Shropshire has an abundance of places to go for a walk. Be it the town parks or heading over to the Shropshire Hills, there is something to suit everyone. 

Here are 4 great Shropshire walks suitable for all ages

1 – Lilleshall Monument

Anyone who’s driven from Donnington out to Newport or Stoke on Trent has driven past Lilleshall Monument, me included. Standing atop the hill the Lilleshall Monument is a short walk, that although a little steep is nice and short and suited to even the most inexperienced of hikers. 

With several benches overlooking Telford and Newport, it’s the perfect place to sit and watch the sunset when the weather is just right. It’s worth noting that even though this isn’t a strenuous walk it’s not one for buggies or wheelchairs. 

To get to the walk I prefer to start at the Lilleshall Memorial Hall. The parking there is free and although there aren’t a lot of spaces, during a Sunday lunchtime there always seems to one spare.

Once you’ve left your car take a left out of the car park and walk up towards the church. Just opposite the Church is the road you need to walk, St Michaels Close. Continue straight up here to what looks like a private road, be careful though as the footpath ends here and it is still a road with houses on so cars can be passing by. Continue up this road for 5 minutes, on the left you’ll see the entrance to the start of the walk up to the Monument, although not clearly marked you will see it’s a well-trodden route (and occasionally muddy). 

Then it’s just a short incline to the Monument, there are a few viewpoint benches along the way and surrounding the monument giving you plenty of spots to sit and contemplate whilst taking in the views on a clear day. You can climb the monument yourself there are steps on the left-hand side, although steep they’re much easier than hoisting yourself up the right-hand side (trust me!) 

Unlike the rest of the locations, I mention there are no toilets or places for a coffee nearby however with Lilleshall being close to Donnington you’re not far from supermarkets and takeaways, just be prepared to not be near a toilet for a little while. 

2- Haughmond Hill

Haughmond Hill is on the “Old Road” from Telford to Shrewsbury also know as the B4380, Just as you see the Myton and Mermaid hand a right and follow the signs. Currently, with a working quarry next door (soon to be an animal reserve) Haughmond hill provides views over Shrewsbury, the River Seven over to the Shropshire Hills and even Wales on an extremely sunny day. 

There are four marked routes at Haughmond hill, all four trails range in length so whether you fancy a brisk half an hour or linking up two routes there’s plenty of choice, with something for all the family. If you’re going with a mobility scooter or buggy take the Corbett or Geo trail, just take note the Geo trail is a little uphill so if you’re pushing a wheelchair it can be a little hard work. If the kids don’t mind a little trek and the possibility of mud then head for the Henry or Wilfred walks. 

The parking is pay and display so be prepared to take some cash, and right at the entrance to the paths is a small cafe, perfect for a hot drink post walk if you didn’t back your flask. Don’t forget your packed lunch to enjoy in the picnic area or on one of the many benches dotted along the routes. 

Open every day except Christmas Day from 6 am-8:30 pm it makes for a great walk whatever the season. 

For more information click here

3- Stiperstones

Surrounded by a myth that a large outcrop of stones is the Devils Chair and that when the clouds are dark and low Satan himself is sat atop his throne up there Stiperstones is a rocky terrain that looks very different to the neighbouring hills of Long Mynd.  

Away from the tales, Stiperstones is easily accessible with a car park not too far from the summit, but don’t let that discourage you that its not a hearty walk, with good study shoes needed. 

The car park operates by payment upon donation sent via your mobile, so it’s up to you if you’d like to pay, however, the money goes to the upkeep of the area and keeping it a wildlife haven. 

The entrance is directly across from the carpark with you heading straight up the hill to the first path marker, don’t be deceived it’s steeper than it looks, but you’ll be fine if you take it nice and steady. Once at the top you can choose left or right. Either way, you’ll have sweeping views over Shropshire and out towards Wales and if you want to see the Devils chair take a right and go past one of the most interesting Trig points I’ve seen in a while, set atop a stack of the stones that mark out your paths. 

It’s worth noting that this is a buddy or wheelchair path, and if you’re a little unsteady on your feet you may spend a little more time focusing on where you’re going then the landscapes around you, the path is not flat. 

Unlike Haughmond there are no benches around the walk but with all the stones there’s plenty of places to perch for lunch. Being exposed if the weathers bad this may be a walk to miss out on, but catch a good day in September and not only will be treated to sweeping Shropshire landscapes you’ll also get to see the hills covered in heather as it blooms. 

If you fancy a drink or need the toilet the nearest ones are The Bog Centre, also part of the Shropshire hills and a short walk/drive down the hill from the top car park it’s a good place to start or finish if you’ve dragged along the little ones, or you’re just a big one that fancies a slice of cake post-walk. 

For more information around The Bog Centre and Walking Stiperstones check out the Shropshire Great Outdoors Website. 

4 – Telford Town Park 

Now, this might seem like a bit of a strange one, just hear me out. 

Yes, there is the central part of the park where the play areas are and the lake however the park is much bigger than most people realise. 

As you walk away from the centre you’ll stumble across a few unexpected sites that aren’t just to frisbee golf fields. 

With nearly all the paths perfect for bike, buggies and wheelchairs it’s perfect for exploring with the whole family in tow. Head away from the town centre and down past Wonderland you’ll have choices on whether to go right or left but don’t worry the whole park is extremely well signposted and several of the paths loop back round to bring you back up to the centre. 

There’s plenty of benches throughout some with views across the park in you head up the hill a little, there’s plenty to nose around. Whether you just stroll the paths, have a peek at the old mill or sit and ponder by the reservoir, a short walk won’t be boring whilst strolling through Telford Town Park. 

Fancy a longer walk or even a bike ride? Then follow the path straight down to the Silkin Way. This old railway route leads down to Ironbridge, lined with trees and a few picturesque spots along the way this flat route makes for an adventure even for the smallest of riders. There’s even an old platform along the way, now fitted with information about the route with a few benches it’s a firm favourite stopping point for those wanting a little rest and to make sure they’re on the right path.  

For more information on Telford Town Park click here  

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