Roam the Shropshire Way: Rail-Ready Short Breaks
Published on Wednesday December 3rd, 2025
Heart of the Hills, Far from the Crowds
Step out from Shrewsbury, overnight at Bridges, then stride over the Shropshire Hills to Bishop’s Castle.
Begin in Shrewsbury’s characterful streets before striking out into the open hills, where sweeping views, tranquil valleys, and timeless villages set the tone for a restorative escape. With flexible routes and return options, it’s an effortless way to taste the best of the Shropshire Hills—just arrive by train and follow the skyline.
A 2 or 3 night adventure into the Shropshire Hills
Accommodation along this route
Lion & Pheasant
A unique combination of historic quality and contemporary design makes this AA three-star hotel the perfect destination for an evening out or a longer stay – whether to unwind after a day of busy meetings, or to while away a relaxing weekend in Shropshire’s most beautiful county town.
The Castle Hotel
The Castle Hotel in Bishops Castle, has fourteen delightful en-suite bedrooms, three bustling bars, a fine oak panelled restaurant and one of the finest hotel gardens in the land. We also have two cottage available to let, just across the square. The hotel is suffused with that elusive “I’ve got away from it all” feeling. […]
Three Castles, One Quiet Sun
From Ludlow’s grandeur to Bishop’s Castle’s charm, on to Clun — the quietest place under the sun.
Arriving in Ludlow, you start in one of Shropshire’s most characterful towns—packed with independent food spots, a striking castle, and easy rail access. From here, the route carries you into the quieter border country, with options to begin your walk from Bishop’s Castle or Clun, both known for their strong community feel and laid-back, small-town charm. The path then leads on toward Craven Arms, where wide-open countryside and simple onward travel connections keep the journey practical as well as rewarding. It’s a route that links three very different places, giving you a real sense of how varied this corner of Shropshire can be.
A flexible 3 or 4-night challenging walking break.
Accommodation along this route
The Castle Hotel
The Castle Hotel in Bishops Castle, has fourteen delightful en-suite bedrooms, three bustling bars, a fine oak panelled restaurant and one of the finest hotel gardens in the land. We also have two cottage available to let, just across the square. The hotel is suffused with that elusive “I’ve got away from it all” feeling. […]
White Horse Inn, Clun
Hi, we are Jack & Hannah the proud proprietors of The White Horse Inn since 2001. Our small 16th-century inn is on Clun’s ancient market square. We have a great pub and have been working over the past years to make it even better for you and our local community. We have added four more […]
The Salwey Lodge
Within walking distance of Ludlow and astride the Shropshire Herefordshire border sits @theLodge. Arabella and Hugo are opening up the doors of their stunning grade 2 listed house to host small groups of guests (up to 8 people) and provide a bespoke itinerary of walking and activities to take full advantage of all that Ludlow […]
The Wrekin Rises, The Iron Bridge Beckons
Begin at Wellington at the foot of the Wrekin, stride across the worldfamous Iron Bridge, and wander past Wenlock Abbey’s timeless stones.
This journey begins in Wellington, a straightforward rail stop with everything you need for an overnight base. The first day’s walk takes you toward Ironbridge, dropping into the UNESCO-listed gorge with its mix of riverside paths, industrial heritage, and busy little streets. From Ironbridge, the trail climbs out of the valley toward Much Wenlock, tying together woodland, open viewpoints, and the quieter edges of the Severn. With each town offering a completely different atmosphere, this short break is an easy way to see three distinct sides of Shropshire in just a couple of days.
3 night break including 2 days walking
Accommodation along this route
Ironbridge View Townhouse
A multi-award-winning holiday home set in the heart of the historic Ironbridge Gorge, winning 8 awards in 2025 including the Best Self-Catering Holiday Home in Shropshire and Guest Satisfaction Excellence Awards. Ironbridge View Townhouse offers an unforgettable stay with breathtaking views of the world’s first Iron Bridge. Perfectly situated for exploring all that Ironbridge has to offer, the […]
Ironbridge Holidays
Ironbridge Holidays is a family run business, we have been providing welcoming holiday accommodation in and around Ironbridge for more than 30 years. We have a great selection of self catering properties from small cottages to large family houses, providing short breaks, business lets and long term stays. With properties in Ironbridge, Shrewsbury, Cornwall and […]
Puddle Duck Cottages
Award winning luxury self-catering holiday cottages that have been featured as one of the top places to stay by The Telegraph. Puddle Duck Cottages are in the heart of the Ironbridge Gorge, Shropshire which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the World’s first cast iron bridge and birthplace of the industrial revolution, […]
The Valley Hotel
Best Western Valley Hotel is a country house hotel situated in the heart of Ironbridge, providing a perfect base for visiting the Ironbridge Gorge Museums. With a riverside setting and breathtaking views of the surrounding parkland, this charming 44 bedroom Georgian listed building is the perfect choice for your stay. Our stylish restaurant continues to […]
Meres, Mosses and Canals Unfold
Discover Ellesmere’s shimmering meres, wander Wem’s quiet lanes, and finish among Shrewsbury’s canals and cobbled charm.
You begin and end in Shrewsbury, making this circular break simple to reach by train and ideal for walkers who like a mix of landscapes. After a warm-up stroll along the River Severn, you head to Ellesmere—known for its meres, waterside paths, and small-town feel. From there, the route moves through rural farmland toward Wem, a market town with a quieter pace, before continuing on to the ridges and woodland around Haughmond. The return to Shrewsbury ties everything together: lakes, villages, farmland, and viewpoints—all linked by straightforward bus and rail connections.
3 to 4 days of walking through Meres and Mosses.
Accommodation along this route
Narnia at Siddle Equine Service
A romantic quaint cottage with a double ended bath, large wood burner and a huge super king size bath!! Situated on edge of the beautiful Wem and Whixall moss, An ancient piece of wilderness; is outstanding example of a lowland. Straddling the English border, near Whitchurch in Shropshire and Wrexham in Wales, lies one of […]
The Haughmond
The Haughmond – A Countryside Retreat Near ShrewsburyNestled in the historic village of Upton Magna, just outside Shrewsbury, The Haughmond is a welcoming restaurant with rooms offering a true taste of Shropshire. Enjoy delicious, locally sourced dishes in the relaxed restaurant or outside in the tranquil garden with sweeping views towards The Wrekin. After dining, […]
Supported by
