Winter has well and truly come this week with the first snow fall of the year and biting temperatures. On the flip side, it has also brought with it some lovely sunshine and gorgeous blue skies (in between the snow showers). I think the snow makes everything so much more beautiful and I love to get out for a walk when I can after a snowfall to marvel at the stunning scenery and take some deep breaths of the crisp winter air. However, I have a few requisites for going on a winter hike: firstly, it needs to be either not too long or at least not to far off the beaten track in case the weather takes a turn for the worse. Secondly, I really enjoy some wide-open vista to take in the scenery of the Shropshire Hills and soak up some of the winter sunshine when it makes an appearance. Last but by all means not least, I want a café at the end of the walk so I can have a well-deserved hot drink and warm up again! With that in mind here are some of my suggestions for a winter walk in Shropshire and the Shropshire Hills.
Long Mynd and Carding Mill Valley
The Long Mynd and Carding Mill Valley near Church Stretton is probably my top suggestion for a winter walk. It has everything going for it, including plenty of parking that happens to be free if you are a member of the National Trust! There are lots of walks you can do of all lengths to suit all abilities. It’s a popular spot and can get busy. My favourite hike is to head up the Carding Mill Valley, following the path up onto the Long Mynd along the left-hand side of the stream, across the top and then head back down into the Carding Mill Valley, coming out below the café. It takes around 3 to 4 hours depending on how many times you spot for a breather on the way up. It’s a steepish climb but the paths are well marked and at least it’s fairly flat once you get onto the Lond Mynd. Last time, we did this walk we were lucky enough to come across the wild ponies that live up there. Best part of the walk; beautiful views right across Shropshire and of course a large, dependable café at the end. National Trust scone anyone!
The Stiperstones
Also situated near Church Stretton, The Stiperstones is the second highest hill in Shropshire and that means that the views from the top are magnificent, especially in the wintertime, looking towards the Welsh border in one direction and across the Shropshire countryside in the other. For those unfamiliar with the area, the ridge that forms the distinctive shape of The Stiperstones was formed during the last ice age when the extreme weather conditions dramatically eroded and shaped the quartz rocks that make up the hill. The most impressive rock formation is The Devil’s Chair – a popular spot for a photo opportunity. Like The Long Mynd, this is a ridge walk so expect a steep climb followed by a fairly level walk along the top. There are various parking places but an obvious parking spot would be at The Bog Mine car park. Word of note, The Bog Centre with its café is now sadly closed for the rest of 2024. They are hoping to re-open in 2025 but for now your best bet for a hot drink and cake at the end of your walk is probably to head back to Church Stretton, about a 30 min drive away.
Wenlock Edge
Another fantastic ridge walk with amazing views across the Shropshire Hills, Wenlock Edge is a 19 mile long, narrow limestone escarpment famous for its geology. It was once part of an underwater reef in a subtropical sea, (hard to picture in the depths of Winter). Being made of limestone it was once an industrial area well-known for its limestone quarries. Now, it’s a peaceful spot, popular with amateur fossil hunters as well as walkers. Again, there are loads of different routes you can take for a winter walk, although my preference would be to park up in Much Wenlock and take one of the routes onto the ridge from there – simply because Much Wenlock is such a quaint little spot with plenty of cafes! However, there is also free parking at Presthope and Wilderhope car parks.
Mortimer Forest
If you fancy a lower level walk and perhaps something a bit less strenuous than some of the other suggestions on this page, how about a brisk stroll around Mortimer Forest, near Ludlow. It’s only about a 15-minute drive from St Milburga Chapel. Park up in Ludlow itself, head to the river and across the Dinham Bridge and it’s then a short walk to the forest. Alternatively, head to any of the 3 car parks situated around the edge of the forest where you’ll find free parking. There are lots of trails for all abilities including an easy access trail. What’s more, you’ll be mostly under the shelter of the trees if the weather is inclement and it’s a short hop back to enjoy the many cafés to be found in Ludlow. More information and a downloadable map can be found at: https://www.forestryengland.uk/mortimer-forest
Nordy Bank Hill Fort
If you are staying at St Milburga Chapel this wintertime and don’t fancy driving anywhere, how about a walk up to Nordy Bank Hill Fort? This iron-age hill fort is a short walk from St Milburga Chapel. Head up road for about 20 mins until you come to the sign and well-marked footpath for Clee Liberty Common. You can then either head straight to the hill fort along the well-used paths which should take another 30 mins or so. Or, if you want something a bit longer and more challenging, head up onto the Brown Clee Hill first, around the ridge and back down towards Nordy Bank. Either way, there are some stunning views looking back down towards Stoke St Milborough and across to the Clee Hills in the other direction. Café not needed for this walk as you can just head back to St Milburga Chapel when you are done for a hot drink, cake and a warm in front of our cozy fire!
I hope this has given you a few ideas and perhaps, like me, next time it snows you’ll feel the urge to get wrapped up, lace up your hiking boots and get out into the beautiful Shropshire countryside.