Walking the Shropshire Way

Guidebook describing a 2 week trail around Shropshire. The 182 mile (290km) route is made up of two loops centred on Shrewsbury and visits Stiperstones, Wenlock Edge, Ironbridge and the Wrekin. Also describes the challenging 20 mile (32km) Stretton Skyline Walk.

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Overview

This is the official guide to the Shropshire Way, which consists of a northern and southern loop that both start in Shrewsbury. Each loop can be completed in a week or combined to form a two week 182 mile (290km) circuit that visits Stiperstones, Ludlow, Wenlock Edge, Ironbridge and the Wrekin. Split into 15 stages, this walk requires moderate fitness to cover the daily distance of 10 to 15 miles. The guide also includes the Stretton Skyline Walk, a 20 mile (32km) walk over Shropshire's peaks and ridges, which can be split over two days with an overnight stay in Church Stretton.

For both the main route and the higher-level Stretton Skyline Walk, this guide provides in-depth route description and 1:50,000 OS mapping to aid navigation, along with information about accommodation, public transport and local services. The guide also offers plenty of insight into Shropshire's vibrant history and fascinating geology.

The Shropshire Way visits some of England's most serene and beautiful scenery, as well as key historical sites including Ironbridge, the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Through tranquil countryside and medieval market towns, this route explores all the best that the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding National Beauty (AONB) has to offer.

Table of Contents

Contents
Introduction
The Shropshire Way
Shropshire’s history
Shropshire’s geology (by Ronald Turnbull)
Wildlife and plants
When to go
Getting there
Getting around
Accommodation and planning
Safety
What to take
Using GPS
Waymarking
Using this guide
The Shropshire Way
Stage 1 Shrewsbury to Bridges
Stage 2 Bridges to Bishop’s Castle
Stage 3 Bishop’s Castle to Clun
Stage 4 Clun to Craven Arms
Stage 5 Craven Arms to Ludlow
Stage 6 Ludlow to Wheathill
Stage 7 Wheathill to Wilderhope Manor
Stage 8 Wilderhope to Ironbridge
Stage 9 Ironbridge to Wellington
Stage 10 Wellington to Haughmond
Stage 10A Haughmond to Shrewsbury link
Stage 11 Haughmond to Wem
Stage 12 Wem to Ellesmere
Stage 12A Welsh End Corner to Whitchurch (Grindley Brook)
Stage 13 Ellesmere to Llanymynech
Stage 14 Llanymynech to Nesscliffe
Stage 15 Nesscliffe to Shrewsbury
Stretton Skyline Walk

Appendix A Facilities table
Appendix B Accommodation
Appendix C Travel information
Appendix D Useful contacts

Updates

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July 2021

Temporary closures

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT A TEMPORARY CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE SHROPSHIRE WAY ASSOCIATION

The SW main route is closed from Monday 24th May for up to 6 months at the moment from the north end of Drinkwater Street (SJ48681308) in Frankwell to Doctor’s Field (SJ48421315) and vice versa, while the riverside footpath is closed for embankment stabilisation works.

There is a suggested description of the alternative route. It adds some 250 metres to the route.

From the top of the steps at the north end of Drinkwater Street (SJ48681308), follow this street south for 80 metres to Hermitage Walk. Turn right and follow this path for 170 metres until it becomes the pavement of The Mount. Continue along this for a further 160 metres until a narrow footpath between brick walls goes right. Descend this footpath for 120 metres until it joins the riverside footpath at SJ48421315.

At SJ48421315, at a noticeboard, a footpath leaves the riverside route to the right, crosses Doctor’s Field and climbs up to meet The Mount after 120 metres. Turn left along the pavement for 160 metres until a tarmac path (Hermitage Walk) bears left. Follow this path for a further 170 metres until it meets Drinkwater Street. Turn left and follow this street for 80 metres until you reach the top of some steps. Turn right here (SJ48681308) onto the narrow footpath which is the SWMR.

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF MONTGOMERY CANAL TOWPATH BETWEEN REDWITH BRIDGE AND CRICKHEATH WHARF

The canal towpath used by SW main route is closed until 31 October 2021 between Pryce’s Bridge and Crickheath Bridge and for canal restoration works. This will necessitate a diversion NW along the road from Redwith Bridge SJ 301 241 then a cross-field path SW to the B4396, followed by another field path in the grounds of Tankard Hall. A lane then leads back to Crickheath Bridge where the towpath continues to Llanymynech. (see diagram)

April 2021

Route west of Brown Clee Hill

The Shropshire Way Association has made a change to the Shropshire Way due to constant poor ground conditions over some land.

The route change is between SO 57527 88108 and SO 57923 87771 around New Earnstrey Park in Abdon and Tugford Parish, Shropshire, so the new route will follow the County Road rather than cut across the fields. New route is shown in red on the map.

On P87 of the guidebook it should now read:

Turn left along the lane, passing New Earnstrey Park Farm before turning left at the next junction. Follow the stony, grass-islanded track to Earnstrey Hall.

November 2020

Correction

Altitude chart pages 6 and 7

The first summit should be labelled Wilderley Hill. Stiperstones should point to the next summit at 530m and 18 miles.

August 2020

Teashop closed

Page 63 The guide says that the route turns after passing the Tea on the Way teashop. Unfortunately, this has now permanently closed therefore there will be nothing for a walker to use as a marker to make a left turn.

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