Walkers Are Welcome
A walker's paradise
With over 30 miles of footpaths, the area is a magnet for walkers, both of the seasoned variety and those who prefer the shorter walks, of which there are plenty. Church Stretton has won a national walking award, becoming the first town in the West Midlands to receive Walkers are Welcome status. The town is one of seven towns within the country to receive the award which was approved and awarded by the national Walkers are Welcome Network Towns committee.
The town features almost 20 miles of bridleway for cyclists and horse riders. A series of pretty valleys forms a network around and between the hills. Callow Hollow, Ashes Hollow, Townbrook Valley and, the most well-known of all, Carding Mill Valley with its meandering stream and reservoir all lead up to the top of the Long Mynd. Carding Mill was once the place where fleeces were combed. Since 1881, water has been collected in the valley. Today, the National Trust café in the Chalet Pavilion, provides food and facilities for visitors. There are three car parks in the valley with a network of footpaths leading directly from them.
The three Strettons, Church Stretton, All Stretton and Little Stretton, have a great appeal to those who enjoy outdoor pursuits. The Jack Mytton Way, a long distance cycle route and bridleway, passes through Church Stretton and over the Long Mynd. There is a loop of the Heritage Byways mountain bike circuit to the town and local riding stables provide organised treks. Gliders and paragliders take to the skies from the gliding station on the Long Mynd and there is a very popular golf course, the highest in England. Local centres also offer archery, fishing, bowls, guided walks, horse riding and clay pigeon shooting, whilst within easy reach are several attractions including Acton Scott Historic Working Farm, Acton Burnell Castle, the Roman city of Wroxeter and the Ironbridge Gorge Museum.
Church Stretton Visitor Information
Visitor Information Centre - Located next to the Library in Church Street. Open all year.
Tel: 01694 723133
Market Days - Thursdays, alternate Fridays and Saturdays. A Local Product and Crafts market, is held on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month.
More Church Stretton information on - www.shropshiretourism.co.uk/church-stretton
Long Mynd Shuttle Bus - a green and easy way to access the countryside - www.shropshirehillsshuttles.co.uk or Tel: 01588 673888.Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - http://www.shropshirehillsaonb.co.uk/things-to-do/
For more information about Shropshire, including Accommodation, Atrractions and Activities, visit Shropshire Tourism