Castle Connect

Ludlow . Knighton . Clun . Bishop’s Castle

Whether you are into walking, shopping, castles or country pubs, this route has it all and more!

• Castle Connect route map
• Castle Connect timetable 2013
• Castle Connect Leaflet

Sunday 19 May – join local author A.T.D Evans (David) for ‘Border Wanderings on the Bus’. Join David on Castle Connect to hear local stories and discover more about the history of this beautiful border landscape. David will be on the bus all day.

Buy your Shuttle ticket as normal from the driver when you board the bus.

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Key Stops along the way:

• Ludlow
  With nearly 500 listed buildings, a Norman castle, original medieval streets and a lively market square there is plenty to keep the most enthusiastic visitor busy. Explore this stunning town using the town trail, enjoy a walk along the River Teme, take in the views from Whitcliffe Common and sample local produce in one of the many cafés and restaurants.
• Bromfield – from the bus stop you can walk to the Ludlow Food Centre for a spot of shopping or head to the cafe. There is also an enjoyable and easy 3-mile walk back to Ludlow, through the Earl of Plymouth’s Oakely Estate following the Shropshire Way. You get fantastic views of Ludlow Castle as you approach the town. Click here for walk directions.
• Leintwardine - The River Teme runs through this pretty village. The Sun Inn is a popular pub which hosts a number of events including a Beer Festival over the August Bank Holiday. It doesn’t serve food, but you can bring in fish and chips from the shop next door! The Lion Hotel is in the centre of the village and has a range of menu’s to choose from. You can also ask the Shuttle to stop outside the Jolly Frog Restaurant, which is on the edge of the village. Follow Walking with Offa (route 12) to Bucknell – a flat and easy 5-mile walk.
• Brampton Bryan – the Shuttle stops at the crossroads. Follow the sign and walk down the lane to the Aardvark Book Shop and Cafe, which serves a range of home made cakes and light lunches.
• Bucknell - the Shuttle stops at the Railway Station. The village store is across the road and there are two pubs in the village. Camping and accommodation available at the Baron at Bucknell and a number of Walking with Offa self-guided walks (route 9, 10, 11 & 12) start from here.
• Knighton
  Or ‘Tref-y-Clawdd’, the ‘town on the Dyke’. Explore this beautiful border town with its half-timbered houses, and winding streets known locally as ‘The Narrows’. Follow the town trial to find out about Knighton’s rich history and make time to visit the Offa’s Dyke Visitor Centre which has lots of information on King Offa’s great 8th Century earthwork, and the 177 mile National Trail which follows it.
• Clun
  Clun gathers you in. It is a beautiful spot for a picnic by the river, or treat yourself to a pub lunch. At the heart of Clun stand the ruins of a medieval castle. Take time to explore; follow the heritage trail, enjoy a riverside ramble, visit the museum and browse the local craft and tea shops. Enjoy the Walking with Offa (route 7) circular 6-mile walk to Bury Ditches hillfort, or for a longer walk follow the Shropshire Way to Bishop’s Castle (12 miles).
• Bishop’s Castle
  With two breweries, independent shops and gallery, two museums and great walks in every direction make sure you have enough time to enjoy all that’s on offer in this colourful country town. Try the Walking with Offa (route 6) circular 6.5-miles walk to Oakeley Mynd and Lydbury North. Self-guided town trails are available (£2) from the Visitor Information Point and local shops.