Our Favourite Winter Walk in Shropshire | The Burway Loop, Long Mynd
The Long Mynd near Church Stretton in Shropshire offers one of the county’s most rewarding walking routes, especially for anyone planning a walking-focused winter break in Shropshire. The Burway Loop, starting from Carding Mill Valley, is a challenging circular walk of around five miles (8 kms) that combines a steady climb with open moorland and far-reaching views.
It is one of our favourite winter walks in Shropshire and February is a particularly beautiful time to explore this landscape. The heather-covered hills are vast under the wide winter skies and the clear winter air often makes the views from the top even more impressive. From Pole Bank, the highest point of the Long Mynd, you can take in sweeping panoramas across the Shropshire Hills and beyond.
It is worth setting off early for several reasons. It takes around 40 minutes to drive there from St Milburga Chapel. Carding Mill Valley is a popular starting point and the car park fills quickly — even in winter. Shorter daylight hours also means that you’ll want to allow plenty of time to complete the route safely in daylight — especially if you’d like to warm up afterwards with a hot drink and a slice of cake in the welcoming National Trust café at the end of the walk.
The walk begins from the car park along the well-marked footpath, following the stream through Carding Mill Valley before climbing steadily to the top of the Long Mynd. The ascent is rugged and can be steep in places, so sturdy footwear and appropriate layers are essential, particularly in winter conditions. Once on the ridge, the path follows stretches of the wide, stony ancient trackway across the moorland before looping back down via Townbrook Hollow and the Burway Track to return to Carding Mill Valley.
It’s not only the far-reaching views across Shropshire from the ridge that make this walk so special. Wild ponies graze on the moorland of the Long Mynd, and you are likely to come across them along the way — a lovely and unexpected highlight, providing a wonderful photo opportunity.
Of course, where you stay makes all the difference to a winter walking break. After the climb and the cold, fresh air, returning to somewhere warm, comfortable and thoughtfully designed is essential. Just 40 minutes from Church Stretton, St Milburga Chapel provides an ideal place to unwind and warm up after a day on the Long Mynd.
For those seeking winter walks near Ludlow that combines a healthy challenge, stunning views and a real sense of achievement, the Burway Loop is hard to beat. If you’re planning a walking-focused winter break in Shropshire, it’s a route well worth considering and you can check availability at St Milburga Chapel to start planning your stay.