age stone circle at Mitchell's Fold and visit the world’s first iron bridge, situated in the valley where the Industrial Revolution began.
This Collection explores some lesser-known areas including, surprisingly, what many historians say is the best example of an Iron Age fort in the Shropshire Hills, Burrow Hillfort.
As most of the routes here centre around the historic market town of Church Stretton, it is a good choice to stay in. It is the only town in the Shropshire Hills ANOB and has a fine choice of hotels, bed and breakfasts, pubs, cafes, restaurants and shops.
The area known as Craven Arms is also a fine choice for those looking to escape into the countryside entirely, with lots of b&bs, bunkhouses and pubs with rooms.
If you are arriving by train, the Manchester to Cardiff service calls at Church Stretton, Craven Arms and Ludlow. The Heart of Wales rail service runs between Shrewsbury and Swansea and calls at Church Stretton, Craven Arms, Broome, Hopton Heath, Bucknell and Knighton. There are decent bus links around the AONB, too.
On The Map
Tours & Highlights
- Intermediate03:085.88 mi1.9 mph1,450 ft1,450 ftIntermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Caer Caradoc is one of the most iconic summits in the Shropshire Hills. It might not be the tallest hill – but it certainly has the most character. With a distinctive shape, volcanic rock crags and topped with an Iron Age fort, you’ll find it an interesting hill to climb.
Part of a range known as the…
by Dan Hobson
- Intermediate02:445.70 mi2.1 mph925 ft900 ftIntermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Long Mynd is one of the star attractions of the Shropshire Hills. The heathland plateau boasts wildlife, wild ponies and views that will take your breath away.
As the area is managed by the Natural Trust, there are a few ways to tackle Long Mynd that are clearly marked and of varying lengths.
On this route…
by Dan Hobson
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- Intermediate03:146.60 mi2.0 mph1,175 ft1,175 ftIntermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
The area that this route explores has been a hotbed of human activity for thousands of years. From Neolithic farmers to Bronze Age settlers, Iron Age warriors right up to modern-day hikers, the landscape is alive with the past.
There is more than just a tantalising mix of myth, legend and history here…
by Dan Hobson
- Intermediate02:365.19 mi2.0 mph1,075 ft1,075 ftIntermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
The Wrekin is one of Shropshire’s most iconic hills. Surrounded by low-lying land, the views on this hike are spellbinding. Furthermore, the area has strong connections to the nearby Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site.
From Forest Glen Car Park, join the Wrekin Trail and rise steadily through woodland…
by Dan Hobson
- Intermediate03:508.09 mi2.1 mph1,225 ft1,225 ftIntermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
The Shropshire Hills is famous for Iron Age forts and this route takes you to one of the finest examples, Burrow Hillfort. You would imagine that such a specimen would be jam-packed all year round. However, this hidden gem is surprisingly quiet.
Considering this route takes you to ancient remains, has…
by Dan Hobson
- Easy01:092.49 mi2.2 mph325 ft325 ftEasy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
To make your Shropshire trip complete, pay a visit to Ironbridge Gorge. Heralded as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, the area boasts a rich heritage.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986, the low wooded hills of Ironbridge Gorge are cut by the mighty River Severn as it powers through.
This…
by Dan Hobson
- Intermediate02:385.26 mi2.0 mph1,025 ft1,000 ftIntermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
The jagged quartzite tors of the Stiperstones make it a stand-out character in the Shropshire Hills. Geologists believe the ridge was formed nearly 500 million years ago when it rose out of glacial ice and was broken apart by constant freeze-thaw weathering.
The Stiperstones is shrouded in legend; inspiring…
by Dan Hobson
- Intermediate03:347.61 mi2.1 mph1,100 ft1,075 ftIntermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
This hike takes you to the highest point in Shropshire, Abdon Burf, where epic views, prehistoric remains and wartime history combine.
From the car park, hike east and rise north through farmland past the village of Abdon. Join the Shropshire Way and continue the ascent of Abdon Burf. Standing at 1,771…
by Dan Hobson
- Expert05:2210.9 mi2.0 mph1,950 ft1,950 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
This hike affords a sumptuous step back in time; from Norman battle lines to Iron Age defensive structures. Expect tranquil walking, views aplenty and enchanting history throughout this Tour.
You begin in the shadow of Clun Castle. Dating to the 11th century, the castle once played a strategic role in…
by Dan Hobson
- Expert08:2217.1 mi2.0 mph3,000 ft3,000 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
If you’re looking for a challenging yet rewarding hike in the Shropshire Hills, look no further – this tough Tour explores some of the most cherished summits and ridges the area has to offer.
On this route, you will conquer Caer Caradoc, an iconic hill forged by tectonic plates and topped with an Iron…
by Dan Hobson
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Collection Stats
- Tours10
- Distance74.8 mi
- Duration36:38 h
- Elevation13,225 ft
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