Walking Around Ludlow
The
ancient market town of Ludlow, dominated by the sandstone tower of the
parish church of St. Lawrence and the dramatic castle ruins, is one
of the gems of Shropshire. Set on the river Teme where it is joined
by the river Corve, the town has developed around the castle, strtegically
sited and built in 1085 by the Earl of Shrewsbury to defend Norman lands
from the troublesome Celts. The view of the castle ramparts seen from
the western Marches side of the Teme is incredibly romantic and well
worth the walk from the town; catch it in a morning mist and it is utterly
magical.
From Ludford bridge
walk up splendid Broad Street with it's fine Georgian facades interspersed
with black and white box framed buildings and you will be duly impressed.
Visit the Feathers Hotel in the Bull ring, one of the best examples
of 17th. century half timbered buildings in England to confirm your
impression. Ludlow has a captivating mellow charm and, as it is also
a great base for walking, you should not need too much pursuading to
stay. The food is good too; for all it's history and rural charm Ludlow
is a thriving community that has applied it's strengths intelligently
to the needs of a tourist economy. The town is now renowned as a gastronomic
centre of excellence with several restaurants boasting Michellin stars,
although a meal for two will cost you the price of a good pair of walking
boots.
To the north east
of Ludlow are the Clee Hills; Titterstone Clee the closest and Brown
Clee directly north of it. To the west of the Clee Hills lies the distinctive
long profile of Wenlock Edge and between them the attractive Corve Dale.
All of these areas offer excellent walks.
If you wish to walk
from Ludlow plan a route to the Mary Knoll Valley. This walk to the
south west of Ludlow offers superb views of the town and castle on the
return route. Leave the town by Ludford bridge and, after following
the Leominster road for a short distance head off right to walk up the
Mary Knoll Valley. The valley and surrounding woodland is part of Mortimer
Forest, home to fallow deer. Return along the Bringewood Chase ridge,
in parts following the Elton road to Ludlow. The high ground gives splendid
views of the castle and town.
OS Maps: Explorer 203
A Walk from Ludlow [SO 510746]
This is a walk through high pasture and woodland above the River Teme.
Leave Ludlow via the Dinham bridge and follow the Marches Way path north
west to Priors Halton. Then head south on a path leading into Mortimer
Forest. On reaching a lane turn left and follow the lane to Whitecliffe
Common and the famous cliff face embedde with 400 million year old fossils.
Follow a path known as the Breadwalk along the south bank of the Teme
and cross the river back into Ludlow across the Ludford bridge.
Best Pub for this walk
Church Inn, Church Street Tel: 01584 872174 (Good Pub Guide)
Excellent bar food and restaurant
This walk is fully described in the guidebook '50 Waks in Shropshire'
by Julie Royle
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