The Area

The South Shropshire Hills form one of the most beautiful and unspoilt areas of the country. We mention some of the attractions, but there are many more. At night, there is the lowest level of light pollution in England (Campaign to Protect Rural England) and so the stars are stunningly vivid. There is very little evidence of commercialism – the nearest burger outlet is about ten miles away! But for those who like simple pleasures the area around Quilmore is a delight.

Bike Trails

The entrance to Hopton Bike Trails is one and a half miles from Quilmore. There are 32 kilometres of forest track for off road cycling and mountain biking. Routes are colour coded. There is a relatively easy family track, intermediate tracks, and tracks designed for expert bikers. The route from Quilmore to Hopton is along a quiet country lane

Walking and Trail Running

The area is renowned as wonderful hill walking country and a delight to trail runners. We have a folder of detailed walks/runs starting at or near Quilmore and you are welcome to a copy of this. We also have books and booklets of walks in the area and trail running routes linking to the long distance walking footpaths along The Shropshire Way, The Jack Mytton Way, Offa’s Dyke Way and Glyndwr’s Way.

Useful Walking Links:
https://www.shropshiretourism.co.uk/walking/
https://www.ldwa.org.uk/ldp/members/show_path.php?path_name=Jack+Mytton+Way
http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/offas-dyke-path
http://ramblingman.org.uk/planningatrip/planning_a_trip_on_the_glyndwrs_way

A short drive north from Quilmore is The Long Mynd and the Stiperstones, the largest area of heathland in the Shropshire Hills, both very popular with visitors. They are also important conservation sites. Much of the Long Mynd is looked after by the National Trust, while most of the Stiperstones is a National Nature Reserve. The Shropshire Wildlife Trust has a number of nature reserves along the ridge – The Hollies, Brook Vessons and Nipstone. There are miles of hikes along well maintained public footpaths and the town of Church Stretton has plenty of tea shops and cafes, restaurants and inns to enjoy after a strenuous day out walking.
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Offas Dyke Centre

The Offa’s Dyke Centre at Knighton is a very well presented exhibition of the turbulent history of the border region between England and Wales. Offa’s Dyke runs close by. For those who enjoy a traffic-free, hilly run along country lanes it is possible to run from Quilmore to Clun and on to join the Offa’s Dyke Way. For the ultra trail runners, the choice is yours, to go north or south? From Clun you are roughly halfway along the 177 mile Way.

Heart of Wales line

Described as one of the most scenic railway lines in the U.K. the Heart of Wales line goes through Mid Wales and offers a feast of panoramic views and fascinating small towns. Bill Bryson called it ‘sensationaI’ (Sunday Times 14-12-03). The train can be caught at Hopton Heath station, about three miles from Quilmore.

Clun

About 4 miles from Quilmore is the village of Clun. It has a Green Man festival once a year celebrating the fertility of the seasons. Many of the tiny local micro breweries come together in the autumn for beer and cider festivals, with live music, street theatre, stalls, exhibits, and much merriment take place. The town has its own museum, two excellent pubs, cafes, shops, and the castle. There are two antique shops, the one featuring art exhibitions by local artists. All in all, a lovely place to wander and take time out.
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Bishops Castle

The town of Bishops Castle has many quaint buildings with traditional shops. Here are art and craft and book shops. The real ale festival in the Summer is a worthy celebration for a town which is famous for brewing its own beer

Craven Arms

Museum of Popular Culture can be found here. A visit to The Land of Lost Content  will bring back memories of everyday artefacts of yesteryear. Also in Craven Arms is the Secret Hills Discovery Center depicting the natural history of the Marches.   Tuffins, a local, family run supermarket is also sitiuated in Craven Arms.

Ludlow

The town of Ludlow has been described as one of the jewels of England with many perfectly preserved medieval buildings, a market, theatre, and many interesting shops. Ludlow’s eating places range from simple cafes to Michelin starred restaurants

Presteigne

The Judge’s Lodging is an award winning historic house in Presteigne. The building has been stunningly restored and its history presented in a fascinating manner. The town itself has real charm and was recently included in the ten best places to live in Britain. It has a Festival of Music and the Arts each Summer.

Other local attractions

Bury Ditches hill fort

Bury Ditches is a pre-historic hill fort. There are well marked walks round it, and stunning views.

Caer Caradoc hill fort

Caer Caradoc is an iron age hill fort about three miles from Quilmore. As well as being interesting historically it provides a lovely – if strenuous – hill walk.

Castles

There are several castles. One of the best is Ludlow Castle. with its magnificent ruins of the inner bailey. Also of interest is Clun Castle, which is on a very picturesque site. The ruins of Hopton Castle, have a blood soaked history! It is about a mile or so along the lane and can be viewed from the road. Wigmore Castle is also impressive. One of the best preserved medieval manor houses in Britain is Stokesay Castle. Visitors enjoy an informative tape-recorded commentary. Re-enactments of medieval scenes take place on bank holidays.

Clunton Coppice

is a wood about a mile from Quilmore. It is a site of special scientific interest managed by Shropshire Wildlife Trust. It has numerous sessile oak and rare fauna. It is described by the trust as an all season wood which is wonderful at any time.   Visit Website

Ancient churches

The churches of the area are some of the most beautiful and interesting in any rural location. We have guides and information at the cottage for you to use during your stay.

Villages

There are numerous quiet picturesque villages within easy reach, among them Clunbury, Clungunford, Bucknell, and Leintwardine

Festivals

Most of the towns and village near Quilmore have festivals or carnivals. Knighton, Clun and Craven Arms all have carnivals, and there are outdoor plays, processions and celebrations. Aston on Clun has its ancient Arbour Day and there are numerous smaller events.

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