At this time of year there’s a beautiful palette of colours waiting to be discovered across the breath-taking Shropshire countryside. From bracing hikes over windswept moorland to gentle woodland walks, let a kaleidoscope of colour inspire you this autumn.
FRI 3 SEP
Walking for Wellbeing
Join Severn Gorge Countryside Trust for a free taster session in Walking for Wellbeing. Forest Bathing and Mindfulness in Nature are two approaches to taking a walk amid nature. The session aims to help you to engage more fully with yourself and immediate surroundings, allowing your day-to-day cares to fall away and leaving you feeling refreshed. The walk will be roughly 75 minutes long, in natural woodland, with unmade paths and uneven surfaces. Donations are welcome. Age 18+. For more info visit severngorge.org.uk or call 01952 433880 to book a place.
SAT 4 SEP
The Mayflower Walk
A guided walk retelling the story of the More children who lived in the area. Starting at Brockton School, at 2pm, the walk follows public footpaths towards the site of Larden Hall, and on to Shipton Church for refreshments. The route continues along the old Rowe Lane and returns to Brockton for around 5pm. More details can be found at eventbrite.co.uk.
SAT 4 – 12 SEP
Ironbridge Walking Festival
Ironbridge Walking Festival returns, so why not take the opportunity to explore the Gorge in all its glorious autumnal colours. This year’s programme will feature a selection of walks of varying distances which will include some dog friendly walks. There will be medals for completing 25, 50 or 100 miles. For more details visit ironbridgewalking.co.uk.
SUN 12 SEP
Bridgnorth Walk
Returning this year, the Bridgnorth Walk is one of Britain’s premier charity walking events. There are senior and junior walks and, for those who don’t fancy taking part, there will be plenty to do on Bridgnorth High Street. There will also be the traditional walk up the Brown Clee. To enter visit bridgnorthwalk.org.
MON 13 – 19 SEP
Wellington Walking Festival
The tenth festival features a mixture of walks in and around Wellington. There will be a few themed events, such as geology, natural history, and historical sites. Booking for these events is essential. The festival will be held from 9am till 4pm daily. For more information visit wellingtonwalkersarewelcome.org.uk.
SUN 3 OCT
Charity Steps Walk
Making the most of Bridgnorth’s hilly terrain, the Steps Walk is the Rotary Club’s flagship fundraising event. Participants head up and down the town’s historic steps, which link river level with High Town, raising money for their own good causes as they go. There are ten sets of steps, making over 800 in total. The walk takes place from 1.15 to 3.15pm. Entry costs £10, register at bridgnorthrotary.org.uk.
If you fancy taking up walking with a group, then here are the contact details for a few of those in our area.
Bridgnorth & District Walking Group- Visit bridgnorthwalkingclub.org.uk or call Walk Programme Secretary Hilary Davies on 01746 862652.
Much Wenlock Walkers – for a list of the latest walks visit muchwenlockwalkers.org.uk.
Wellington Walkers – usually meet on the first and third Sunday of the month. wellingtonwalkersarewelcome.org.uk.
Telford and East Shropshire Ramblers offer a variety of regular walks led by local volunteers. Walks usually take place on Thursdays and Sundays. There is a limit to between five and 11 walkers per group. Booking is essential, call 01952 595302, tesramblers.org.uk.
The South Shropshire Ramblers usually meet on Sundays and walks vary from seven to 12 miles. They are led by local volunteers. Visit ramblers.org.uk to find out more.
walkingforhealth.org.uk. – enter your postcode to find organised walks near to your home
Local walks
Mortimer Forest
Visit Mortimer Forest, with 1,000 hectares to explore. There are walks for all abilities, from two miles to 14. It’s a fantastic place to walk with the dog. All four carparks have picnic areas, so bring some lunch with you. More info at forestryengland.uk/mortimer-forest
Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses
With miles of footpaths to explore, there is a huge range for all abilities to choose from. The high sandstone ridge and hill fort overlooking the dramatic red sandstone rock houses makes for impressive sightseeing. There are plenty of natural play areas through the woodland trail. Dogs are welcome, however must be kept on leads around some restrictive wildlife areas. More info at nationaltrust.org.uk.
The Wrekin
Offering fantastic views and a challenging but manageable climb, it is no wonder that The Wrekin is one of the most popular walks in Shropshire. The main path up from the Forest Glen is well surfaced and easy to follow, turning a sharp right then back left near the Halfway House. This route is just over a mile long each way. The Wrekin can be climbed or walked around as part of longer walks from the surrounding area. Visit shropshiretourism.co.uk for further information.
Severn Valley Country Park
There are several different trails you can follow to explore the parkland. They range from one-mile to 3.5-miles and include an Easy Access Trail suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Choose from woodland, riverbanks or a trail discovering the geological highlights of the Severn Valley. There are also guided walks exploring the wider area and range from six to 13 miles in length. shropshiresgreatoutdoors.co.uk.
