From the heather-clad Long Mynd to the volcanic Wrekin, here are ten of the finest walks across the Shropshire Hills and beyond.
Shropshire is one of England's great walking counties: a quiet patchwork of hills, river valleys and ancient woodland, much of it inside the Shropshire Hills National Landscape. Whether you want a gentle riverside stroll or a proper hill day, here are ten of the best.
1. Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd
The county's most loved walk, just above Church Stretton. Follow the stream up Carding Mill Valley to the chimney-shaped waterfall, then climb onto the heather plateau of the Long Mynd for huge views across to the Stretton Hills. There is a National Trust cafe at the bottom for afterwards.
2. The Wrekin
The hill that gives Telford its skyline. A steep but short there-and-back through woodland to a 407m summit with a hillfort and, on a clear day, views over several counties. A rite of passage for locals.
3. Stiperstones
A wild, otherworldly ridge of jagged quartzite tors (the Devil's Chair the most famous), high above the old mining country near Minsterley. Bleak, beautiful and brilliant in late summer when the heather is out.
4. Wenlock Edge
A wooded limestone escarpment running for miles near Much Wenlock, immortalised by Housman and Vaughan Williams. Shady, gentle and full of wildflowers, with viewpoints out over Ape Dale.
5. The Severn Way at Shrewsbury
A flat, easy loop around the town's river. Start in The Quarry park, take in the Dingle gardens, then follow the Severn under the town's historic bridges. Perfect for an afternoon and pushchair-friendly.
6. Ironbridge Gorge
Walk the riverside through the World Heritage gorge, under the famous Iron Bridge, with the wooded valley sides rising steeply on either side. Combine it with the museums for a full day.
7. Ellesmere and the Meres
Gentle, watery walking around the glacial lakes of the "Shropshire Lake District". The circuit of The Mere at Ellesmere is easy, scenic and great for wildlife.
8. Hawkstone Park Follies
A genuinely thrilling walk through cliffs, caves, towers and a grotto laid out in the 18th century, near Wem. Steep steps and dark tunnels (bring a torch) make it a hit with older children.
9. Pistyll Rhaeadr
Just over the border but reached through Oswestry, this is one of the tallest waterfalls in Britain. A short walk to the falls, or a longer climb to the top of the cascade.
10. Haughmond Hill and Abbey
A short, easy woodland walk near Shrewsbury with a cracking viewpoint over the Severn plain, paired with the romantic ruins of Haughmond Abbey at the bottom.
Before you go
Wear proper footwear for the hill walks, check the weather (the Long Mynd and Stiperstones get wild), and take a map. Many of these sit near our featured Shropshire towns, so you are never far from a good cafe or pub afterwards.