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Wenlock Edge Walk

19.26 miles (31 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap Wenlock Edge runs from Craven Arms to Much Wenlock, in the Shropshire Hills AONB. This walk follows the 19 mi (31 km) limestone escarpment using the footpaths of the Shropshire Way and the Jack Mytton Way long distance routes.
The walk begins in the town of Craven Arms, near to the train station. You then head to the 400-million-year-old limestone escarpment following the pretty Quinny Brook out of the town. The walk passes ancient woodland, the 19th century Flounders' Folly and the Elizabethan Wilderhope Manor. There are some challenging climbs on the walk but you are rewarded with splendid views over Corvedale and the Shropshire Hills. The walk finishes in the interesting town of Much Wenlock where you will find Wenlock Priory - a ruined 12th century monastery with a lovely topiary garden.
If you'd like to continue your walking in the area then the Long Mynd, Caer Caradoc Hill and the beautiful Carding Mill Valley are all nearby.
You could try our circular walk around Much Wenlock which visits the fascinating ruins of the 12th century Wenlock Priory. There's also our Wenlock Edge Circular Walk which starts from the town and visits the historical site of Major's Leap.

Please click here for more information

Wenlock Edge OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Wenlock Edge Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

At the Craven Arms end of the Edge there's the excellent Stokesay Castle to visit. The medieval manor house dates all the way back to the 13th century and is run by English Heritage. The house and surrounding gardens are well worth a visit.
To the west is the village of Hopton Castle where you can visit the ruins of the mediaeval castle which was besieged in a battle of the English Civil War during 1644. There's also the lovely Wood 'n' Ribbon cafe in this area. The eclectic site has a lovely outdoor area with animals including goats, hens and ponies. They also provide accommodation in the shape of quality glamping pods too.

Photos

Wenlock Edge (NT) Car Park - geograph.org.uk - 740901

Wenlock Edge (NT) Car Park

Southern end of the Long Mynd from Wenlock Edge. - geograph.org.uk - 1482234

 Southern end of the Long Mynd from Wenlock Edge. September evening near Wenlock Edge providing a sunset over the Mynd.

On Wenlock Edge the woods are in colour - geograph.org.uk - 1562255

On Wenlock Edge the woods are in colour Autumn colours clothe the mixed woodlands and plantations on the slope between Ape Dale and Wenlock Edge.

On Wenlock Edge the wood is rather relaxed - geograph.org.uk - 422769

On Wenlock Edge the wood is rather relaxed

National Trust sign at Wenlock Edge - geograph.org.uk - 200861

National Trust sign at Wenlock Edge

Over the stile and down Wenlock Edge escarpment - geograph.org.uk - 689856

Over the stile and down Wenlock Edge escarpment

Much Wenlock, St. Milburge's Priory - geograph.org.uk - 1627207

Much Wenlock: St. Milburge’s Priory. Although there has been a religious house on this site since the 7th century, the priory that we see today date from the early 12th century when, after the alleged discovery of the bones of St. Milburge, it became a pilgrimage destination. Its predecessor had been re-founded after the Norman conquest and dedicated to Saints Michael and Milburge. In January 1540, during the dissolution of the monasteries, the priory was closed and, with the exception of the part which was converted to a private residence – it still is – the fabric of the buildings was pilalged for local farms and cottages.

Much Wenlock, St. Michael's Chapel, Wenlock Priory - geograph.org.uk - 1627243

Much Wenlock: St. Michael's Chapel, Wenlock Priory Looking across the southern end of the ruins of St. Milburge’s Priory, with two topiary figures facing us.

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Wenlock Edge.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Wenlock Edge.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)