Church Stretton

Church Stretton has some of the most dramatic and spectacular hills in the British Isles. The ancient Long Mynd guards the West and the Wenlock Edge outcrop lies to the East. Towering Caer Caradoc, formed by volcanic ash and lava over 560 million years ago, once had an iron age hill fort on its summit. The geology of the area is fascinating and earns the hills acclaim as a Site of Special Scientific Interest as well as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. What better point to view it than from the top of Ragleth Hill. After gentle green pastures and shady woodland, the climb to the summit provides stunning 360 degree views, taking in the Long Mynd, Caer Caradoc, the Lawley, Wenlock Edge and the Clee Hills.

There is direct access from the railway station and the centre of the town to a vast expanse of undulating landscape, inhabited by wild horses, buzzards, skylarks and sheep. This is the magnificent Long Mynd, now protected by the National Trust. Whilst it is possible to drive up and over the top, it is best to do so only if essential. The steepest inclines are single track with nerve - wracking drops at the carriageway edge. Alternatively, there are weekend Shuttle Buses in the summer as well as both bridleways and footpaths directly from the town. At all times of year, this area is absolutely breathtaking – acres of heather-clad landscape as far as the eye can see and views across the Shropshire plain and beyond the neighbouring Stiperstones National Nature Reserve, to the Welsh hills.

A walker’s paradise

With over 30 miles of footpaths, the area is a magnet for walkers, both of the seasoned variety and those who prefer the shorter walks, of which there are plenty. Almost 20 miles of bridleway is provided for cyclists and horse riders. A series of pretty valleys forms a network around and between the hills. Callow Hollow, Ashes Hollow, Townbrook Valley and, the most well-known of all, Carding Mill Valley with its meandering stream and reservoir all lead up to the top of the Long Mynd. Carding Mill was once the place where fleeces were combed. Since 1881, water has been collected in the valley. Today, the National Trust café in the Chalet Pavilion, provides food and facilities for visitors. There are three car parks in the valley with a network of footpaths leading directly from them.

The three Strettons, Church Stretton, All Stretton and Little Stretton, have a great appeal to those who enjoy outdoor pursuits. The Jack Mytton Way, a long distance cycle route and bridleway, passes through Church Stretton and over the Long Mynd. There is a loop of the Heritage Byways mountain bike circuit to the town and local riding stables provide organised treks. Gliders and paragliders take to the skies from the gliding station on the Long Mynd and there is a very popular golf course, the highest in England. Local centres also offer archery, fishing, bowls, guided walks, horse riding and clay pigeon shooting, whilst within easy reach are several attractions including Acton Scott Historic Working Farm, Acton Burnell Castle, the Roman city of Wroxeter and the Ironbridge Gorge Museum.

The ‘settlement beside the street’

The Strettons have become accustomed to their many thousands of visitors and hospitality can be found within a short walk or drive of any point. Accommodation is plentiful too, with camping and caravan sites in addition to hotels and guesthouses. These, and a wide choice of restaurants, coffee shops and cosy pubs serving locally produced food and real ales, can be found in the villages and in the town of Church Stretton itself. Church Stretton, the ’settlement beside the street’ which was referred to as Strtun in the Domesday Book, has so much more to offer the visitor than just the excellent water that made it famous as a Victorian Spa town. The bustling market town is one of those places where time seems to have stood still. Numerous specialist shops offer the kind of service that has so sadly been lost since the advent of chain stores and supermarkets. Whether you want walking books, a galvanized watering can from the hardware store or to sample delicious local cheeses at the delicatessens, the shopping experience is truly one to savour.

The town has had a charter to hold a market, granted by King John, since 1214. The tradition continues in the charming market square every Thursday and this is supplemented by regular flea markets in the square. Church Stretton is well known to collectors as a rich source of antiques, whether in the markets, the shops or in the three storey antiques centre in the main street. Many shops still have their original frontages and several of the half timbered buildings date from around 1600 after a major fire in 1593 destroyed almost all of the earlier buildings. More contemporary, architect designed houses with ample landscaped grounds show the affluence that came to the town after the railway was first built in 1852. At about that time, water was bottled and sold in the old spa town for the first time. It is still being sold today.

Thirsty for more

Water from the Stretton Hills is as pure and wholesome as it was over a century ago. The calcium rich water comes from natural aquifers deep below the ground and is filtered through hundreds of feet of rock strata. It is said to be beneficial to the teeth and bones, to aid muscle activity and nerve signals and to regulate the activity of the heart. Perhaps it is fortunate that such a healthy beverage is on tap in Church Stretton. The combination of its welcoming town and the lure of the hills will make every visitor thirsty for more.

Church Stretton Facts

Tourist Information Centre - Located next to the Library in Church Street. Open all year.
Tel: 01694 723133
Market Days - Thursdays, alternate Fridays and Saturdays
More Church Stretton information on - www.shropshiretourism.co.uk/church-stretton
Circular walks, The are many circular walks of varying length from Church Stretton. See the leaflet "Walking in Strettons", available from the TIC.
The Long Mynd Hike is a 50 mile competitive walk, held every October - www.longmyndhike.free-online.co.uk
The Church Stretton and South Shropshire Arts Festival - last week of July and first week of August - www.strettonfestival.org.uk
Summer events also include the Food Fayre with an Ale Trail, a Festival of Guided Walks and the Summer garden Show.
Long Mynd Shuttle Bus - a green and easy way to access the countryside - www.shropshirehillsshuttles.co.uk or Tel: 01588 673888.
Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural beauty - http://www.shropshirehills.info/

For more information about Shropshire, including Accommodation, Atrractions and Activities, visit Shropshire Tourism