IMPORTANT:
The weather in the hills can change rapidly, so please bring suitable clothing to protect yourself from the wet, cold and (hopefully!) sun. Sturdy footwear is essential and walking poles are recommended.
Always bring plenty to drink and sufficient food – the walks may take longer than you think.
Please note:
Always bring plenty to drink and sufficient food – the walks may take longer than you think.
Please note:
- Regrettably, we cannot accept dogs on the walks because of livestock in the fields.
- Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
THURSDAY 15TH MAY 2025
Cattle in the River Severn a short way up from Frankwell car park
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Description of Walk: We take the local bus service (£3 each way without bus pass) to the outskirts of Shrewsbury where we will join the national trail ‘The Severn Way’ to walk into the town centre. Initially we walk through beautiful Riverside Meadows, which must have inspired the naturalist Charles Darwin when he lived nearby in Mount House as a young boy. We continue to follow the amazing meander of the river which almost encircles the old town of Shrewsbury, finishing at the castle which guards the narrow neck of land leading into the town. Come and see how the river dominates the town and how the townspeople use the river. Beautiful views of the town and lots of interest. Good paths but may be muddy after rain. Bring drinks and lunch. Stopping at a coffee shop is an option.
Return on 2.00 pm or 4.25 pm bus depending on how much time required in town.
Cost £5.00
Return on 2.00 pm or 4.25 pm bus depending on how much time required in town.
Cost £5.00
THURSDAY 15TH MAY 2025
Walking down from the Stiperstones Ridge
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Description of Walk: Join members of the Shropshire Hills National Landscape Team on a 6-mile walk over the Stiperstones. The walk includes two farm visits to meet local farmers and hear about their work, the challenges of modern day farming in the Shropshire Hills, and the changes they are making to benefit the landscape, environment and farm business. The walk will take us from the Bog, along the side of the Stiperstones before climbing up and over the ridge to reach The Hollies. We then walk alongside the Gatten Plantation on a footpath which leads us back onto the Stiperstones ridge. The ridge is an uneven, rocky path, so we will be taking it slowly to enjoy the views across the Shropshire Hills. Please bring a packed lunch, drinks etc. with you. The Bog Visitor Centre should be open when we return from the walk and includes displays, refreshments, local crafts and toilets.
Estimated finish time 3 pm.
Cost: £5.00
Estimated finish time 3 pm.
Cost: £5.00
THURSDAY 15TH MAY 2025
Fron Woods
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Description of Walk: A circular walk starting from the lychgate at St John’s Church, Bishops Castle. We leave the town across open fields to gain our first woodland at Cwmmawr Dingle. Leaving the woodland, we cross a small brook to climb steadily along the lower flanks of Henley Wood. After Henley Wood we join the Shropshire Way to climb to our high point of the day at Reilth Top which offers us fine views of the Unk Valley and the Clun Forest. Next, we descend into the Unk Valley to cross into Fron Wood, a wonderful Ancient Woodland where we should be treated to carpets of bluebells.
Leaving the wood, we climb gently to Bishop’s Moat, whereafter we descend across open fields returning to Bishop’s Castle.
Bring lunch and drinks. Estimated finish time 3 pm
Cost £5.00
Leaving the wood, we climb gently to Bishop’s Moat, whereafter we descend across open fields returning to Bishop’s Castle.
Bring lunch and drinks. Estimated finish time 3 pm
Cost £5.00
THURSDAY 15TH MAY 2025
Bury Ditches
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Description of Walk: An overview of a century of medicine in SW Shropshire, identifying medicinal plants, and unearthing myths and secrets en route. The walk is from Bishop's Castle to Clun, across meadows, along good paths, and forest tracks spotting relevant buildings. It will reflect the interests of your leaders, offering a healthy insight to our countryside. We take time to enjoy the grand views with the detail of medicinal plants. You will need supplies of food and drinks, waterproofs, sunhats and stout footwear.
Estimated finish time 4.00pm. A minibus will transport us back to Bishop’s Castle.
Cost £10.00
Estimated finish time 4.00pm. A minibus will transport us back to Bishop’s Castle.
Cost £10.00
THURSDAY 15TH MAY 2025
South of the Stiperstones Ridge
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Description of Walk: Starting from Norbury Village Hall we will walk up to the open tops of Norbury Hill and Cold Hill with wonderful views to the Long Mynd. We then descend steeply before ascending to the southern part of the Stiperstones. We head south along the ridge, with good views across to Wales. There are arresting rock formations at Nipstone and The Rock. We drop back down into the valley before the last ascent back onto Linley Hill. Please bring lunch, snacks and drinks for the day.
Estimated finish time 3.15 pm.
Cost £5.00
Estimated finish time 3.15 pm.
Cost £5.00
THURSDAY 15TH MAY 2025
 Bury Ditches
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Description of Walk: After the minibus journey from Bishop’s Castle the walk starts from Clun Memorial Hall and uses tracks and footpaths to climb to the top of Bury Ditches where there is a classic example of an Iron Age hill fort. From there we descend to the village of Lydbury North, via the private Walcot Estate. In the village is an opportunity for a drink and toilet stop. There is then a further climb to the top of Oakeley Mynd on footpaths through farmland with views of the Long Mynd, the Onny Valley and later down onto Bishop’s Castle, finishing back at the Six Bells pub. Please bring drinks and a packed lunch for the day and have adequate clothing for the prevailing weather. Walking boots are required and a pair of walking poles is recommended. Tuition in their correct use can be provided on the day.
Estimated finish time 4.30 pm.
Cost £10.00
Estimated finish time 4.30 pm.
Cost £10.00
THURSDAY 15TH MAY 2025
Moon rise over Manstone Rock
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Description of Walk: A spectacular walk with stunning views, steeped in history, legend and myth. Starting at Bishop’s Castle we travel by minibus to the old lead mining village of Snailbeach. From there we follow the Shropshire Way up and along the Stiperstones Ridge with its famous quartzite rocky outcrops including Manstone Rock, the second highest point in Shropshire (536m). After descending from the ridge we continue along the Shropshire Way, over Nipstone Hill and Linley Hill (watch out for red kites and buzzards), through the hamlet of More and back to Bishop’s Castle. This is a strenuous full-day walk with some sections of uneven and rocky ground. Please bring drinks, food supply and waterproofs, spare clothing, strong footwear and poles. The only public toilets available are at the drop off car park.
Estimated finish time 4.30 pm.
Cost £10.00
Estimated finish time 4.30 pm.
Cost £10.00
FRIDAY 16TH MAY 2025
Blakemoorgate Cottage
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Description of Walk: Lordshill was the focal point of Mary Webb’s novel ‘Gone to Earth’ and key scenes were set there when it was filmed. That was in 1949, when the upland hamlet of Blakemoorgate was still occupied. Our walk starts at Lordshill and climbs to Blakemoorgate where we will visit two restored cottages. On the way we will pass The Hollies, a Shropshire Wildlife Trust nature reserve rich in springtime wildlife. Blakemoorgate is on the Stiperstones National Nature Reserve where heathland plants and geology will figure. Next comes Brook Vessons, another SWT reserve. Here we’ll see the ancient trees, trackways and little meadows of another deserted hamlet before heading back to Lordshill through The Hollies. There is so much to see and savour that there will be as much talking as walking as we explore the human and natural history and the cultural legacy of this exceptional corner of the county. There is some awkward terrain and damp ground. Bring a drink.
Estimated walk finish time 4.30 pm.
Cost £10.00
Estimated walk finish time 4.30 pm.
Cost £10.00
FRIDAY 16TH MAY 2025
Track down from Corndon to Roundton
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Description of Walk: This is a lovely varied walk over the Welsh hills, with beautiful views. From the car park we begin our ascent through fields, cross a minor road and continue up Todleth Hill. We go down through woodland and emerge near the car park for Roundton Hill and Nature Reserve. Our way is right through a lovely meadow and then left on a quiet lane up to Upper Hurdley. The walk continues through a green lane emerging with our first sighting of Corndon Hill ahead. We turn left, then right down to Corndon Cottage and take a good track in a loop that leads us to the foothills of Lan Fawr Hill, which we’ll climb. Now we have excellent panoramic views of the area. We descend to another good track that leads us down to Old Churchstoke, quite a steep descent. We return via a pleasant lane with good views and back to our cars. Bring lunch and drinks.
Estimated finish time 2.30 pm.
Cost: £5.00
Estimated finish time 2.30 pm.
Cost: £5.00
FRIDAY 16TH MAY 2025
Scots Pine
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Description of Walk: The majestic Scots Pines, anciently used by drovers on their journeys with their animals through this countryside, will feature in this route. These trees were planted to mark the way but also to mark places offering overnight grazing and hospitality. This is a circular walk from Bishop’s Castle and is illustrating significant stories of routes and travel through this border area. Local people have recently planted Scots Pine trees in the landscape, as part of celebrating the 25th year of Bishop’s Castle Walking Festival. This route will pick out the old and new Scots Pines and the stories of drovers tramping through the landscape. Our paths are well maintained, and the route provides a couple of hilltops for views across the area. Those ascents are done over a couple of uphill sections on pastures, grassy and wooded paths, tracks and lanes. Bring along provisions for this day walk including liquids.
Estimated finish time 3.30 pm.
Cost £5.00
Estimated finish time 3.30 pm.
Cost £5.00
FRIDAY 16TH MAY 2025
Golden Valley
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Description of Walk: From The Bridges Pub we will use tracks and paths to ascend onto the Long Mynd via the Golden Valley and the ancient Port Way. We then head south over Pole Bank (height 516m) to Pole Cottage with beautiful views to the east to the Church Stretton hills and to the west there are mountain views towards Snowdonia. We may see buzzards, red kites and wild ponies and, if very lucky, we may hear a curlew. We descend to the Onny Valley before climbing up onto Adstone Hill and then along the ridge back to the pub. There are a couple of steep descents. Please bring a picnic, snacks and drinks for the day.
Estimated finish time 3-4 pm.
Cost: £5.00
Estimated finish time 3-4 pm.
Cost: £5.00
FRIDAY 16TH MAY 2025
Linley Beeches
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Description of Walk: We meet at The Bog car park where we start our walk. This is quite an energetic hilly walk, but not strenuous, with excellent views in good weather of the surrounding Shropshire hills, such as the Long Mynd and Stiperstones. The route leads away from the Stiperstones and follows the Linley Hill beech avenue down to Norbury where you will see one of the oldest yew trees in England. I will be mentioning points of interest as we walk. After lunch in Norbury, we will make our way back up towards the Stiperstones and back The Bog. Please bring food and drink for a lunch stop. There will be time to visit the The Bog Visitor Centre after. Estimated finish time 3.30 pm.
Cost: £5.00
Cost: £5.00
FRIDAY 16TH MAY 2025
Burrow Hill Fort
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Description of Walk: This walk visits three quiet villages in deeper Shropshire. We start in Hopesay and pass the ancient church (now with an eco toilet!) before pulling up via footpaths and tracks to Burrow Hill Fort. The quieter we are the more likely we are to see deer grazing within the folds of this Iron Age fort. We drop down through woodland and fields to join a footpath going north and west to Kempton. A short walk north along the B4385 takes us to a pleasant uphill path through Short Wood, carpeted with bluebells in April and May, to a fine view over the valley towards Hopesay Hill. Gently along field edges and farm tracks our way takes us down to Edgton. Passing through this sleepy village we find a flight of steps which take us upwards towards Basford and along a minor road through Round Oak to the base of Wart Hill, another ancient settlement. Our path next takes us across the open land of Hopesay Common with fine views south over to Black Hill. A steep descent leads us back to the waiting cars in Hopesay. Bring drinks and lunch.
Cost: £5.00
Cost: £5.00
SATURDAY 17TH MAY 2025
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Description of Walk: Join poet Jonathan Davidson for a Poetry Walk of 2.5 hours around the environs of Shropshire's Poetry Pharmacy as part of the Bishop's Castle Walking Festival 2025. Starting and finishing at the Poetry Pharmacy in Bishop’s Castle, we will stroll along small roads and footpaths, stopping now and then to hear some poems read aloud in the open air. Copies of poems – by various carefully selected poets – will be provided, although participants are welcome to bring along short poems of their own to share. While the walk will only be a few kilometres and therefore not too strenuous, it will involve stiles and quite possibly mud, so participants will be asked to bring along suitable footwear and clothing. We’ll walk at the pace of the slowest, the better to chat and enjoy the views. The ticket includes a drink and cake at journey’s end.
To book – please click on link below to book direct with the Poetry Pharmacy.
Cost £15.00 inc. refreshments
To book – please click on link below to book direct with the Poetry Pharmacy.
Cost £15.00 inc. refreshments
SATURDAY 17TH MAY 2025
Downton Gorge
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Description of Walk: Richard Payne Knight was part of the 18th century Picturesque Movement and developed these walks and follies to entertain his guests on his private estate. Still privately owned, this is a rare chance to visit this nature reserve and SSSI. The shortness of the walk belies some steep climbs and descents on narrow paths. Agility and a head for heights are needed and walking poles recommended.
Brink a drink (and snack) for a mid-walk stop.
A minibus will transport us to and from Downton Gorge, returning 5.00 pm.
Cost: £10.00
Brink a drink (and snack) for a mid-walk stop.
A minibus will transport us to and from Downton Gorge, returning 5.00 pm.
Cost: £10.00
SATURDAY17TH MAY 2025
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Description of Walk: The majestic Scots pines, anciently used by drovers on their journeys through this countryside, will feature in this route. In this short circular route from Bishop’s Castle, we will share the links with walkers and drovers of time past. We will be finding the landscape features that have been left by drovers and their animals passing through this market town on their way the Smithfield markets in populations of the Midlands and London. At the same time, we will be able to explore aspects of modern land use and how farmers and town residents have worked together to support modern visits. These paths are well maintained with gentle hills and occasional crossings of lanes (links to the Kerry Ridgeway) in the western outskirts of Bishop’s Castle.
Estimated finish time 1.00 pm.
Cost: £5.00
Estimated finish time 1.00 pm.
Cost: £5.00
SATURDAY 17TH MAY 2025
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Description of Walk: Our bus drops us on high ground to the west of Bishop’s Castle, where there should be big views over the Shropshire Hills. This is a linear walk back to the town, and we soon find the source of the little River Unk and descend steeply into its attractive tranquil valley. We walk across pasture and along tracks, accompanied only by the call of buzzards. A steepish climb then brings us to the earthworks of the ‘motte and bailey’ castle at Bishop’s Moat, and those big views again. The last stretch is downhill through fields and finally up through Cwmmawr Dingle before we find some well-earned refreshment in the town.
Bring food and drink for mid-morning and lunch breaks.
Estimated finish time 3.00 pm.
Cost £10.00
Bring food and drink for mid-morning and lunch breaks.
Estimated finish time 3.00 pm.
Cost £10.00
SATURDAY 17TH MAY 2025
 Llamas
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Description of Walk: This circular walk passes through the beautiful Shropshire Hills between the renowned Long Mynd and the Stiperstones ridge. The route takes us along the charming Darnford Valley and climbs gently through the pastureland and meadows of numerous small livestock farms (quite a lot of stiles), home to some rare breeds of sheep and even llamas. At the foot of the Stiperstones ridge the walk meanders south across open access grassland and deciduous woodland with fine views of the East Onny river valley and the Long Mynd. A small climb from the valley bottom takes us on an old drovers' route back to the start point – still offering spectacular views. Please bring sufficient food and drink for coffee stop and lunch break.
Estimated finish time 3.30 pm.
Cost: £5.00
Estimated finish time 3.30 pm.
Cost: £5.00
SATURDAY 17TH MAY 2025
Stiperstones Ridge
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Description of Walk: This fairly strenuous upland walk combines stretches of open footpaths, quiet lanes and woodland rides, passing through that little explored area to the west of the Bog Centre with the Stiperstones ridge as the backdrop to the day. Ascending several hills along the route, and weather permitting, we will enjoy some typical sweeping and far-reaching hilltop views. Our route provides an introduction to the area’s often breathtaking natural beauty, and we will be looking out for some of the many examples of its abundant and diverse wildlife, intriguing geological formations and scattered remnants of past farming and mining communities that have shaped the landscape over many centuries. We will be surrounded with examples of recent efforts, both small and at-scale, aimed at protecting the landscape and reversing nature’s decline. For those who are interested and inspired, there will be time to ‘walk and talk’ about all the things that we can do to play our own part in this important work. Come prepared for a few stretches of more hilly terrain. And bring some lunch!
Estimated finish time 4.00 – 4.30 pm.
Cost £5.00
Estimated finish time 4.00 – 4.30 pm.
Cost £5.00
SATURDAY 17TH MAY 2025
More Church
More Village
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Description of Walk: This one-way walk will use the Public Service Bus (£3 per person) from Bishop’s Castle to Shelve, allowing us an interesting and varied walk back into town via the Stiperstones. On leaving the bus, we will set off through Shelve Forest, passing the Roman Gravels former mine site early on. Our route then crosses fields and farmland to Tankerville, from where we begin our ascent onto the Stiperstones ridge. Once up on the ridge, we join the Shropshire Way and turn south, with fantastic 360 deg views as we pass Manstone Rock and the Devil’s Chair. Continuing through the Nipstone Rock Nature Reserve, we descend to the River West Onny, from where another climb takes us up onto Linley Hill and more superb views to the south. Passing Linley Beeches, a famous local landmark, we descend to the village of More with its cluster of half-timbered houses and stone church before crossing fields and tackling our final climb up to the Bishop’s Castle campsite, from where it’s all downhill to the town!
A strenuous walk over varied and often rough terrain, this is suited to fit and able walkers, but amply rewarded by fantastic views and many points of interest along the way.
Estimated finish time 4.30 pm
Cost £5.00
A strenuous walk over varied and often rough terrain, this is suited to fit and able walkers, but amply rewarded by fantastic views and many points of interest along the way.
Estimated finish time 4.30 pm
Cost £5.00
SUNDAY 18TH MAY 2025
Nipstone
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Description of Walk: This is an easy 2.5 mile walk in an area rich in lead and barytes mining history, wildlife and quartzite geology. The 480-million-year-old Stiperstones quartzite ridge is nearby. We will pass Nipstone Rock and The Rock – both examples of quartzite tors. At the start of the walk we follow an all-ability trail to a reservoir then we continue through woodland, fields and upland moorland. Fabulous views. The area is used for grazing sheep, and wildlife to look out for includes Emperor Moths, Grayling Butterflies (on the mine spoil heaps), Buzzards, Ravens, Skylarks and Red Grouse. If The Bog Visitor Centre (formerly the village school) is open we will enjoy the exhibition centre, café and toilets at the end of the walk but please bring refreshments with you just in case and at least a bottle of water for the walk.
Estimated finish time 1.00 pm.
Cost £5.00
Estimated finish time 1.00 pm.
Cost £5.00
SUNDAY 18TH MAY 2025
Callow
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Description of Walk: We will be following in the footsteps of drovers as we walk the old route along the length of Stapeley Common, passing through Mitchell’s Fold stone circle, to reach the distinctive landmark of Bromlow Callow. It is featured in Mary Webb’s ‘Gone to Earth’, “It was cold in the Callow - a spinney of silver birches and larches that topped the hill”. We’ll climb up to the trees and picnic among the pines, enjoying the views. We’ll then head back towards Stapeley, taking a loop around Castle Ring hillfort before rejoining the common and walking back past the stones and enjoying the tremendous views in all directions. It's hilly country with rough, uneven ground. We’re mainly following tracks and lanes but in places we’ll be walking on rougher paths. Please bring a packed lunch and drinks with you.
Estimated finish time 3.15 pm. At the end of the walk we will catch the minibus back to Bishop’s Castle.
Cost £10.00
Estimated finish time 3.15 pm. At the end of the walk we will catch the minibus back to Bishop’s Castle.
Cost £10.00
SUNDAY 18TH MAY 2025
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Description of Walk: From Bishop’s Castle the walk ascends Oakeley Mynd offering views of the Onny Valley and the lovely South Shropshire Hills. We pass through the hamlet of Totterton before making our way to Lydbury North, where we will visit the 13th century church if there is not a service on, followed by a one hour picnic lunch stop at the Powis Arms. Bring lunch with you so that we are not delayed at the pub, however, you are welcome to purchase a drink. We will return to Bishop’s Castle by way of a new permissive path, courtesy of the Parish family of Walcot Hall, to Brockton and Colebatch. Finally we will follow the Shropshire Way to the bottom end of town in time for suitable refreshments.
Estimated finish time 3.00 pm.
Cost £5.00
Estimated finish time 3.00 pm.
Cost £5.00
SUNDAY 18TH MAY 2025
Clun
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Description of Walk: Walking from Clun Memorial Hall we pass beside a 12th Century housing scheme and along lanes crossing the River Clun to climb steadily on the Jack Mytton Way out of the border town. Grand views whilst walking footpaths and lanes take us to just below Llanfair Hill. Often pictured in guidebooks, this remote landscape is a sight to behold. We have time to discover the ancient Dyke, an 8th Century boundary of King Offa, and then follow the national route, to the north, leading towards the lovely views over the Clun Valley. From here we descend steeply into this valley and follow the route of the river as it winds its way back to the town of Clun and its medieval castle. Bring lunch and drinks.
Estimated finish time 3.00 – 3.30 pm.
Cost £5.00
Estimated finish time 3.00 – 3.30 pm.
Cost £5.00
SUNDAY 18TH MAY 2025
Walking up from Norbury
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Description of Walk: The walk begins at Norbury Village Hall car park and takes you through the stunning landscape north of Bishop’s Castle, nestled between the Stiperstones and the Long Mynd. You'll traverse hills, fields, and country lanes, taking in the expansive views from Linley Hill and Adstone Hill. There might be a chance to stop at the pub in Wentnor, but it's recommended to bring enough food and drink for the day, along with appropriate clothing and footwear for this vigorous outing.
Estimated finish time 3.30 pm.
Cost £5.00
Estimated finish time 3.30 pm.
Cost £5.00
SUNDAY 18TH MAY 2025
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Description of Walk: Follow in the footsteps of A. E. Housman as we wind our way through remote borderland countryside, full of history and magnificent views. The route takes us along what is arguably the one of best stages of the Shropshire Way. Leaving Bishop’s Castle on tracks and paths across farmland and along a delightful valley, our climb up Colebatch Hill is rewarded by beautiful retrospective views of Bishop’s Castle and the Kerry Hills. After skirting the wooded Unk Valley and Churchtown, we join the Offa’s Dyke National Trail. With some steep ascents and descents in places, we follow one of the best preserved sections of Offa’s Dyke, before descending along the stunning Cefns ridge to the ancient town of Clun where our walk ends by the ruins of the 11th century border castle. Footpaths and tracks. Some steep ascents and descents. Good boots and poles (if used).
Bring packed lunch and drinks.
Estimated finish time 4.00 pm. Return to Bishop’s Castle by minibus.
Cost £10.00
Bring packed lunch and drinks.
Estimated finish time 4.00 pm. Return to Bishop’s Castle by minibus.
Cost £10.00