Activities

Things to see and do

South Shropshire provides a magnificent setting for all kinds of outdoor activities. The Long Mynd and Stiperstones have long been a magnet for walkers, riders and air sports. Cyclists of all ages and abilities love the network of quiet country lanes. Relax and enjoy creative activities in a landscape which has inspired both artists and poets alike.

Shropshire has a wide range of waymarked walking, cycling and riding routes and you can find out all about them on our three new websites, www.shropshirewalking.co.uk, www.shropshirecycling.co.uk, www.shropshireriding.co.uk

And of course there are plenty of other outdoor activities – gliding, ballooning, paragliding, golf, fishing and geocaching. But to get you started here are a few highlights;

Walk the Shropshire landscapes

The Shropshire Way is a circular route of 136 miles and is just being upgraded – take the challenge and walk it over two weeks. Or take advantage of the excellent train network to walk Wild Edric’s Way – a 49-mile trek from Church Stretton to Ludlow. Both walks take you past Shropshire’s most famous sites and the contrasting landscapes of the Long Mynd, Stiperstones, the Clun Forest and the Clee Hills. Details at www.shropshirewalking.co.uk or from Visitor Information Centres.

The National Trust and The Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre also publish details of walks on the Long Mynd and Shropshire Hills. Use the Shropshire Hills Shuttle Bus on summer weekends to transport you to the start or from the finish of your walk. Details at www.shropshirehillsshuttles.co.uk or 01588 673888.

On Shropshire’s border with Wales, the best sections of the Offa’s Dyke fortifications can be seen on the stretch of the Offa’s Dyke National Trail that passes through Bishop’s Castle, the Clun Valley & Knighton. Details on 01547 528753. The border is also home to The Kerry Ridgeway, a 15-mile route along ancient trading routes. Contact Recreational Trails officer – 01597 827567.

If you want company on your walks, join in one of the Walking Festivals being held in Bishop’s Castle, Church Stretton and Cleobury Mortimer. There are also regular guided walks, town walks and ramblers groups in all our market towns, details from Visitor Information Centres. Walking holidays can also be organised for you. Contact Secret Hills Walking Holidays – www.secrethillswalking.co.uk, 01694 723600 and www.wheelywonderfulcycling.co.uk.

Cycle routes for everyone

South Shropshire has an outstanding network of cycle routes on quiet country lanes and off road on forest tracks. Here are some of the best route guides available from Visitor Information Centres:

Hopton Wood Mountain Bike Trails – 20 miles of woodland tracks – including a family route and a competition route for experienced Mountainbikers. Details at www.forestry.gov.uk or 01889 586593. Market Town Cycle maps with new cycle routes from Ludlow, Bishop’s Castle, Church Stretton & Cleobury Mortimer. Cycling for Pleasure maps – network of routes (on and offroad) linking all areas through South Shropshire and the borders. Six Castles Cycle Route – A new National Cycle Route, taking you from Shrewsbury to Hereford – past Shropshire’s best castles, is due to be introduced in 2008 www.shropshirecycling.co.uk.

If you don’t have your own bike, Cycling Holidays & Cycle Hire are available from www.wheelywonderfulcycling.co.uk or 01568 770755. If you want to try something completely different, take part in the UK’s only Tandem Triathlon in Bishop’s Castle www.southshropshire.gov.uk.

Long distance Bridleways

Another great reason to get active in South Shropshire – a really outstanding network of bridleways. Try the Jack Mytton Way, 100-mile route – and 10 circular day routes, from Ironbridge to the Welsh border at Llanfair Waterdine. "Bring your own horse" holidays can be organised by Marches Horse Trails.

Even more Activities

There are golf courses in Ludlow, Church Stretton and Cleobury Mortimer. Ballooning, gliding on the Long Mynd, adventure holidays, Creative holidays at www.thresholdscentre.co.uk – ask at the local Visitor Information Centre for a full list of activities. If visiting with a group use the expertise of the Specialist Guides of The Guild of Shropshire Tour Guides to get the most out of your stay in the area – www.shropshiretourguides.co.uk or 01694 751411