SHROPSHIRE AREA GUIDE
There are many reasons to switch off and stay in your cabin. But if you need to stretch your legs or shop for supplies, the traditional market town of Ludlow is only a 10-minute drive. We’ve compiled a list of our favourite things to do and see, from rambling to wild swimming.
Walking
All the walks below are dog-friendly, but we ask that you keep your four-legged friends on a lead, and please close all gates behind you.
Downton Hall Estate
Our cabins are located on the Downton Hall Estate and while these grounds are private, we have put together two walks from the cabins to explore some of the surrounding idyllic countryside. Expect roaming sheep and countryside lanes. These walks are great for those who came without a car, or who want to stay close to the cabins.
The walks can be accessed on the OS Map app via the links below.
Walk 1 - 4.5km // 1 hr 30 mins
Walk 2 - 7.3km // 2 hrs
Walk 3 - 8.6km // 2 hrs 45 mins
Ludlow Castle to Mortimer Forest
Looking for a pub walk and one that explores some of the rolling hills Shropshire is famed for? This one's for you. The starting point, Ludlow Castle, is a 12 minute drive from the cabins. There is a car park next to Ludlow Castle or you can get a taxi into Ludlow from the cabins (we recommend using Andy’s Private Hire - 07966 954047).
The walk starts and finishes at Ludlow Castle which is in the heart of Ludlow. Here you’ll find plenty of pubs to refuel in. Instructions and a map can be found here.
Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd
A 35 minute drive from the cabins, you’ll find this National Trust area which covers just under 5,000 acres of heath-covered hills and outstanding views of the Shropshire Hills.
There are numerous walks throughout this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, but we recommend the Lightspout Waterfall walk, wild swimming in the reservoir at Carding Mill Valley and the pavilion tea room.
For more information on the Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd, follow this link.
Wild Swimming
Known for its rolling hills, there are also a number of wild swimming spots to visit in Shropshire. Our highlights are below:
The River Teme in Ludlow
We recommend getting in above the weir by the Millennium Green so you can wade in slowly, then swim upstream towards the pontoon. There’s a cafe on the Green with hot water bottles and blankets if you stay in for too long.
Carding Mill Wild Swimming
Belonging to the National Trust, they encourage people to take a dip in the old reservoir in Cardingmill Valley. The reservoir is close to the top car park. Alternatively, you can park close to Carding Mill visitor centre and café and walk.
Cycling
Shropshire is often coined as ‘mini Switzerland’ there are plenty of routes to discover the Shropshire countryside. A few of our favourites are listed below.
Cycle Route 1 // 7-mile circular loop taking you around Ludlow’s highlights, including the castle and The Ludlow Farm Shop where you can pick up lunch.
Cycle Route 2 // 23-mile circular route from Ludlow, through Mortimer Forest and the Roman Fort of Branogenium.
Cycle Route 3 // 35-mile loop from Ludlow to Clee Hill.
Please contact our team (hello@restandwild.co) if you’re interested in hiring a bike from a local bike shop.
Eating + Drinking
Located 10 minutes from our cabins, is the historic market town of Ludlow, there are a multitude of quaint pubs and restaurants to explore on your doorstep. We’re pulled out some of our favourites below:
Ludlow Farmshop | Pick up supplies from the local area at Ludlow’s farm shop, located a 10 minute drive from the cabins.
The Church Inn | A 14th century free house in the centre of Ludlow
Vaughans | A local sandwich shop in Ludlow that offers baps, baguettes and jacket potatoes. We recommend the pork bap with apple sauce and crackling.
The Clive Arms | A good spot to sample some of the region’s finest seasonal food.
The Rose & Crown | Sample a pint in Ludlow’s oldest pub. Hunker down inside surrounded by wooden panelling, exposed beams and a previously hidden fireplace. There is also an outdoor courtyard to enjoy a drink from. The pub also offer a
CSONS | A friendly cafe-restaurant situated on the banks of the River Teme. We recommend booking in advance.
Places to Visit
Ludlow Castle | Situated right in the heart of Ludlow, by the market square, the castle ruins of the castle occupy the oldest part of town. Situated over the River Teme, in the Middle Ages the castle was a crucial strategic stronghold for control of the Welsh Borders.
Ludlow Brewery | A small family-owned brewery is located by Ludlow station. The brewery has an onsite taproom and outdoor seating so you can enjoy a local pint in the sunshine. They also offer tours of the brewery for £10 per person, which includes sampling. Booking ahead of your visit is encouraged, although they do allow walk-ins when there’s space.
Ludlow Market | A traditional open-air market that takes place in the town square on Castle Street every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday throughout the year.
Ludlow Millennium Green | Enjoy a picnic, ice cream or simply feed the ducks on this local green by the River Teme and Dinham Bridge. In sunnier weather you can take a
