With rocks representing 11 of the 13 different geological periods, Shropshire is an area of contrasts. Its most rewarding and inspiring landscape lies south of Shrewsbury. The industrial past of the Clee Hills in the southeast sweep round to the wooded 17-mile long Wenlock Edge escarpment, once a coral reef near the Seychelles. Next, are the rocky Stretton Hills and the more rounded Long Mynd, lying on the Stretton fault line. Welcome to earthquake country! In the far west lie the Stiperstones, a series of jagged quartzite tors steeped in superstition.
Steep climbs are rewarded with far-reaching views, some viewpoints offering vistas stretching from the Malvern Hills in Worcestershire to Cadair Idris on the Welsh coast. There are beautifully scenic valleys (including the Severn and the Teme), forests and ancient woods as well as plenty of traditional pubs and small independent breweries.
Whilst North Shropshire is flatter, it is home to England’s forgotten Lakeland, the Meres around Ellesmere. These remnants from the Ice Age offer a different bird-watching opportunity to the rugged hills of the south.
Take time out to visit Ludlow’s huge castle, the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre in Craven Arms, Cardingmill Valley in Church Stretton, the huge Iron Age Hillfort at Oswestry and Quarry Gardens in Shrewsbury. Ironbridge Gorge may be the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, but it still offers great walking opportunities along its steep Severn-side hills, an array of interesting museums, and an opportunity to climb the most famous hill in Shropshire – The Wrekin.
