Ratlinghope

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The GuardianOct 6, 2026

Fine scenery, historic towns and great pubs: a weekend walk on the Shropshire Way

A new series of rambles cuts the 185-mile trail into bitesize portions reachable by train, with urban beavers, the Devil’s Chair tor and some delicious food along the way Few pubs boast a more idyllic setting. As I emerge from the woods after a 15-mile hike, The Bridges , on the banks of the Onny River, in the rolling south Shropshire hills, glistens in the late afternoon sun. Inside it’s all w…

14 things in this story
  • St Margaret’s ChurchSight12th-century church, burial place of last known “sin-eater”
  • Elsewhere
  • Shropshire WayTrailShropshire, United Kingdom185-mile trail cut into bitesize portions reachable by train
  • Heart of the HillsTrailShrewsbury, United Kingdomtwo-day hike from Shrewsbury to Bishop’s Castle via Ratlinghope
  • CsonsRestaurantShrewsbury, United Kingdomcreative small plates
  • Old River Bed nature reserveSightShrewsbury, United Kingdomboardwalk crossing wetlands allows up-close view of rewilding
  • Lion + PheasantHotelShrewsbury, United Kingdom16th-century townhouse hotel with beamed restaurant
  • Lyth Hill Country ParkSightShropshire, United Kingdomexpansive views across Shropshire
  • Long MyndSightBishop's Castle, United Kingdomheath and moorland plateau
  • StiperstonesSightBishop's Castle, United Kingdomnational nature reserve with wild, dramatic ridge
  • Devil’s Chair torSightBishop's Castle, United Kingdomrock formation on the Stiperstones ridge
  • Linley BeechesSightBishop's Castle, United Kingdommagnificent avenue lines the descent into Bishop's Castle
  • Bank House B&BHotelBishop's Castle, United KingdomGeorgian renovation with oak-panelled drawing room
  • Poetry PharmacySightBishop's Castle, United Kingdomprescriptions are poems chosen to spark specific emotions
  • Castle HotelPubBishop's Castle, United Kingdomgrand hotel with pretty gardens and welcoming restaurant
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