Exploring
What better way to explore and experience the Shropshire Hills; whether you enjoy hiking, strolling through superb scenery or rambling along river valleys, there are walks for everyone...
Long Distance Routes through the AONB
Walking
A number of way-marked walks start from the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, taking in the beautiful countryside around Craven Arms. If you are visiting the Bog Visitor Centre and Stiperstones, a number of easy to follow walks are sign-posted from here.
Carding Mill Valley near Church Stretton is a very popular walking destination. The National Trust Information Centre has details of walks onto the Long Mynd and around the Stretton Hills. For details of these walks and more visit www.shropshirewalking.co.uk
Long Distance Routes through the AONB
Offa’s Dyke
177 mile national trail weaves between the border of England and Wales. This famous trail 
guides you though some of the most scenic bits of the AONB. Details of the walk can be found in local Visitor Information Centres and bookshops. The trail is also highlighted on the Ordnance Survey Explorer maps. Click here to visit the Offa's Dyke Association website.
The Shropshire Way
This 136 mile trail, devised by the Ramblers Association, takes you through Shropshire's best bits. The southern section, which guides you through the AONB, has been given a make-over; new stiles and gates, finger posts and way-markers, updated guide and website downloads. Official launch date is 26th July 2008, but don't let that delay your walk. Visit www.shropshirewalking.co.uk for updates and alterations to the route. Six short circular walks have also been created for people who do not have the time or ability to walk the whole route.
Kerry Ridgeway
15 mile bridleway, which follows the ancient drovers track from Bishop’s Castle west to the Cider House in Powys, Wales. Details of the route can be found at www.shropshirewalking.co.uk. The route is also highlighted on the Ordnance Survey Explorer maps (216 and 214).
Walking Festivals
Church Stretton and Bishop's Castle hold annual walking festivals in June and both have been designated as Walkers are Welcome towns. This national award highlights the excellent facilities on offer for walkers, which include a series of way-marked walks from the towns showing off their stunning surroundings.
Click here for information on the Church Stretton Walking Festival.
Click here for information on the Bishop's Castle Walking Festival.
Cycling
There are many quiet lanes in the Shropshire Hills, as well as off-road tracks to explore by bike. Church Stretton, Craven Arms, Bishop's Castle and Cleobury Mortimer all have cycle leaflets which include a range of routes to suit all ages and abilities.
Many of the woodlands owned by the Forestry Commission also include a number of off-road circular cycle trails (Bury Ditches, Hopton Woods, Kinsley and Eastridge Woods are all within the AONB).
Route 44 is a new National Cycle trail from Shrewsbury to Leominster, known as the Six Castles Cycleway. Challenging in place, this route guides you along the western fringe of the Shropshire Hills. For more information and route details on all of these places visit www.shropshirecycling.co.uk or local Visitor Information Centres to pick up copies of the trail guides.
Horseriding
There are many bridleways and quiet lanes weaving through the Shropshire Hills, 
making it an ideal area for horseriding.
The Jack Mytton Way is a long distance trail using rural byways, bridleways and quiet country lanes. It guides you through beautiful countryside, across open moorland and past ancient earthworks.
The new Blue Remembered Hills bridleway is a 38 mile circuit around Clun and Bishop's Castle. The route takes in stunning panoramic views and wooded valleys. The bridleway is being officially launched in June 2008 and route maps and information will be available in print and to download.
For more information on horseriding in the area visit www.shropshireriding.co.uk