Those Blue Remembered Hills

“Into my heart an air that kills from yon far country blows;
What are those blue remembered hills, what farms, what spires are those?”
A Shropshire Lad – A. E. Housman.

The village of All Stretton is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It sits under the Long Mynd, a ten mile stretch of high moorland, with many hidden valleys or batches. Great for walking, riding and biking. Cardingmill Valley, owned by the National Trust, is a popular destination for walkers and families, enjoying the start of various routes up onto the Mynd or exploring the stream and reservoir below. Wild ponies live up on the moorland, buzzards and skylarks soar above.

Church Stretton is a mile on from All Stretton, with independent shops, pubs, restaurants and coffee shops and regular bus and rail services. The leisure centre, on the All Stretton side of town, has a public swimming pool and there is a bike hire shop in the town square.

Acton Scott Historic Working Farm lies a few miles south of Church Stretton and just outside Craven Arms is Stokesay castle, a magnificent, moated 13th century manor house. To the north is Shrewsbury on the River Severn, easily accessible from Church Stretton by train or bus. Ludlow lies to the south with its ancient castle and beautiful half-timbered buildings.

Shropshire is a county of tiny hamlets, quiet lanes, bustling little towns with busy markets and rolling wild hills. From All Stretton stride out over the Long Mynd to Ratlinghope, with its ancient church and welcoming pub. Cycle over to the wild, craggy Stiperstones and fortify yourself for the trip home with cake at the Bog Cafe.Clamber up Caer Caradoc and admire the views.