21st May 2010

Open Gardens and Arbor Day made easy by Shropshire Hills Shuttle buses

Walcot Hall Open Gardens and Aston on Clun Arbour Day are both on the Secret Hills Shuttle bus circuit and make great days out this Bank Holiday Weekend.

Stephanie Hayes, Promotions Officer for the Shropshire Hills AONB Partnership, explained “The Secret Hills Shuttle is running throughout this Bank Holiday Weekend and there are some great events to go to by bus; the village of Aston on Clun celebrates Arbor Day on Sunday 30th, a Tree Dressing festival which dates back to pagan times, and at Lydbury North, Walcot Hall and Arboretum will be open to the public from 1.30pm – 5.30pm on Sunday 30th and Monday 31st May.”

The grounds of Walcot Hall include colourful and varied borders and tremendous displays of rhododendrons and azaleas. In addition, the Arboretum, first planted in 1800, stands above the impressive array of Stable Yard, twin Clock Towers, Ice House, meat safe and other outbuildings of this classic 18th century Estate.

Stephanie added “The Shuttles are easy to use.  The bus will drop you off and pick you up anywhere along the route, so no driving, parking and map reading to worry about  You pay when boarding the bus, the drivers are extremely helpful and will be able to help you plan your day.  Valid concessionary passes are accepted and an adult day rover costs £7.”

Details of these suggestions and many more ideas of things to do using the Shropshire Hills Shuttles can be found on the website, along with timetable, ticket prices and route description – see www.shropshirehillsshuttles.co.uk

The Shuttles are 16-seater mini-buses which provide easy access into the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for walking, sightseeing, pub lunches, picnics and more.  The Shuttles are funded by Shropshire Council, National Trust, Natural England and the Shropshire Hills AONB Partnership.

To have the 2010 Shuttle leaflet sent to you please contact Alison on 01588 674080 or email alison.scimia@shropshire.gov.uk.