Shropshire is not at the top of most people’s wish lists when it comes to holidays and yet, it is a charming place to visit and stay. The Shropshire hills form part of the English Welsh border and are a designated area of outstanding natural beauty.
Countryside bisected by the A49
The A49 runs through the middle of the Shropshire hills between Shrewsbury and Leominster. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a fabulous outdoor recreation area that is convenient for the population of Birmingham who can reach this lovely rural area in about an hour by car.
This is the type of place to visit to enjoy a farm holiday, rambles in the countryside, perhaps pony trekking or cycling. Criss-crossed with narrow lanes that are edged with wildflower-filled grassy banks, the views are of the green and pleasant heartland of England. There is lots of outdoor space in the Shropshire Hills and houses are frequently spaced at good distances from each other. It is easy to find a secluded or seemingly remote and private rural hideaway in Shropshire down one of the minor country lanes; a place to relax and escape the noise of the city.
View holiday cottages in the Shropshire Hills
All of the joys of a rural life are here; cattle grids to rumble over, sheep to avoid as they venture on to roads, thatched farmhouses to admire and tractors to attempt to overtake on narrow country roads. One very good aspect of a holiday in the Shropshire Hills is that scattered about the countryside, never much more than a handful of miles apart are small villages that have tea shops and pubs where it is pleasant to rest and sample local cakes and scones. They have their own versions of sweet and delicious gingerbread and simnel cake that would be good to taste.
Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd
Carding Mill Valley is a popular especially beautiful place to visit. The Shropshire hills rise up either side of a shallow stream that flows from the heather clad heath lands in the west. The stream is safe enough for children to paddle in and this is perfect picnic territory. The land is managed by the National Trust. People come to walk, mountain bike, to spot wildlife and generally enjoy days out in the fresh air. One activity that may be of interest is star gazing because of the absence of light pollution. Church Stretton is a decent sized nearby town to find holiday accommodation.
Walks in the Shropshire Hills
One of the best ways of seeing the beautiful countryside is one two legs and to follow some of the walks in the area. There is a variety of way-marked walks, circular as well is in one direction. There are shuttle buses that may be suitable to bring you back to your departure point and car.
There are all kinds of places with fascinating names in the Shropshire Hills, for example, The Bog, which is a moorland area where people climb to Nipstone Rock for the views, Meadowtown which has a resemblance to the Yorkshire Dales, Eastridge Woods for some excellent mountain biking trails, Snailbeach where there is a former tin mine to visit, carp fishing near Gatten.
If you are the kind of person who likes to spend one day walking and alternate days resting, then the Shropshire hills are ideal. A host of tourist attractions awaits to amuse and inform on ‘rest days’. English Heritage Clun Castle, Stokesay Castle are always enjoyable days out. The Offa’s Dyke Centre is in the south west on the Welsh Border and worth visiting if you end up in that direction.
So many tempting places to stay
The little villages are tempting places to visit simply because of their names. Who would not want to find out more about Hope Bagot, Angelbank or Crosspipes? It is amazing how a trip to the country can become a magic mystery tour with unexpected encounters.
This part of England is renowned for its history, black and white buildings, reasonably priced property with generous gardens. It is an attractive place to live and holiday. Perhaps give it a try?