Bishop’s Castle Walking Festival

Description of Walk:  Walk up to Montgomery Road through Wintles plantation, through several fields (lovely views) short walk up road then along green lane. Onto road up to Bishop's Moat then more fields down to Woodbatch Road. Across fields and up through Cwmmawr Dingle then right and down Fields Lane to Church Barn.

​Cost £3.50

 Description of Walk:  This walk is lead by Rob Dingle, Offa’s Dyke National Trail Officer.  We meet at the Bishop's Castle Church at 9.30am and start the walk in Newcastle on Clun. So car sharing to those booked on this walk from and to Bishops Castle. A circular walk on the western edge of the Shropshire Hills AONB, linking the Shropshire Way with Offa’s Dyke Path at Hergan, with its gap in the Dyke.     The walk then returns along the Offa’s Dyke Path to the midpoint of the Trail, with fabulous views over Newcastle on Clun and the Clun Valley.     Please bring lunch and drink.

Cost: £3.50

Description of Walk:  This walk is over the ridged hills of Hope Bowdler and Caer Caradoc, east of The Long Mynd. We will walk the ridges with beautiful views in all directions. Scaling the ramparts of an Iron Age fort and visiting the cave where King Caractacus supposedly hid from the Romans! Lower down we will pass through fields of lambs, see a badger sett and finish the walk in the bluebell woods of Helmeth Hill.  Wear sturdy boots and bring waterproofs. If the weather is very rough there are alternative paths that can be taken. We will make two stops for coffee and lunch so bring those provisions along with you. We will finish in time for people to get back to the Church Barn in Bishops Castle for tea and cake !

Cost £3.50

  Description of Walk:    ​ A drop off in the moorland of the upper Hope Valley, amongst the industrial heritage of the 19th C, provides a gentle start to the walk. Going west towards the National Boundary we can be two faced with all that we observe. This becomes a roller coaster sort of walk with many switch backs and one hilltop at Rownton Reserve (MWT). Weather permitting this will be one of many fine views east or west. We'll notice Stone, Bronze and Iron Age structures and maybe nod our head to current ways of living in this sparsely populated landscape. This is an area strong in myths and legends – hence the Broomsticks. Our approach to Bishops Castle is across the Camlad valley and over The Wintles ridge. A good walk calling for extra 'reserves'  - bring plenty of liquid and food to sustain you and be ready for whatever the weather in this 'exposed' area. A very full day – perhaps returning at 5/5.30.  The public Bus is an extra cost so bring Bus pass or bus fare which is £3.20.

Cost £3.50

​Description of Walk:  This circular walk leaves Bishop’s Castle via the Dingle to Mainstone and up to Offa’s Dyke where we have lovely 360 degrees panoramic views, across to the Dog and Duck (sadly no longer a pub) and, then downhill paths back to Bishop’s Castle in time for tea and cake at Church Barn.​

Cost £3.50

Description of Walk:   We assemble at Stokesay Court (famed for the 2007 romantic war drama film  ‘Atonement’) at 10.30am, where we will enjoy tea and cake whilst listening to an introductory talk about the Court.  11am don boots and walk through private byways and footpaths to Stokesay Castle approaching from a good view point.  12.30pm free time at Stokesay Castle to explore and have lunch.  You can pre-order a picnic lunch from the Castle (tel 01588 672544) and this will be ready for you at 12.30pm.  Alternatively, bring your own packed lunch or visit the on-site café.   Please note that pre-booked lunches are payable directly to the Castle and are not included in the BCWF ticket price.  If there is sufficient time, the church is also worth a visit.  2pm a valley walk back to Stokesay Court arriving around 3.30pm and then home to Bishop’s Castle for refreshments at Church Barn.

These visits are a taster for both venues and walkers may want to make their own arrangements to visit again.

Note: Visits to the Castle have been agreed at a discounted 2-for-1 and the normal adult cost is £9.00.   This is to be paid directly to the Castle and is not included in the BCWF ticket price.  English Heritage members have free admission.

Cost, including the talk and refreshments at Stokesay Court is £11.​

​​​Description of Walk:  We'll use lanes, tracks and ancient pathways through the countryside north of Bishops Castle, to explore significant trees of this area. Important to people over millennia our meetings will add stories to those of ancient peoples. The coach will drop us in the farming village of Norbury to begin our discovery of the astonishing trees of that churchyard. From there we will walk up to Linley Hill before returning south across the landscape back to Bishops Castle by 3.30/4pm. Veteran and ancient trees feature strongly though out the day. Bring refreshments for keeping up your hydration and energy – water and lunch. Be ready for whatever the weather and wear sturdy footwear for a days walk.

Cost £4.50

​​Description of Walk:  ​This is a full day linear walk from Bishop’s Castle to the Kerry Vale on the English/ Welsh border.  The return to BC will be by Dial a Ride minibus   We will leave BC to the south on the Shropshire Way before diverting off to visit Cwmmawr Dingle, a lovely hidden valley.  We then climb out of the Woodbatch valley, descend into the Unk valley, followed by a steep pull up to Offa’s Dyke. We follow the Dyke on one of its best sections, to the Kerry Ridgeway, before the steady descent into the Vale of Kerry.  Here we visit a dairy farm which produces Real Ice Cream. We will have a talk and tour of the farm and there will be the opportunity to purchase ice cream.   If we have time there is a possibility of a visit to the nearby prize-winning Kerry Vale Vineyard before the return to BC by minibus.

Cost £6.50​​

​Description of Walk:  We car-share to the attractive old town of Clun, six miles south of Bishop’s Castle.  Our route takes us through the imposing ruins of Clun Castle, beneath which the little River Unk meets the River Clun.  We take the Shropshire Way between these two rivers before climbing onto the grassy slopes of the Cefns where there are great views of the valley below.   Continuing into the Unk valley we pass ancient farms and mills, walking through beautiful country that has an air of timelessness. There are deserted barns and tiny hamlets as we climb out  of the valley, then on to Guilden (golden) Down and back to Clun.

Cost: £3.50

Description of Walk:  Starting from the Bridges Pub in the beautiful Onny Valley we will head south over Adstone Hill before heading for the foot of the Long Mynd at Stanbatch.  A steep ascent follows to Pole Bank, the highest point on the Mynd, with 360 degree views on a good day.  Walking north along the whale-back of the Mynd, we’ll have an opportunity to chat about the ecology and management of this important wildlife site with Dan, who has spent his life working in Nature Conservation.  Our route then heads north-west before dropping steeply down into the valley of the Darnford Brook, where beautiful wooded slopes above the brook bring us back to the Bridges, and a well-earned pint for those who enjoy such things!

Packed lunch, good clothing and footwear, and a good level of fitness essential.

Cost: £3.50​

Description of Walk:   This walk is an interesting mix of undulating farmland, deep wooded valleys and quiet back-roads with breath-taking views (given some fine weather!) There are some challenging ascents and some rewarding descents. The Iron Age tribes certainly chose where to build their settlements well, being easily fortified with excellent vantage. Brief historical information will be given at each site.     We meander from Craven Arms through the estate of Sibdon Carwood and climb to Hopesay Common where we may glimpse the resident wild ponies. Turning north we ascend steeply to the settlement atop Wart Hill. Dropping down to Round Oak we turn south to Hopesay village and climb to Burrow Fort where we might see deer grazing in the folds of the extensive workings. We descend to Kempton and join the Shropshire Way to climb up to Bury Ditches Fort, another fine location with a useful toposcope.  Descending through mature woodland past Redwood to the village of Acton we find an ancient tumulus.   Our way heads north touching Blakeridge Wood and passing west of Colebatch to return to Bishop’s Castle in time for tea and cake at Church Barn.

Cost £3.50

​Description of Walk:  Starting at the old mining village, The Bog, the walk goes across several field before climbing to the summit of Mucklewick Hill (374m) where there are good views westwards into Wales. After descending to a farm track the walk passes through pleasant woodland and fields and up to Nipstone before heading along the southern end of Stiperstones back to The Bog. There is a Visitors Centre and Café selling homemade cakes in the old school building at The Bog.

Cost: £3.50

Description of Walk:  This circular walk passes through the beautiful Shropshire hills between the renowned Long Mynd and the Stiperstones ridge.   From the Bridges car park, the route takes us through the charming Darnford valley and then climbs gently towards the Stiperstones ridge. This takes us through the pasture land and meadows of numerous small livestock farms, including some with rare breeds of sheep and even llamas.  There are quite a lot of stiles.  At the foot of the Stiperstones ridge, the walk turns westwards with panoramic views across the valley to the Long Mynd and down the valley of the East Onny river.   We begin to drop down across open access grassland and deciduous woodland to eventually reach the river itself.  A small climb from the valley bottom takes us onto an old drovers’ route offering more spectacular views.

Cost: £3.50

Description of Walk:  A circular walk from Bishop’s Castle up over the Kerry Ridgeway and into Wales over fields, along green lanes, small roads and drovers’ paths, and through woodland.  Although the walk is rated moderate, the climbs and descents are fairly gradual and this is not a difficult walk. We’ll go up over the Kerry Ridgeway and continue west along a green lane into Wales, with wonderful views of the Shropshire Hills to our right and out across mid Wales ahead of us. We return through fields, along a wooded path by a stream, onto a green track to take us back over the Kerry Ridgeway, and return to the south side of Bishop’s Castle along a valley bottom and through Cwm Mawr Dingle where, with luck, the bluebells will be out. We’ll have a lunch-stop half way round and there’ll be plenty of opportunities to stop and look at the views.
​Cost: £3.50

​​Description of Walk:  Charge for parking is a discretionary contribution at Chirbury.  This walk from Chirbury goes through Marrington Dingle along the River Camlad and then takes us up across the English/Welsh border toward Churchstoke.   Then we turn back and take in the 4 peaks of Todleth, Roundton, Lan Fawr and on up to the summit of Corndon. It’s all down hill after our lunch stop, going along to Mitchell’s Fold Stone Circle, then back via Middleton and Heightley to Chirbury.     Be prepared for potentially cool winds at the top!   Please bring a packed lunch, snacks and plenty to drink.

Cost: £3.50

Description of Walk:    Richard Payne Knight was part of the Picturesque Movement in the 18th century and developed the walks and the follies to entertain the guests to his private estate.  As the estate is still privately owned, this is a rare opportunity to visit this nature reserve and SSSI.  Although this is not a long walk, there are some steep climbs and descents on narrow paths.  Agility and a head for heights are needed and walking poles are recommended.  The start of the walk has very restricted parking so car-sharing from Bishop’s Castle is recommended.  The walk starts at the Forge Bridge (grid ref: SO 454 750, Sheet 203 Ludlow).  This is south of the A4113 Bromfield to Leintwardine road.  The walk runs to 1 pm so lunch not necessarily required although you might want it afterwards or could go to the Ludlow food centre cafe. There will be a stop for drinks and snack.  Please bring drinks and packed lunch.
​
Cost: £8.00​

Description of Walk:   We assemble at Stokesay Court (famed for the 2007 romantic war drama film  ‘Atonemment') at 10.30am, where we will enjoy tea and cake, whilst listening to an introductory talk about the Court.  11am don boots and walk through private byways and footpaths to Stokesay Castle approaching from a good view point.  12.30pm free time at Stokesay Castle to explore and have lunch.  You can pre-order a picnic lunch from the Castle (tel 01588 672544) and this will be ready for you at 12.30pm.  Alternatively, bring your own packed lunch or visit the on-site café.   Please note that pre-booked lunches are payable directly to the Castle and are not included in the BCWF ticket price.  If there is sufficient time, the church is also worth a visit.  2pm a valley walk back to Stokesay Court arriving around 3.30pm and then home to Bishop’s Castle.

These visits are a taster for both venues and walkers may want to make their own arrangements to visit again.

Note: Visits to the Castle have been agreed at a discounted 2-for-1 and the normal adult cost is £9.00.   This is to be paid directly to the Castle and is not included in the BCWF ticket price.  English Heritage members have free admission.

Cost, including the talk and refreshments at Stokesay Court is £11.​​​

​​​Description of Walk:  We'll use lanes, tracks and ancient pathways through the countryside north of Bishops Castle, to explore significant trees of this area. Important to people over millennia our meetings will add stories to those of ancient peoples. The coach will drop us in the farming village of Norbury to begin our discovery of the astonishing trees of that churchyard. From there we will walk up to Linley Hill before returning south across the landscape back to Bishops Castle by 3.30/4pm. Veteran and ancient trees feature strongly though out the day. Bring refreshments for keeping up your hydration and energy – water and lunch. Be ready for whatever the weather and wear sturdy footwear for a days walk.

Cost £4.50