As we get glimpses of the spring time ahead, our thoughts turn to the outdoors and many of us dust off our walking boots and dig out the hiking gear in anticipation.
What better way to get back into walking mode than with a beautiful countryside walk followed by a nice pub stop to warm up and refuel?
Shropshire has the perfect combination of stunning natural beauty, so many gorgeous walks and plenty of inviting pubs!
1.The Bucks Head, Church Stretton
Situated in the heart of the small market town of Church Stretton, The Bucks Head Pub is just a few minutes walk away from The Long Mynd, a vast area of hills and moor land, much of it belonging to The National Trust.
Take a long morning stroll up to the head of Carding Mill Valley and the highest point of the Long Mynd. From the top you can take in fantastic views across Shropshire and beyond.
2.The Green Dragon, Little Stretton
Another great choice in this part of Shropshire is The Green Dragon in Little Stretton. This lovely village pub sits at the foot of Long Mynd and offers a wide choice of reasonably priced food and drinks, friendly staff, a cosy beamed interior with a wood-burner and an area for muddy paws and boots if you are bringing dogs with you.
This pub is a handy spot for walks in Carding Mill Valley, with miles of footpaths, bridleways and permissive paths to explore.
Take the reservoir walk for beautiful views of the reservoir and beyond, or follow the trail through the valley to discover the natural water feature that Victorian visitors called a ‘miniature Niagara’!
3.The Corbet Arms, Uffington
The Corbet Arms is nestled in the beautiful Village of Uffington surrounded by idyllic countryside and sitting on the banks of The River Severn.
A nice choice for a pre-pub walk would be from Uffington up to Haughmond Hill and Haughmond Abbey and onto Sundorne Castle.
This route is around 8 .5 miles and follows the Shropshire Way to cross The Shropshire Union Canal where you’ll tackle the short but relatively steep ascent to the summit of the Hill.
Haughmond is only 153 metres high but the views of Shrewsbury and surrounding area are truly spectacular in clear weather.
4.The Dickin Arms, Loppington
The Dickin Arms is set in the pretty village of Loppington with plenty of gorgeous walks on its doorstep.
Head out of Loppington and take a 14km walk past Bentley Farm, Roden Farm and Brandwood Farm and onto Marton Copice. From here head onto the small village of Petton, The Wood Farm, Woodgate Farm and back into Loppington for a well earned pub lunch.
Allow just over three hours for this relatively easy walk.
5.The Bulls Head, Chelmarsh
The Bull’s Head is a superb, 18th century Country Inn set amidst Shropshire’s rolling hills, with stunning views over the Severn Valley, Clee Hills & Chelmarsh Reservoir.
Start your hike at Chelmarsh and pass through some lovely Shropshire countryside such as Eardington and Oldbury, and then through the Severn Valley Railway Station. Visit the Bridgnorth Castle ruins and return by meandering with the river and finally passing Chelmarsh reservoir before hitting the pub.
6.The Craven Arms Hotel, Craven Arms
The Craven Arms Hotel is a large pub and hotel located in the centre of the market town of Craven Arms.
From here you could head for the Discover Centre which backs on to the 30 acre Onny Meadows that offer riverside paths, wildflowers and woodland, or follow a way-marked walk into the Shropshire countryside and rolling hills.
Stokesay Castle in Craven Arms has been described as the finest and best preserved fortified medieval manor house in England an is well worth a visit.