Take to the Hills in Shropshire, England
Glorious scenery and fun for all ages!
The Shropshire Hills are our favourite holiday destination—it’s the perfect place to get away from the crowds.
As we drove into Carding Mill Valley, the cock crowed, and the scenery took our breath away. This tranquil location provides something for every taste: opportunities for walkers, relaxation or games. There’s plenty to keep children entertained whether they enjoy wildlife, exploring, or paddling in the stream.
As we wandered away from the car, we glanced up the hill at the tiny people standing on the precipice. Hill climbing seemed a daunting task and we only intended to walk to the reservoir in the valley. We were greeted by a sheep and decided to climb higher. The stunning scenery urged us to keep going.
Before we knew it, we were halfway up the hill, in complete isolation with no one visible for miles. In true Indiana Jones style, we stumbled across the skeleton of the last person who had made it this far!
We raised an eyebrow and carried on, concluding it was probably just the remains of a sheep. The trail got narrower and narrower as sensible people had decided to turn back, but on we trudged, as butterflies flitted around the wildflowers.
We reached the top of the hill, with incredible views. Sounds of grouse came from among the bracken, although we couldn’t see them. Falcons screeched below, then silence, as they hovered over their prey.
After a brief hilltop celebration, we wondered which path would lead us safely back to civilisation and decided upon a descent that looked like it might take us in the right direction.
We met a dog who looked most enthusiastic about the sheep, but her owner said “she wouldn’t know what to do with the sheep if we let her off the lead”.
We plodded on, wondering where the path in the wilderness would take us next. Intrepid explorers we were, going where no man had been for at least five minutes!
We ended up on a very steep incline, so considered an alternative route, but it was infested with flies and didn’t look any easier. As underfoot became more difficult to navigate with loose stones, I slipped.
Picking myself up and rubbing myself down, I stuck to the rockiest terrain which provided some grip. The lesson of the day was don’t do this walk without walking boots. However, I can highly recommend it with walking boots. Just three miles, it takes you on a fantastic adventure where you really do feel like a lone explorer in the wilderness.
Back in the valley, we had tea and cake in the National Trust Tea Shop and walked another mile to see where the valley road ended — at the foot of another hill. We walked back past a group of children, sledging down a hillside on flattened cardboard boxes, whilst others played in the stream.
At lunchtime, the sheep helped us eat our picnic. Do take care when you’re picnicking, because the sheep run off with your lunch! Adorable!
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