Walking in the Shropshire Marches

In the heart of the border Marches, Shropshire is an archetypal English county of great historical importance, from the Saxon hillforts and Norman castles built to defend against Welsh incursion, to the rolling hills and winding river valleys that provided the background to the Industrial Revolution. Leaving historic Bishop's Castle, this walk follows ancient drovers’ trails along the ridgeways, or 'cefns' of the border, linking in with sections of the Shropshire Way and Offa’s Dyke as you make your way towards the historic market town of Ludlow. You pass through charming unspoiled villages, explore castles and hillforts, and wander across common pastureland that has not been ploughed for centuries. You stay at a combination of small inns and a country hotel. All stays are on a bed and breakfast basis, leaving you free to take your pick of the inns and restaurants in each village or town.

Country Inn, Bishop's Castle

This former eighteenth century coaching inn boasts a lovely garden and terrace to the rear which affords far-reaching views of the Shropshire countryside. The three bars, serving good food and a fine selection of real ales, are warm and welcoming, just as country inns should be. Games like shove ha'penny and bar billiards are still played competitively here.

Country Inn, Clun

This traditional inn in the heart of Clun, is a 15th-century grade II listed building of cruck-beam construction with a wealth of exposed oak beams and original charm. Country Hotel, Bromfield, near Ludlow Formerly a Georgian farmhouse, this stylish restaurant with rooms is situated on the edge of Ludlow. The interior is a sympathetic blend of traditional and contemporary design, the main building retaining some original features in the bar and lounge alongside a more minimal approach in the restaurant areas. The bedrooms are located in period outbuildings, tastefully converted to provide contemporary accommodation.

Traveller Reviews of This Trip

The walking notes were so good that we did not need to refer to the map. A minor point is that we would have found it useful to have distances shown as well as estimated walking time, although we found the time fairly accurate to our pace. The holiday more than lived up to our expectations in terms of scenery and organisation and was very relaxing and hassle free. We will definitely use Inntravel again. Mrs G Spicer, Stevenage, Hertfordshire,19/05/2011

The last hotel was the best – large room with high ceilings and spotless bathroom. The food was so good that we ate here both nights.
We found the first day a bit hard going but I think it was because it was very windy on that day and being high up it made it more difficult. Although the second day was just as long, we found it easier and enjoyed it more. I would recommend that when you get to the end of the walk into Ludlow, stop at the Green Café by the bridge for excellent buttermilk scones with homemade lemon curd.
Also, as we arrived at Stokesay Castle at 4.30pm, it was a bit late to go in and we were a bit too tired but after we picked up our car, we drove there and had a morning visit the next day. It is well worth it. Mrs S Campbell, Bristol, 09/05/2011

For more reviews of this trip, see: Reviews of Castles of the Shropshire Marches Walk