The best hiking routes in Shropshire Hills National Landscape

The Shropshire Hills National Landscape is defined by its geological variety, presenting a series of distinct ridges and valleys rather than a single high mountain range. Walkers will find a stark contrast between the steep, heather-covered volcanic dome of the Wrekin and the long, windswept gritstone plateau of the Long Mynd. The valleys between these ridges are characterized by small, ancient pastures divided by thick hedgerows, offering a gentler, more enclosed walking experience.

Underfoot, the terrain changes quickly depending on the ridge you choose. The Long Mynd features wide, grassy tracks and peat paths that can be soft and spongy, while the nearby Stiperstones ridge is notoriously rocky, with paths winding through quartzite scree and past jagged rock outcrops. On the lower slopes and through the dales, paths often follow old sunken lanes, farm tracks, and damp woodland paths where clay and mud are common.

This landscape reflects centuries of livestock grazing and early mining, which kept the high ridges open and free of forest. In August, the heather on the high commons turns a deep purple, contrasting with the green bracken on the lower slopes. While popular hubs like Carding Mill Valley attract many visitors, walking just a mile further onto the open commons or exploring the quieter Clun Forest area to the west offers a much more solitary experience.