Cleobury Mortimer

Set deep in the English countryside facing three of England’s greenest shires, Cleobury Mortimer typifies rural village life in everything but that it is a town. Alongside the meandering River Rea, this quiet corner of rural England is the perfect place to unwind and experience a different pace of life. It is tucked away in the corner of Shropshire, between the Clee Hills and the Wyre Forest. Its near neighbour, Ludlow, has attracted greater fame but this small, rural idyll remains a hidden gem that is especially
worth seeking out.

A sepia scene

The High Street was once described by John Betjeman as “A long airy curving street of brick Georgian houses and shops interspersed with genuine halftimber, the Rea brook making a splash at the bottom of the hill.” It is a picture postcard scene but a sepia one, as most of the shops have retained their facades along with a level of service and charm that belongs to an equally bygone age.

There are two real butchers and bakers, a florist and traditional ironmongers and a well-stocked greengrocer. Look out for the lardy cakes and the Shropshire brown loaves, from the ‘highest bakery in Shropshire’. Other local specialities are equally well signposted, proclaiming “PORK PIES – famous for over 100 years”. Now, Ludlow’s refinement has also spilled over, with a great bookshop, high class lingerie, and specialist food retailers including regional delicacies, health foods and a delicatessen that provides custom-made hampers, a luxurious way to enjoy the many local picnic spots.

There is no problem in finding good refreshment in Cleobury Mortimer. In addition to its 5 pubs, 3 hotels and a tea-room, the town boasts an Indian restaurant with an unbeatable reputation. At the local freehouses try out Cleobury’s own beer from the Hobsons Brewery, one of Shropshire’s best real ales.

The crooked steeple of Cleobury

Imagine Pisa without its leaning tower. Here it is the twisted spire of St. Mary’s. The church originally dates from the 12th century and has a 16th century octagonal wooden spire which over time has gained its twisted appearance.

The interior is not for those of nervous disposition with Betjemen observing: “The whole church seems to have slipped out of shape. Inside there isn’t a straight arch or doorway.” The church guide explains: “A prominent feature is the leaning of the walls and pillars, probably resulting from a combination of a badly tied roof at one period and ground movement” but local hero Thomas Telford, one of England’s most famous engineers, stabilised the building in 1790.

A postman’s legacy

The church lies close to the start of the published walk, the Simon Evans Way, which follows the footsteps of a writer and broadcaster who was once the postman in Cleobury Mortimer. Seventy years ago Simon Evans who had been gassed and wounded in WWI, was prescribed “a little walking to strengthen my weakened legs and fresh air … to strengthen my lungs.” He carried the mail 75,000 miles around Cleobury Mortimer in the process. His books and broadcasts on the wireless captured the charm of the town and in particular of his ‘round’, along the River Rea. The Simon Evans Way traces his route and twists and turns along the meanders of the beautiful River Rea to form a figure of eight from the old post office, up and down the valley.

An infinite landscape

Cleobury Country merits exploration, whether on foot, bicycle or horseback. The Jack Mytton Way, a long distance cycle route and bridleway, has a spur into the town with local equestrian centres arranging treks. There are 250 miles of footpaths which you can discover using walking routes and guidebooks available from local shops or the Tourist Information Point.To get the best out of the glorious Cleobury Country, look out for the local Footpath Association programme of guided walks with local people who know the landscape well.

Beyond the town the Wyre Forest Visitor Centre guides your discovery of its area and the Clee Hills provide endless possibilities for independent exploration. Walk to the summit of Brown Clee, look due east and there is nothing higher until you reach the Urals!

There are many ways to enjoy a stay in Cleobury Mortimer. The West Midlands Safari Park and the Severn Valley Railway are easily accessible. Both National Trust and English Heritage sites are to be found a short drive away and there are craft centres and many small local nurseries, orchards, farm shops and farm based attractions within reach.

Cleobury Mortimer Golf Club with its 27 holes, provides spectacular panoramic views. State of the art facilities for outdoor sports at Lacon Childe attract regional competitions.

The Pioneer Centre and Old Vicarage Centre are major centres for residential youth activities.

Whatever you choose you can experience three of England’s greenest shires from the hidden gem that is Cleobury Mortimer.

Cleobury Mortimer Facts

Tourist Information Point - New Market Hall, Church Street - view the tapestry of key buildings and societies interpreted on a touch screen computer.
Information about Cleobury Mortimer & Cleobury County - www.shrosphiretourism.co.uk/cleobury-mortimer
Solstice weekend - 24th - 25 June: a Food and Ale Trail, produce market, music, family activities and walk. Contact Teresa Carter on 01299 270837 or at beer@hobsons-brewery.co.uk
Borders Classic Bike Show - 16th - 17th September - weekend of static displays by classic motorbike enthusiasts - information on 01299 270642
Cleobury Country Walks - individual guides including the Simon Evans way and a set of 12 Walks Guides - available in local shops. Stottesden area walks - available only at the shop at the clocks, adjacent to the Fighting Cocks pub.
Guided Local Walks throughout the year vary from 3 - 7 miles. Cleobury Mortimer Footpath Association - contact susan@eaglelane.co.uk

Look out for new Cleobury circular cycle trail leaflets in the Tourist Information Point.

For information on local public transport - www.tess.org.uk or 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