The South Shropshire Hills form one of the most beautiful and unspoilt
areas of the country. We mention some of the attractions, but
there are many more. At night, there is the lowest level of light
pollution in England
(Campaign to Protect Rural England)
and so the stars are stunningly vivid. There is very little evidence
of commercialism - the nearest burger outlet is about ten miles away!
But for those who like simple pleasures the area around Hurst Mill Farm is a delight.
Bike Trails
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The entrance to
Hopton Bike Trails
is three miles from Hurst Mill Farm.
There are 32 kilometres of forest track for off road cycling and mountain
biking. Routes are colour coded. There is a relatively easy family track,
intermediate tracks, and tracks designed for expert bikers.
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Walking
The area is renowned as wonderful hill walking country. Many walks start from Hurst Mill Farm.
There are several long distance footpaths. These include
the Shropshire Way,
Jack Mytton Way,
Offa’s Dyke Way
and
Glyndwr’s Way.
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Offas Dyke Centre
The Offa’s Dyke Centre
is 8 miles away at Knighton. It is a very well presented exhibition of
the turbulent history of the border region between England and Wales.
Offa’s Dyke runs close by.
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Heart of Wales line
Described as one of the most scenic railway lines in the U.K.
the Heart of Wales line
goes through mid Wales and offers a feast of panoramic views and fascinating
small towns. Bill Bryson called it 'sensational' (Sunday Times 14-12-03).
The train can be caught at Hopton Heath station, a few miles away from Hurst Mill Farm.
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Clun
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Clun has its Green Man festival on Spring Bank Holiday celebrating the fertility
of the seasons. Street theatre, stalls, exhibits, and much merriment
take place. There is a carnival and show on the first Saturday in August and a beer festival in October.
The town has its own museum, excellent pubs, cafes,
shops, and the castle. It has an antique shop featuring
art exhibitions by local artists. There is a Norman parish church, a Methodist church and the historic Trinity Alms houses built in 1615 by the
Earl of Northampton, brother of the Duke of Norfolk who owned Clun castle. An ancient packhorse bridge gives visitors a delightful way to cross the river Clun.
All in all, a lovely place to wander
and take time out.
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Bishops Castle
The town of
Bishops Castle
has many quaint buildings with
traditional shops. Here are art and craft and book shops. The real
ale festival in the Summer is a worthy celebration for a town which
is famous for brewing its own beer
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Craven Arms
The Land of Lost Content
is the National Museum of British Popular
Culture in Craven Arms. A visit brings back memories of
everyday artefacts of yesteryear. Also in Craven Arms is the
Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre
depicting the natural history of the Marches. Further along the A49 is the fascinating historic working farm at
Acton Scott.
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Ludlow
The town of Ludlow has been described as one of the jewels of England with
many perfectly preserved medieval buildings, a market, theatre,
and many interesting shops.
Ludlow Festival
features a highly regarded
Shakespeare production in the castle along with many other top rated
productions. Ludlow's eating places range from simple cafes to Michelin
starred restaurants.
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Judge's Lodging
The Judge's Lodging
is an award winning historic house in Presteigne.
The building has been stunningly restored and its history presented
in a fascinating manner. The town itself has real charm and was
recently included in the ten best places to live in Britain. It has
a Festival of Music and the Arts each Summer.
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Stokesay Castle
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One of the best preserved medieval manor houses in Britain is
Stokesay Castle.
Visitors enjoy an informative tape-recorded commentary.
Re-enactments of medieval scenes take place on bank holidays.
[Photo © www.castlewales.com]
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Bury Ditches hill fort
Bury Ditches
is a pre-historic hill fort two miles from Hurst Mill Farm. There are well marked walks round
it, and stunning views.
Caer Caradoc hill fort
Caer Caradoc
is an iron age hill fort a short distance from Hurst Mill Farm.
As well as being interesting historically it provides a lovely - if strenuous -
hill walk.
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Castles
There are several castles. One of the best is
Ludlow Castle.
with its magnificent ruins of the inner bailey.
Also of
interest is
Clun Castle,
which is on a very picturesque site. The ruins of
Hopton Castle,
have a blood soaked history! It is about a mile or so along the lane
and can be viewed from the road.
Wigmore Castle
is also impressive.
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Clunton Coppice
Clunton Coppice
is a wood a short drive from Hurst Mill Farm. It is a site of special scientific
interest managed by Shropshire Wildlife Trust. It has
numerous sessile oak and rare fauna. It is described by the trust as
an all season wood which is wonderful at any time.
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Ancient churches
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The churches of the area are some of the most beautiful and interesting
in any rural location.
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Villages
There are numerous quiet picturesque villages within easy reach, among
them Clunbury, Clungunford,
Bucknell,
and Leintwardine.
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Festivals
Most of the towns and village near Hurst Mill Farm have festivals or carnivals.
Knighton, Clun and Craven Arms all have carnivals, and there are
outdoor plays, processions and celebrations. Aston on Clun has its
ancient
Arbor Day
and there are numerous smaller events. Click on the sites for further details.
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