The best walks and hikes around Culmington

The terrain is classic Shropshire Hills: a mix of rolling hills, quiet river valleys like the Onny and Clun, and expansive woodlands. You'll find a network of footpaths crossing through fields and forests. While some routes involve moderate climbs to get the best views, many trails follow gentler gradients along valley floors.

Yes, the majority of hiking routes in the area are circular. This allows you to start and end in the same place without retracing your steps. A great example is the Clapping Wicket – Stokesay Castle loop from Craven Arms, which offers a varied walk through the countryside.

For a shorter, easier outing that's great for families, consider the View of Stokesay Castle – Stokesay Castle loop from Craven Arms. It's a relatively flat 4.3-mile (6.9 km) walk through fields and along quiet lanes, with the impressive Stokesay Castle nearby to capture the kids' interest.

Dogs are welcome on most trails, but the Shropshire Hills is a farming landscape with livestock. Always keep your dog on a lead, especially in fields with sheep or cattle, and during bird nesting season (typically March to July) on moorland like the Long Mynd. Remember to clean up after your pet to keep the trails enjoyable for everyone.

Many trails start or finish in villages with excellent pubs. Craven Arms, the starting point for several popular hikes, has a selection of pubs perfect for a post-walk meal or drink. You can plan your route to end there and enjoy some local hospitality.

Craven Arms is the most accessible hub by public transport, with a train station and bus services connecting it to nearby towns like Ludlow and Shrewsbury. From there, you can easily access the start of several recommended trails on foot. Check local bus schedules for services that may get you closer to more rural trailheads.

For many of the trails, the town of Craven Arms offers the most convenient parking options, including at the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre. For walks exploring the Stiperstones, the Knoll car park is a great free base. Always check for local parking restrictions, especially when leaving your car in smaller villages.

While many countryside paths have stiles and uneven surfaces, there are accessible options. An all-ability trail at the southern end of the Stiperstones National Nature Reserve allows everyone to experience its dramatic landscape. The Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre in Craven Arms also has accessible paths around its meadows.

The region is famed for its stunning views. For a wild, rugged panorama, head to the Devil's Chair on the Stiperstones ridge. The Long Mynd plateau offers vast, sweeping views across the county. Closer to Culmington, the climb up Callow Hill on the Callow Hill & Wolverton Wood loop rewards you with excellent views of the surrounding landscape.

Yes, the area is rich in history. Several routes pass near Stokesay Castle, a beautifully preserved medieval fortified manor house. You can also find trails leading to the sites of ancient hillforts and the Culmington Camp Ring, a former motte and bailey fortress that offers a glimpse into the area's past.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the tranquility of the trails, the beautiful rolling scenery, and the mix of woodland and open hillside. The well-maintained paths and the sense of exploring a less-crowded part of England are frequently mentioned highlights.

The local landscape is shaped by several rivers, including the Onny and the Clun. While many trails cross these rivers, some routes specifically follow their banks for a portion of the walk, offering gentle and scenic sections. The Craven Arms & Callow Hill loop includes a pleasant stretch along the Byne Brook.