About the Shropshire Hills
The Shropshire Hills were one of the first areas to be designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1958. The AONB covers an area of 802 square kilometres, extending from the Wrekin to the Clun Forest and from the Stiperstones across to the Clee Hills.
Some 18,000 people live in the AONB, though the only towns within the boundary are Church Stretton and Clun. The Long Mynd and Stretton hills form the backdrop to the market town of Church Stretton, while Clun nestles in the rolling hills of the Clun Valley.
Just outside the AONB boundary are the picturesque market towns of Ludlow, Bishop's Castle, Much Wenlock, Cleobury Mortimer and Knighton (just across the border in Wales).
Agriculture accounts for 78% of the land area and 55% is managed under agri-environment schemes for conservation benefits. Some of the best known hills are managed for conservation and visitor enjoyment. Much of the Stiperstones is managed by Natural England, while the Long Mynd and parts of the Wenlock Edge, are looked after by the National Trust. Both organisations strike the delicate balance between conservation, agriculture and visitor enjoyment.
For further information on the market towns on the Shropshire Hills visit www.visitsouthshropshire.co.uk