Ludlow & The Shropshire Hills - Discover, Explore, Enjoy

Clun gathers you in. Surrounded by an amphitheatre of hills, the visitor arrives so gently, by gravity alone, at the bridge and the river. There is no better place to interpret the town.

For nearly six hundred years the town has contented itself with this narrow crossing designed for the packhorse. This, despite the fact that Thomas Telford who built a thousand bridges was once the county surveyor. It cannot be an accident that he should overlook Clun. Due to his benign neglect, it has done more than survive. It is largely original, very rare in a bridge from 1450. Its narrow charm has kept the busy world at bay. One of Housman’s ‘quietest places under the sun’ begins here.

A 7th Century Metropolis

Back in the 7th century, Clun was expansion-minded. There were many more houses around the church than there are today. Trade had flourished for about 5,000 years, thanks to the Clun-Clee Ridgeway. So, if you were a Neolithic arms dealer, with a load of flint weapons for sale, you could keep your feet dry, at least till you reached the river. Later, flocks and herds driven from Wales to the English markets and even to London passed through Clun. Local shepherds selecting hardy, fertile sheep, created the Clun Forest breed, able to forage and fend for itself.

Havens of Peace and Quiet

The Hospital of the Holy and Undivided Trinity almshouse once housed “twelve old men of good character in a livery gown of blue emblazoned with a red and silver badge.” The adjoining Trinity Chapel still retains those twelve residents’ spaces but the old men and their blue liveries have long since made way for both men and women with their riotously colourful gardens.

St George’s churchyard is another refuge, part of the Caring for God’s Acre project. By the path is the grave of playwright, John Osborne who lived nearby. The lychgate has impeccable recycled credentials. During its 280 years, it has been taken down, erected elsewhere, returned to this spot and yet, has preserved several original timbers. The interior of the church can rival nature’s palette. It is ablaze with brightly coloured kneelers.

Another pipe opener is the scramble up to Bury Ditches, near Clunton. When severe storms blew down many trees, the Forestry Commission got the message and cleared the whole site, revealing one of the finest hill forts in Britain. You are rewarded for the climb with ramparts and ditches towering above the slopes and wonderful views from the interior. It looks as if Clun's ancestors were determined to protect their peace and quiet.

Two contrasting Nature Reserves also lie on Clun's doorstep. Rhos Fiddle, to the west covers 70 acres of natural grassland and bog on a shale base that was formed over 400 million years ago whilst, to the east lies Clunton Coppice, an all season woodland that is dominated by sessile oak. It has never been easier to escape the rush.

The new Clun Heritage Trail leaflet is available and can be downloaded by clicking here

Clun Visitor Information

Visitor Information Point - Bright Flowers by Clun bridge.

Information on Clun - www.shropshiretourism.co.uk/clun, www.clun.org.uk

Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural beauty - www.shropshirehillsaonb.co.uk

Walking Groups Clun Amblers - under 5 miles, gentle walks on the first and third Wednesday of the month. Contact Maurice Young on Tel: 01588 640846

Clun Peramblers - 5-8 miles every Wednesday. Contact Jean Smith on Tel: 01588 640551

 

Clun Ramblers - 9+ mile walks every Wednesday. Contact:Peter James on Tel: 01588 640027 or visit www.clun.org.uk/walking.htm

Clun Heritage Trail - an easy to carry guide to the places you want to see - leaflets at local shops can be downloaded by clicking here.

For more information about Shropshire, including Accommodation, Atrractions and Activities, visit Shropshire Tourism