Walks from Ludlow

Recommended: So much to see on this gorgeous walk. A great, relaxing route following the well-signed, well-maintained and accessible Shropshire Way, with a detour west to stay away from A-road noise. There is one steep climb up Stoke Wood near Stokesay Castle, a lovely woodland walk at Aldon Gutter, quiet country lanes and field crossings that may get boggy; fairly easy walking after the climb. Follows the Shropshire Way. The Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre has a cafe, toilets and museum. Good train service between Craven Arms and Ludlow.

Woodland: a fifth under tree cover.

Time: 4h30–9h

Lunch: Cafe and toilets at the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre and Stokesay Castle. Ludlow is a great town for foodies and markets.

Warnings: Care crossing the busy A road at Stokesay - the only A-road crossing. One steep climb up Stoke Wood. One field near Wetmore may get boggy.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

A walk across low-lying boulder-clay farmland with relatively little variety, much of it on the Herefordshire Trail; some fields are difficult to cross because of mud, standing crops or ploughing right up to the hedge line. Takes you high in places for good views; badly maintained stiles and boggy bridges and one tricky traveller's-site crossing. Follows the Herefordshire Trail for much of its length. The route is shadowed by a railway line and a village bus route, useful for splitting the walk. Passes nationally significant glacial landforms (moraines) from the last ice advance.

Time: 5h–10h

Lunch: A shop in Richard's Castle; the Castle Inn there does not appear to be open.

Warnings: Several poorly marked and confusing sections, especially around Moor Park School and Burnt House Farm, with no working gates (climbing required), little signage and awkward boundary crossings. Crosses the Manchester–Cardiff railway line twice. Can be muddy.

Walk details: Slow Ways.