Secret Hills Walking Holidays
The Bishops Castle Ring
The Bishops Castle Ring
Magnificent walking in a circle around the historic border town of Bishops Castle, nestling up to the mid Wales hills. The walk takes in other national paths on it's course - The Kerry Ridgway, Shropshire Way, Offa's Dyke as it meanders across swathes of deserted, lonely countryside near the Welsh border, and for a short time into Powys. We travel to walk start and finish each day from Bishops Castle. Much of this walk is in the Shropshire Hills Area of Natural Outstanding Beauty, so you can expect lovely scenery every day.
The Walking
Walking the glorious Shropshire Hills - simply magical, with upland scenery all around - a panorarama rarely beaten. We walk 10/11 miles per day, plenty of breaks, and at a moderate pace. No rushing about, too much to see. walks for you. The route commences at Church Stretton, and travels across the Longmynd, Bridges and onto the Stiperstones, before sweeping over the Onny Valley to Bishops Castle, nestling up to the hills of Mid Wales. We then go via The Kerry Ridgway and Offa's Dyke Path, to Clun, with it's castle gaurding the Clun Valley, Then out into remote countryside to Hopton Hill and castle, before swinging back to he Clun valley, Clunbury Hill and Hopesay Hill. We finish the circular route by ascending the south end of the Longmynd, striding over its back, and ending at Bridges.
The route, showing the diversity of countryside in the Shropshire Hills, has magnificent views at each turn,
Walking - Grades and difficulty.
There are hills to ascend - we go up to a maximum of 500 metres over two miles of walking, but the climbing is gradual and we won’t rush. What’s the point of huffing and puffing, being exhausted then not being able to enjoy this fabulous land. Descending is not precarious, and is gentle in relationship to many walking areas.
Shropshire is a land of ever changing vista’s - on any walk we get four or five different landscapes to enjoy. The views over 360 degrees are unrivalled - we see into Mid Wales to Cader Idris, the Berwyns, Malverns, Clee’s and Staffordshire peaks, as well as Shropshir’es own individual hills. Walking boots or shoes are obligatory, and many walkers find a walking pole useful, especially on the downhills. You will also need wet weather gear—generally we have a mild climate, lovely springs and autumns, and winter walking too is outstanding in theses secret hills.
Accommodation and meals
Accommodation en suite rooms. We stay in the Old Brick House in Bishops Castle for five nights - and eat in the superb pub restaurants in this sncient town.
What you get on a Secret Hills Walking Break
- Three course dinner
- Lunch
- Personal service
- Expert guiding
- Flexibility
- No single supplement- there will be a number of single people on each break. No sharing unless you state so.
- A social, relaxed approach
The Circular Bishops Castle Ring Route
Day One
Church Stretton to Bridges, and onto the Stiperstones Ridge, Linley Hill.
Day Two
More, Lydham, The Kerry Ridgway, Offa's Dyke, Church town
Day Three
Church Town, Offa's Dyke, Newcastle On Clun, Clun
Day four
Clun, Hopton Hill, Clunbury, Aston on Clun.
Day Five
Aston on Clun, Hopesay Hill, Edgton, Longmynd, Polebank, Bridges.
