Explore Shropshire’s Top Hiking Trails

Shropshire, an exquisite corner of England which borders Wales, features rolling hills that tell an incredible tale through history and nature. From ancient hillforts to towering peaks, there’s something in Shropshire for every hiker to discover.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll with your pup along this lovely circular trail near the Welsh border, taking you along lush country lanes lined with majestic trees for an enjoyable and serene walk through nature.

1. Lightspout Waterfall

Lightspout Waterfall’s cascading waters form an idyllic cascade over rocky outcrops, making this waterfall a popular walk during any season but especially after prolonged rainfall. Experience its amazing geology as you trek along Carding Mill Valley through Carding Mill Valley towards its four metre cascade via stream, taking in impressive views along with abundant wildlife – you might even spot dingy skipper and speckled wood butterflies during high summer!

Shropshire lies along the Welsh border and boasts rolling hills, woodland trails and castle-dotted countryside. There’s something here for every walking style from exploring Wenlock Edge woodland footpath to exploring an ancient Saxon village’s heritage trail; no matter which way you turn there’s sure to be plenty of walking enjoyment here!

At Wenlock Edge, one of Shropshire’s premier hiking trails is its towering limestone cliffs – a Site of Special Scientific Interest – which offer scenic pathways winding through woodland bridleways to open grasslands at its summit with magnificent views across Shropshire. Walking trails atop its limestone escarpment allow hikers to discover wildflowers like harebell and purple heather during late spring blooming seasons.

Bury Ditches hillfort in northern Lancaster county boasts an enigmatic Iron Age fort that was once defended by Owain Glyndwr; today it remains one of the best preserved in Britain.

Shropshire hiking trails include The Wrekin, an iconic landmark with breathtaking panoramic views from its slopes. A well-marked trail from its car park leads you over its spine and around its perimeter; for a shorter trek through Ercall Woods you can discover rocks dating back 500 million years – both hiking trails provide stunning scenic beauty!

Northern Shropshire boasts an extraordinary cluster of glacial lakes known as meres that can be explored via an 11km Meres Meander walk. Follow it around Colemere and Blakemere while keeping an eye out for dragonflies and kingfishers along the lakeshores.

2. Stapeley Hill

Shropshire lies between pastoral England and Wales’ hills and mountains, making it a fantastic walking region with plenty of stunning natural views and historical landmarks to discover on its many trails and pathways. Walk the stunning limestone escarpment of Wenlock Edge or follow Offa’s Dyke along its route between English-Welsh borders; discover Norman ruins like Montgomery Castle’s Norman ruins at Welshpool Llanfair Railway; visit historic towns or villages like Ludlow castle as the site of Caractacus’ final battle; discover walking routes from Wenlock Edge or ancient woodland bridleways/paths along its English/Welsh border!

Stapeley Hill may be overshadowed by its neighboring ridge of Stiperstones, but that doesn’t diminish its beauty. At its summit lies a magnificent saddleback of grass and rock topped by several Bronze Age cairns dating from 2000-1200 BCE that serve as burial tombs or as markers of its summit – making this hike truly picturesque!

Stapeley Hill can be enjoyed independently or combined with nearby Caer Caradoc and Hope Bowdler Hills to form a longer stroll through what A E Housman dubbed ‘those blue remembered hills.” Stapeley Hill also hosts Mitchell’s Fold, an ancient stone circle whose origin remains a mystery.

This short, circular walk is ideal for families with young children or anyone seeking an easy yet scenic walk. Starting in Benthall and following green lanes through picturesque countryside, passing remnants of Shropshire’s industrial past such as Jenny Wind tramway. Ironbridge, known as ‘the Birthplace of the Industrial Revolution’, offers independent shops and cafes for visitors to explore. After arriving back at your starting point via River Tern and limestone grassland, there will be various opportunities to stop and admire changing hues reflected off its waters; dog walkers should keep your canine under control due to sheep in the area. This walk makes an enjoyable day trip too!

3. Burrow Hillfort Loop

This spectacular natural phenomenon provides stunning vistas of rolling green meadows and magnificent beech trees, creating an incredible trail perfect for either relaxing strolls or adventurous hikes.

The Shropshire Hills AONB offers some spectacular natural landscapes, from hidden waterfalls and majestic outcrops to hilltop forts and historic Neolithic standing stones to Bronze Age stone circles. Additionally, there are numerous historic remnants such as Neolithic standing stones and Bronze Age stone circles in this region that boast outstanding beauty.

One of Shropshire’s most beloved hiking trails is Wenlock Edge, an 18-mile (30 km) limestone escarpment offering magnificent views. This trail takes visitors through woods and fields before leading them to one or more trig points – including Major’s Leap which was named after an supporter of King Charles I who fled Roundheads during the English Civil War and took refuge on Wenlock Edge.

Shropshire hiking enthusiasts shouldn’t miss The Wrekin, an extinct volcano rising 407 meters above the surrounding terrain and believed to have been formed when a giant threw their spade across its peak, leaving its distinctive form visible today. Hikers can explore The Wrekin via various trails – including Ratlinghope Ramble – offering spectacular panoramic views.

If you’re in search of an easy, relaxing stroll, consider the Burrow Hillfort Loop trail in Acton Burnell. Beginning from here, this path winds its way through meadows, woodlands, and fields; its easy trail makes this an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned hikers alike.

The Burrow Hillfort Loop also takes in many notable sites, such as Shropshire’s iconic Stiperstones; jagged quartzite tors that stand as one of its signature landmarks; medieval hillfort ruins and panoramic countryside views – approximately 10 miles (16 km). Completion typically takes 4-6 hours with dog-friendly hikers welcome too!

4. Titterstone Clee Hill

Titterstone Clee Hill provides an engaging hike, featuring its intriguing teed-up golf ball shape. Perfect for taking in Shropshire’s many hills and valleys.

At the top of Long Mynd hill stands an enormous granite cross. On its southern flank there are two trig points; Abdon Burf stands a few metres higher and offers more panoramic views across its surroundings, including Long Mynd.

Both trig points offer granite benches for relaxing and taking in the spectacular views. Titterstone Clee Hill is an extremely popular hiking location; its hills can easily be scaled during summer hikes while precaution should be taken during winter due to extreme weather that could impede travel plans and cause travel disruptions.

There is an array of plants and wildlife found here, and chances are good you will spot rabbits, adders, pheasants or peregrines during a stroll through this area. Birding enthusiasts also frequent it; peregrine falcons, kestrels, northern wheatears and European stonechats have all been seen regularly here.

Before World War II, this area was an epicenter of industry with quarrying for Dhustone rock being one of the mainstays for both Bedlam and Ludlow villages. Evidence of its industrial past can still be seen today with crumbling remains of quarry buildings and an incline of narrow gauge railway.

The Southern Clee Hills are an attractive site for geologists, boasting more rocks of different ages than any other similar-sized region in England. Ellis Peters featured these hills prominently in his Brother Cadfael mysteries while their twin peaks of Brown and Titterstone Clee Hill can be seen on Hereford Cathedral’s 13th Century Mappa Mundi display.