Local Beauty Spots

Bury Ditches and Colstey Woods
A well preserved Bronze Age hill fort at the summit of Forestry Commission woodland. There are marvellous, panoramic views over the surrounding countryside, a picnic area and car park. Shell fossils abound in the stones around the fort. Graded walks and a nature trail give visitors the opportunity to see the woodland and its wildlife.

Offa's Dyke
The ancient ditch and dyke which once formed the England/Wales border runs a few miles to the west of Bishop's Castle and this stretch contains some of the best preserved examples of the original earthwork. Many serious walkers do the whole length - a holiday in itself - but it is well worth walking short sections.

The Cantlin Stone and the Botfield Cross
Off the Kerry Ridgeway, in the heart of the Clun Forest (OS 20.2186.9) marks the spot where a local peddler, William Cantlin, was robbed and murdered while walking between farms in 1691. The body was taken by the parishioners of Bettws-y-Crwyn and buried in their churchyard and later this act of kindness was used in the argument over the boundary of the parish. Later, in 1858, a local landowner and M.P. named Botfield erected a limestone cross at the spot.

The Long Mynd
The dramatic hogs back hill which lies between Bishop's Castle and Church Stretton, its steep escarpment facing west towards the former. It is the most southerly moor of its type in England, and has completely breathtaking views. The Portway, a Roman road, runs along its ridge and many public footpaths give access.

Stiperstones
This three mile long outcrop of quartzite, a National Nature Reserve, gives a harsh landscape different to other Shropshire hills and there are many legends - the Devil is reputed to hold court here, hence the furthest rock outcrop is called the Devil's Chair. Its mineral wealth has been exploited since Roman times and discarded shafts and abandoned engine houses can still be seen today. The views are breathtaking and there are many public footpaths. The Stiperstones Inn is a good place to start and maps are available at the Inn and nearby post office. This is Mary Webb country: the setting for her novel "The Golden Arrow". It features in The Ghostly Shropshire Car Trails.

Mitchells Fold
Ancient stone circle with good views towards the Welsh hills. The Stapeley Hills Historic Trails, 50p, also takes in the Holy Well and Hoarstone Stone Circle. This site is also featured in the Ghostly Shropshire Car Trails.

Local Websites to visit:

http://www.churchstretton.co.uk

http://www.ludlow-racecourse.co.uk

http://www.ludlowcastle.com

http://www.thisisludlow.co.uk

http://www.shropshirestar.com

http://www.shrewsbury-guide.co.uk