The best walks and hikes around Clee St. Margaret

Most of the trails in this area are rated as moderate. They often involve ascents to the summits of the Clee Hills, like Brown Clee Hill, on varied terrain that includes open heathland and former quarry tracks. While there are over 50 moderate routes, you can also find around 30 easier walks and a few difficult ones for a greater challenge.

Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the trails, but you should be cautious. The area, particularly on common land like Clee Liberty Common, has a lot of freely roaming sheep. It is essential to keep your dog on a lead, especially during lambing season, to protect the livestock.

Parking is available at several points depending on your chosen route. For walks starting near the summits, there is parking available by the quarry or at the top of Clee Hill itself. Be aware that the access road is a single track and can be difficult in poor weather. For routes starting from the villages, you will find smaller parking areas or on-street parking.

Clee St. Margaret and the surrounding trailheads are in a rural part of the Shropshire Hills, and public transport options are limited. Reaching the start of most hikes is significantly easier by car. If you plan to use public transport, you should check local bus services to nearby towns like Ludlow and arrange a taxi from there.

Yes, many of the popular hikes are loop trails that start and end in the same place, which is convenient if you are arriving by car. For example, the Clee Burf summit – Nordy Bank Hillfort loop from Clee St Margaret is a great moderate circular walk that takes in key historical sites and viewpoints.

The landscape is rich with history. Many trails pass through the remains of the area's industrial past, including disused dhustone quarries. You can also explore ancient sites like the Iron Age hillfort at Nordy Bank. The Nordy Bank Hillfort – Clee Burf summit loop from Clee St. Margaret is a challenging hike that connects several of these historic locations.

While many routes involve significant climbs, there are easier options suitable for families. Look for shorter, low-level walks that explore the valleys and villages rather than ascending the main hills. The area around Clee St. Margaret village itself offers picturesque, gentle paths, often following the Clee Brook.

The area is highly regarded by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the stunning panoramic views from the summits of Brown Clee Hill and Titterstone Clee Hill, which can stretch for miles on a clear day. The mix of open moorland, historic quarry ruins, and quiet woodland paths is also frequently mentioned as a highlight.

The region is dominated by Brown Clee Hill, Shropshire's highest point, and Titterstone Clee Hill. The landscape is a mix of open heathland, common land crisscrossed by walking paths, and plantation forests. A unique feature is the visible remnants of the area's coal mining and quarrying history, with old quarries now serving as wildlife habitats.

The immediate trailheads are quite rural, but the nearby historic town of Ludlow, about a seven-mile drive away, offers a wide selection of highly-regarded pubs, restaurants, and cafes for a post-hike meal. Some of the smaller surrounding villages may also have a local pub, but it's best to check their opening times in advance.

There are almost 90 hiking routes to explore around Clee St. Margaret. The collection offers a great deal of variety, from moderate summit loops to easier walks through the surrounding countryside, ensuring there's a trail for every fitness level.