The Clun Valley and Clun Forest
By Ony and Teme and Clun,
The country for easy livers,
The quiestest under the sun,"
(2009 celebrates Housman's 150th anniversary)
You can view the 150th Housman anniversary leaflet by downloading the PDf here.
The Clun Valley has the highest concentration of watercourses in the Shropshire Hills and we can add the Unk, Kemp and Redlake to Housman's list of rivers.
The word 'Forest' refers to the area's status as a Royal Hunting Forest during the medieval period. Today only remnants of this forest survive.
This corner of the Shropshire Hills has been long fought over, and the Welsh place names and many defensive earthworks, such as Offa's Dyke, Clun and Hopton Castles, are testimony to these turbulent times. These days, the rolling upland hills and meandering river valleys give the area a remote feel.
Things to Do
Stokesay Castle
Take tea in the grounds of Stokesay Castle, a magnificent fortified medieval manor. For opening times visit www.englishheritage.org.uk.
The Shropshire Hills Shuttle Buses
A relaxing way to discover the delights of the Clun Valley. The Shuttle runs at the weekends and Bank Holiday Mondays from Easter. They depart from the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre at 10:36, 13:35 and 15:35. Visit www.shropshirehillsshuttles.co.uk for lots more information or ask at a Visitor Information Centre for a leaflet.
Bishop's Castle and Clun
Both are colourful, country towns with plenty going on through the year, from fairs and festivals, to ale trails and agricultural shows. This is a beautiful area to walk in and you will find lots of walk leaflets and books at the town's information points, or visit the webpage for Bishop's Castle and Clun by clicking there links.
Offa's Dyke
The best preserved sections of this mighty Dyke, that defined the frontier between England and Wales, run through this area. Climb Llanfair Hill above Clun and marvel at how this mighty monument was built in the 8th Century with little more than men and shovels. Any Welshman found east of the Dyke after its completion had his right hand cut off! The national trail follows the Dyke for much of its way. For more information visit the Offa's Dyke Centre in Knighton.
Travel by train on the Heart of Wales
A picturesque journey which will take you all the way to Swansea. We have devised a 5 mile walk from Bucknell to Knighton which links in with the train - visit www.shropshirehills.info and click on 'public transport walks' for details or use OS maps 201 and 217 to make up your own walk. For train times and further information www.heart-of-wales.co.uk.
Bury Ditches
One of the best preserved Iron Age hillforts in the country. The site is owned by the Forestry Commission and a number of waymarked walks guide you up to the hillfort and around the woods. There is also a family cycle route along the forest track. For more information www.forestry.gov.uk. Meet Llew and explore Bury Ditches with him.
Blue Remembered Hills Bridleway
This is a beautiful 38 mile circular route around the Clun Forest, suitable for walkers, horse-riders and cyclists. An information pack is available at local Visitor Information Centres or visit www.shropshireriding.co.uk to download the route.
Clunton Coppice Nature Reserve (grid ref: SO343 806)
This spacious oak wood is a vibrant remnant of woodland that once covered this corner of the Shropshire Hills. It is an all season wood, wonderful at any time with ferns, mosses, woodpeckers and fungi. In spring listen out for the wood warbler, and enjoy the deep red-gold colours in autumn which marks out Clunton Coppice from most other woods along the Clun Valley. It is looked after by Shropshire Wildlife Trust.
Family Fun at the Discovery Centre at Craven Arms
There's always something interesting going on to intrigue and entertain all ages. On weekdays in school holidays there are led activities for families, and every day throughout the year visitors can embark on one of the Centre's unique geocaching trails through the hills using a global positioning system (GPS). Each trail cost £10 (plus £50 refundable deposit) and consists of everything you need for an afternoon of adventure. There are also waymarked walks from the Centre, geological time trails to follow through Onny Meadows, and local arts and crafts exhibitions in the cafe.