Area: Shropshire

'Shropshire has over 3,500 miles of rights of way. A quarter of the county is designated as the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so our long distance routes run through some of the most beautiful and varied landscapes you will find anywhere in Britain ... But it's not all long distance walks, we have some of the best circular walks in the Country.'

'If you're looking for a breath of fresh air and to stretch your legs we've got the perfect walk route for you. We've got four permanent walks through our grounds ranging from the pushchair and wheelchair accessible Mile Walk to our longest walk the Woodland Walk (three miles). Pick up a Walks Leaflet with a map of all our routes from Visitor Reception next time you visit.'

'On Saturday 21st of July 1403 a rebel army led by Sir Henry "Hotspur" Percy and the Royal army of Henry IV met. The Battle that followed was to be remembered by its ferocity ...' Note that I have replaced the original Link.

'Bishop’s Castle and Clun are excellent centres for exploring the unspoilt hill country of the area – most of it in the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Well way marked paths go through many of the hillside and valley villages of the Rivers Clun and Upper Onny, making walking straight from the towns and villages a real pleasure. Both towns are on Shropshire Way, a short distance from the Offa’s Dyke Path, a national trail, and near the pre-bronze age Kerry Ridgeway.'

Usually held in May.

'Brown Clee Walkers are an informal group from the various parishes around the hill, with the majority living in Ditton Priors. Our activities include a monthly walk, of normally up to 10 miles, with a generous lunch stop, usually at a convenient pub. The average turnout is around 12-15 persons.'

Usually held Late June.

'Formed in 1990. The Association was a founding member (1993) of Shropshire’s Parish Paths Partnerships (P3) programme - now one of a large number of volunteer groups that provide a vital contribution to the maintenance of public rights of way for County Council on a voluntary basis.'

'We are part of the national "Walkers are Welcome" towns network ... The Shropshire Way and Offa's Dyke can be reached easily from Clun as it is situated on the most imposing stretches of these long distance footpaths. Above Newcastle Upon Clun walkers can access the ancient pre Bronze Age Kerry Ridgeway which is also a Long Distance Footpath.'

'After years of neglect the magical landscape was lovingly restored and reopened in 1993. Parts of the park and the main walking routes contain several flights of steps, some natural ones carved into rock and some man made wooden ones – these can be slippery when wet.'

Held Early May.

'Our members belong to the LDWA who live along the Welsh Marches and in the English Counties of Shropshire and Herefordshire.'

'Ludlow is surrounded by the gorgeous countryside of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Mortimer Forest, Mortimer Country and North Herefordshire. There are varied walks in all directions – along riversides, through forests, farmland and to ancient heritage sites such as hill forts and to the top of some impressive hills such as Titterstone Clee Hill which dominates the Ludlow skyline.'

'You have arrived at a very unique and special place! The Shropshire town of Much Wenlock is a quintessentially English town, off the beaten track, but well worth the visit ... There are lots of walks both in the town and in the surrounding beautiful Shropshire countryside, including the magnificent Wenlock Edge escarpment. Please explore and enjoy- then travel here for a real visit, we know you'll want to come back!'

'Shrewsbury is fortunate to have its own beautiful, 29-acre parkland known as The Quarry ... The Quarry has been our most important site for recreation since the 16th Century. It is the perfect place to relax, enjoy walks, picnic, fish along the banks of the River Severn, or just let off steam.'

Details of Groups, Walks, Footpaths, and so on within the Shropshire area.

Have published 20 Walks in and around Shrewsbury: 'This popular book is in full colour with easy to follow directions and good maps. The 20 walks include features of architectural, historical or geological interest. At £4.99 post free it is ideal for families and for visitors to the Shrewsbury area.'

'New members are always welcome. Just come along to one of our monthly meetings, where our Groups Co-ordinator will be in the seating area outside the entrance to the Walker Theatre from 9.45 am onwards. He will help you with any information or enquiries about our existing groups or about the U3A in general. A prospective member may attend one monthly meeting and/or one study group meeting, before deciding whether to join.'

'Shropshire boasts many Walkers are Welcome towns, so you know that hospitality is assured whether you're on a day trip or a longer holiday. All of the towns work hard to maintain their surrounding footpaths, to offer excellent walking opportunities and to provide high quality walking information for both locals and visitors.'

'What better way to enjoy the natural beauty of the Shropshire Hills than to go for a walk? It’s a great thing also for exercise (or relaxation), exploration (or revisiting a familiar place) and for company (or solitude)'

'SYR is a group of like minded people in their 20s and 30s who enjoy the great outdoors. We welcome new members at any time but before joining we request that you come along to one of our walks. We often do "new member walks" which are typically relatively short and easy but if you already do some walking then feel free to along to one of our regular walks.'

'Links to view details, maps and leaflets of walks in and around the borough of Telford and Wrekin.'

'Search Bridgnorth & District Tourist Association online Walking database to find the best places to walk in Bridgnorth and find accommodation providers who have walking facilities on site or nearby.'

'Shropshire Walks to download and print FREE !' ALERT At Review, this Website was inaccessible.

'This page has been prepared by Wellington Walkers are Welcome Management Committee. This is an ad hoc group of interested local walkers. We are not a party political organisation; we have supporters of a range of political parties, and none, on our management committee who work effectively together. The inspiration for the group came from a combination of Wellington LA21 Group and Wellington Town Council without whose help this would not have been possible.'

Held Mid September.

'Formed in 1976 by a group of local people interested in walking and the protection of local footpaths ... The Whitchurch Walkers have produced a walks booklet which contains details of 5 walks starting at the Whitchurch Heritage Centre of varying lengths from 2 to 8 miles. This can be purchased from the Heritage Centre for £1.50.'

Held Mid May.

'For the last fifty years West Birmingham Hostelling Group and its successor, the Across Wales Walk Association, have organised the Across Wales Walk: an event now recognised as one of the regular classics of the challenge walking calendar ... The Across Wales Walk is open to both walkers and runners. Whilst we welcome those attempting completion in fast times, the event is not a race.' [And note the Section Across Wales Walk: The Hard Truth!] Usually held Early September.

'A Shropshire classic with added value - The Wrekin and The Ercall.

'10 fabulous walks starting at The Baron at Bucknell'

'Long distance footpath encirling the historic market town of Bishop’s Castle, Shropshire. It was developed by local experienced walkers who live in Bishop’s Castle and who know the area intimately.'

Stepping out in Bridgnorth!  'Initially this will be a level walk through the High Street of High Town with diversions for the fit and energetic by foot to Low Town, or for the less mobile a descent by the famous Bridgnorth Cliff Railway is recommended ...'

'Covering as much as 2,000 hectares (4,942 acres) of heather-covered hills with stunning views of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Welsh hills, this is an important place for wildlife, geology and archaeology. There are paths for walking, cycling and horse riding, you can even drive to the top of the hill to take in the views ...'

'We want you to enjoy the Shropshire Hills so here are some of our suggestions for a great day out either on foot, bike or horse! Walking can be fantastic in the winter too but please take a look at our top tips for winter walking to ensure you stay safe out on the Shropshire Hills.'

'Takes you out into the beautiful Shropshire countryside in and around the Corvedale. Taking in points of interest on the way such as Bromcroft Castle, old Motte and Bailey site, Corfton Castle site, Old Chapels and Delbury Hall ... It is easily possible to use any number of public paths which cross the valley to shorten the walk and make a smaller loop.'

'Darwin was born at Mount House in Shrewsbury on 12th February 1809 and spent the first 27 years of his life in the town. Darwin's early life inspired his fascination with the natural world leading to his theories of evolution. Much of Shrewsbury remains unchanged since Darwin's time, indeed he would still recognise much of town ... '

'The Dawley Trail is a self-guided heritage walk which aims to bring alive much of the parish's rich history and culture. On the ground is a wealth of surviving buildings, artefacts, and often humble commemorations to an era of industrial enterprise, as well as the lives of important local characters ... '

'The Trail provides visitors with a free and gentle tour of Ellesmere (mostly accessible by wheelchair and pushchair) taking in the uniquely attractive settings of the mere, the historic castle fields and canal.'

'Walk through woodland and meadows, and past relics of industry.'

'The aims of the Geopark Way project were to establish a long distance Landscape and Geology walking trail through the Abberley and Malvern Hills Geopark, and to write and publish an accompanying trail guide. The project was conceived from the aspiration to highlight geology, landscape and associated heritage within the Abberley and Malvern Hills Geopark and to make these accessible to all.'

Route 'devised to cover, as near as possible, all of the counties and areas served by Hope House Children’s Respite Hospice, a registered charity situated near Oswestry'.

The book The Hope House Way: a 335-mile Walk Around Shropshire, the Marches and Mid Wales for Hope House Children's Hospices by Mark Rowlands and published by the Rotary Club of Wrekin should be obtainable second-hand.

'Route linking Wellington to Newport via Telford Town Centre.  Historical and natural features are linked with the modern developments which have created the interesting mosaic that  this distinctive local area.The route is based on a mixture of public rights of way, lanes, trackways through open spaces and paved footpaths providing the opportunity to explore many interesting places.'

'Shropshire's long distance bridleway (for use by those on foot, bicycle and horseback). Comprising over 100 miles of rural bridleways and quiet country lanes, this trail takes you through some of Shropshire's most beautiful and unspoilt countryside.'

The Long Mynd Hike (which in Welsh means Long Mountain) is a 50 mile competition hike open to anyone aged 18 or over which takes place over the first weekend of October every year. The hike follows a set figure-of-eight route over the rugged countryside of South Shropshire and the Welsh Marches, with about 8,000 feet (3,000 metres) of climbing and covering eight summits.'

'Discover Madeley's hidden historical gems on this self-guided trail.'

'The Magic of Mary Webb is a series of four trails devised to guide you to the places Mary Webb loved, along walks she did many times and to locations she wrote about. There was little that Mary Webb didn't know about the Shropshire countryside, its lanes, hills, valleys and meres, its wildlife and vegetation, its legends and folklore - and its people.'

'Walking or cycling along the towpath is an excellent way to experience the peace and tranquility of this rural canal. This is also a popular canal for canoeing – paddling quietly through peaceful green surroundings is a great way to spot wildlife.'

'This exceptionally lovely walk takes you through the beautiful Shropshire and Herefordshire countryside, from Ludlow to Kington.'

'Delightful and challenging 33-mile route combining Offa’s Dyke Path and the Montgomery and Llangollen canals to form a circular walk around the border town of Oswestry. The guide book and annual challenge to complete the route are in support of Cancer Research UK and Lingen Davies Cancer Fund.'

'The route follows the Shropshire Union Railway for 2.5 miles. The Railway was opened in 1849 and ran from Wellington to Stafford.'

'In 1999, the late Mr John Slater, a long time resident of Ketley created a circular walk around the parishes of Ketley and Lawley & Overdale. Mr Slater had a keen interest in local history and created the route on which historical points of interest relating to the Ironmasters, Richard and William Reynolds would be identified.'

Map and list of buildings for the Town Trail. Copies of the 27-page booklet itself are available from the Civic Society at Bear Steps.

'Shropshire's Outdoor Recreation Team manages approximately 5500km of public footpaths, bridleways, byways open to all traffic (BOATs) and restricted byways (RBs). These form a network of routes which run between villages, lead to and from towns, and provide access to the countryside. The Outdoor Recreation Team manage these routes to ensure that they're open and clearly signed on the ground, recorded at the correct status and available on the correct line ...'

'Hobsons Brewery is pleased to announce it has been commissioned by the Shropshire Hills AONB partnership to brew a special beer to promote the walking with Offa initiative. The Walking with Offa series of promoted pub walks have been delivered to support rural pubs in the Welsh-English borderlands. These walks showcase some of the spectacular views, history and wildlife of the Shropshire Hills.' Sadly, the beer is no longer available, but the Walking with Offa Pub Walks Booklet might still be available to buy. The booklet includes the original 12 walks, each with a route map, walk instructions and local information.

'We offer opportunities to volunteers to help us manage the 5500 kms of Public Rights of Way within the County ... The P3 scheme began in the early 1990’s and has thrived ever since, there are now some 60 groups carrying out thousands of hours of work each year.'

'If you wanted to know about the best walks in Shropshire who would you ask? We asked the real experts The local walkers. The individuals and groups, historians, lovers of flora and fauna, the volunteers who look after the stiles, bridges and paths: all have contributed. The result is the Shropshire Way. Not only the finest route around the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, but also the best possible set of day walks ...

'A green corridor route through Telford from Bratton in the north-west corner via the Town Centre to the spectacular Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site. The route boasts great contrasts with futuristic new developments, pockets of woodland and meadow and mature parkland. For almost its entire length the route follows dry canal beds and disused railway lines.'

'The pathway (18 miles approx.), which runs between Cleobury Mortimer and north of Stottesdon, is laid out in roughly a figure eight pattern intersecting at Detton Hall. The walk is planned, as a one day outing for experienced walkers, to include most of the Rea Valley farms mentioned in Simon Evans' books. Casual walkers should allow 2 days to fully enjoy this footpath.'

'Waymarked long-distance footpath which starts in Grindley Brook, Shropshire, passes through Cheshire, and finishes at Mow Cop, Staffordshire ... It links the South ends of the Sandstone Trail and the Gritstone Trail.'

'Circular walking route that takes you on a journey around known, and lesser known, heritage sites within the Parishes of Stirchley & Brookside, Madeley, Dawley Hamlets and the Gorge.'

'Tucked away in rolling countryside below Clee Hill, Stottesdon & Sidbury parish is one of Shropshire's best kept secrets. Stotty Stroll circular walks guide you around secret places, sights and sounds not accessible by car, and finish near our village pubs. A perfect day out!' Unfortunately at the time of Review the original Link used here could not be reached; so I have replaced it with a more generic Link.

'The most spectacular Shropshire walk with fantastic woodland and views to rival those of many higher mountains.'

'Within 5 minutes walk from the Secret Hills Centre you will find yourself in the heart of the countryside. Explore the woods and fields and discover a Civil War battlefield, a hidden fortress, a deer park and a Roman road!' Note that the outline description has become theThree Trees Walk though the PDF is still the Three Woods Walk. ALERT Details of this Walk no longer seems directly accessible from the Shropshire' Great Outdoors Website; so I have changed the Link.

'Why not park your car and explore the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site by foot or bicycle? This Leaflet describes a variety of walks and cycle rides from each of the main car parks in the Gorge.'

A Guide which 'will take you to 12 wonderful places to explore across Shropshire. Each one provides its own rewards: superb views, wonderful wildlife and fascinating buildings and features from Shropshire's past will be yours to discover. The sites are listed in order of accessibility. The ones at the front of the guide are considered the most accessible. The sites towards the back are more challenging ...'

'Bishop's Castle and Clun are excellent centres for exploring the unspoilt hill country of the area – most of it in the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Well way marked paths go through many of the hillside and valley villages of the Rivers Clun and Upper Onny, making walking straight from the towns and villages a real pleasure ... Both towns are on Shropshire Way, a short distance from the Offa's Dyke Path, a national trail, and near the pre-bronze age Kerry Ridgeway. The Jack Mytton Bridleway goes through Clun and near to Bishop's Castle.'

'Commemorate the effects of World War 1 on the homefront by partaking in our specially created World War 1 Shropshire Walk routes. Use the Map ... to see a leaflet for that particular route - each walk has been numbered.'

'Spans the width of the County for 65 kilometres from Newport in the west to Burton upon Trent in the east. Unlike the Staffordshire Way, the Way for the Millennium, which follows a disused railway line and canal towpaths for much of its length, has no steep gradients and is suitable for people of any age.'

'The Wenlock Walks are five short circular walks which start at the clock tower in Much Wenlock square, opposite the Guildhall and the Museum. None of them is more than 5km, and each one can be walked in two hours or less. Each walk takes you out of the town and into our glorious countryside. They can get muddy so you'll need strong shoes, but once you've walked all these you'll want to walk some more !' ALERT New Links provided.