The Best Walks in the Shropshire Hills

The Shropshire Hills were designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1958 and cover almost a quarter of the county — over 800 square kilometres of ridges, valleys, and timeless landscapes. With more than 160 hills, Shropshire is an absolute dream for hikers.

The highest point, Abdon Burf (540m), might take the crown in height, but every hill here has its own unique charm. What makes this region so special is how it transforms with the seasons — purple heather in summer, frost-tipped ridges in winter, and wildlife around every bend.

As a local Mountain Leader who’s hiked Stiperstones more than twenty times (and counting!), I’ve fallen head-over-boots for these hills and their stories — from ancient legends to Bronze Age remains. Here are my Top 5 Shropshire Hills Walks — guaranteed to inspire your next adventure.

🪨 1. Stiperstones

The jagged quartzite ridge of Stiperstones is one of Shropshire’s most iconic sights, with its highest summit, Manstone Rock, standing proudly at 536m.

The rocks, formed over 480 million years ago, have inspired myths for centuries. The most famous? The Devil’s Chair — said to be where the Devil himself once sat plotting mischief until he tripped, tore his apron, and dropped a pile of rocks across the hill. Legend warns that when mist shrouds the summit, witches and spirits still gather there.

You can reach the top from several trailheads:

• Knolls Car Park (SY5 0NL) – closest to the summit and great for families.

• The Bog Car Park (SY5 0NG) – adds a scenic walk through fields or a longer ridge route.

• Snailbeach Village Hall (SY5 0NX) – my favourite! A steep, forested climb and incredible panoramic views.

Don’t miss exploring the disused lead mines at Snailbeach — or spotting purple heather and red grouse across the nature reserve.

(Fun fact: If you see Wild Edric’s ghost galloping across the ridge, local legend says war is on the horizon!)

Stiperstones, Shropshire Hills

🐎 2. The Long Mynd

Stretching for 11km, The Long Mynd is a sweeping plateau above Church Stretton, and easily one of Shropshire’s most beloved walking spots. It’s also home to wild Welsh mountain ponies that roam freely year-round — often with curious foals trotting alongside them.

The highest point, Pole Bank (516m), offers breathtaking views across the Stretton Valley.

Start points:

• Carding Mill Valley (SY6 6JG) – National Trust car park (£7 for non-members).

• The Burway Road – drive to the top for easier access to the ridge.

From Carding Mill, head to Light Spout Waterfall — a 4m cascade tucked between rocky gullies — or wander up to the glider launch for epic skies.

History lovers will appreciate the Bronze Age burial mound Shooting Box, while night owls can stargaze the Milky Way on clear evenings.

Afterwards, head into Church Stretton for a hearty pub lunch — you’ve earned it!

Wild Pony on the Long Mynd, Shropshire Hills

🎨 3. Titterstone Clee Hill

At 533m, Titterstone Clee is the third-highest Shropshire hill and an absolute gem. Its summit is crowned with radar domes (yes, the giant “golf balls”) and ancient Bronze Age cairns, making it feel like a blend of science fiction and archaeology.

The hill’s dark dolerite rock, known as Dhustone, once helped build Cardiff’s docks. Today, its disused quarries are decorated with incredible graffiti art, adding a splash of modern creativity to ancient terrain.

Parking:

• SY8 3NY – follow Dhustone Road for free summit access.

• Cleehill Village (SY8 3NA) – for a longer, more rewarding ascent.

Local folklore tells of the Giant of Clee Hill, who would shout insults to nearby giants on Abdon Burf — until a massive boulder-flinging feud supposedly reshaped the landscape. (Who needs Netflix when you have Bronze Age gossip?)

Graffiti at Titterstone Clee Hill

🔮 4. Stapeley Hill & Mitchell’s Fold Stone Circle

Gentle and family-friendly, Stapeley Hill (402m) is steeped in mystery. Home to Mitchell’s Fold, a Bronze Age stone circle over 3,000 years old, it once had 30 stones — only 14 remain today.

Legend says a fairy gifted villagers a magic cow that never stopped giving milk… until a witch tried to milk her into a sieve. The cow vanished, the witch was turned to stone, and the circle was built to imprison her spirit. (Moral of the story: don’t mess with dairy fairies.)

Parking: Mitchell’s Fold Car Park (SY15 6DE).

The hill also overlooks Corndon Hill (513m) — just across the Welsh border — perfect if you fancy a two-summit day.

Stapeley Hill, Shropshire

Mitchell's Fold Stone Circle

Walking over Stapeley Hill

⚔️ 5. Caer Caradoc

Shaped like a sleeping dragon, Caer Caradoc (459m) rises dramatically over Church Stretton. This “whaleback ridge” is volcanic in origin and dotted with Iron Age fort remains.

Legend says this was the fortress of Caractacus, the Celtic chieftain who resisted Roman invasion, and that his cave still hides King Arthur’s mythical Cauldron of Di-Wrnach.

Routes:

• Steep south ascent from the B4371 layby (bring strong legs!).

• Gentler climb from Cardington village for sweeping ridge views.

Nearby, you can extend your adventure across The Lawley, Hope Bowdler Hill, and Ragleth Hill — all offering stunning panoramas of the Shropshire countryside.

Caractacus' Cave, Caer Caradoc

🌿 Why Hike the Best Walks in Shropshire with Ray of Sun Adventures?

There’s magic in these hills — from misty mornings on Stiperstones to wild ponies on the Long Mynd. But sometimes, it’s nice to skip the logistics and just enjoy the adventure.

That’s where Ray of Sun Adventures comes in. I lead guided hikes across Shropshire and Wales — taking care of the route-finding, safety, and local stories, so you can just turn up, breathe deep, and soak up the views.

Whether you’re new to hiking or a seasoned summit-chaser, you’ll find friendly company, confidence-building support, and maybe even a few ghost stories along the way.

👉 Check out our upcoming events here 

And join a group hike across the best walks in the Shropshire Hills. Come explore the legends, landscapes, and laughter that make this corner of England so special.

❄️ Looking for Your Next Challenge?

If you’ve mastered Shropshire’s summits and are dreaming of snow-covered peaks, join me for our Scotland Winter Skills Adventure Weekend (30th Jan – 1st Feb 2026).

You’ll learn how to use crampons and ice axes, summit a Munro, and experience the wild beauty of Glencoe in winter — no prior experience needed.

👉 Find out more about the Scotland Winter Skills Adventure Weekend here.

💬 Final Thoughts

As you hike through these beautiful hills, take a moment to pause — to feel the wind, the history, and the timelessness of the landscape. The Shropshire Hills aren’t just hills; they’re storytellers, each one whispering of giants, witches, warriors, and wanderers.

So lace up your boots, grab your sense of adventure, and go explore them for yourself.

Happy hiking!

Janire xo

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