A group of walkers from France enjoyed exploring the Shropshire Hills and the Welsh Borders on a tour organised by Janet Redler Travel.

The eight day visit began in the pretty Shropshire market town of Bishop’s Castle, famous for its colourful painted houses, before the walkers followed a leisurely 15 kilometre route through the stunning Clun valley. The group enjoyed spectacular views over the hills towards Wales as they approached Clun, once described by Shropshire poet A.E. Houseman as one of “the quietest places under the sun”.

Stokesay Castle Gatehouse

The walking tour continued to Wenlock Edge, Church Stretton and Stokesay Castle. Built between 1285 and 1305, Stokesay is considered to be the finest fortified manor house in Britain. It nestles perfectly within the surrounding countryside alongside its half timbered Jacobean Gatehouse and stone church with Norman origins.

Ludlow

One of the highlights of the vacation was without doubt an afternoon in Ludlow, which is often hailed as one of the most picturesque towns in England. The beautifully preserved market town clusters around its craggy stone castle, with the wooded Shropshire landscape as a backdrop.

The following day, the group enjoyed a memorable walk through the Stiperstones. These unusual rocky outcrops, rising out of the Stiperstones ridge within the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, are visible from miles around. This is also known as Mary Webb country, after the local novelist and poet who wrote so much about the area.

The tour concluded with an exploration of the beautiful Montgomeryshire countryside, just over the border in Wales, where the group enjoyed fine views over the Severn Valley before visiting the spectacular Powis Castle, which dates back to the 13th Century. The castle and courtyard stand above probably the most famous garden in Wales, with its amazing yew hedges and beautiful herbaceous borders.

A final stop in the bustling market town of Montgomery gave the visitors a chance pick up last minute gifts and to stroll up to the hilltop castle ruin overlooking the town to take in the stunning views of surrounding countryside.

The feedback from the walkers was extremely positive. One of the group said: “I just wanted to thank you for the fabulous stay you have organised for us in Shropshire.”

Our tour guide Helen was also praised for her work. “You are such a considerate, warm-hearted and efficient person, I have appreciated every single moment on the Shropshire paths and across the fields, even when walking up the hills was a bit of a challenge for me. I will be glad to see you all again one day.”

“We are so pleased that our French visitors enjoyed their tour of the Shropshire Hills and Welsh Borders,” said Managing Director Janet Redler. “This part of Britain is often overshadowed by more high profile tourist destinations, but it really does boast some of the most beautiful – and quintessentially British – countryside and is just perfect for a walking holiday.”

If you or your group would like to experience your own walking tour of England and Wales, please do contact us and we will put together a tailor-made itinerary for you.