Launch of new sections of Shropshire Way

The new southern sections of the Shropshire Way will be formally opened on Saturday 26 July.

The whole 140 mile route will be simpler to navigate with 4,500 new waymarkers, 400 fingerposts and 260 waymarker posts. It will also be easier to walk thanks to 200 new two-step stiles and 80 kissing or wicket gates. Some 40 miles of the route are new and were suggested by local walkers.

The £160,000 project will provide a unique opportunity for visitors and locals alike to get acquainted with the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, one of the least known and finest landscapes in Britain.

The formal opening will be at 2pm on Saturday 26 July at the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, when Councillor Barbara Craig, Cabinet Member for Community Services, will cut the ribbon. This will be followed by four-mile circular walk around Craven Arms.

Councillor Barbara Craig said: “Any project which gets more people closer to our beautiful county would be very worthwhile. But when you combine the chance to get to know the panoramas of the Shropshire Hills, the castles, historic towns and our rich industrial past with healthy exercise for all ages then we have something really worth celebrating.”

Jim Stabler Shropshire Way project officer said: “If you wanted to know about the best walks whom would you ask? What we did was to ask the real experts – our local walkers the people who have had years to find the nicest routes in all weathers and seasons. The result is a unique achievement a route to delight and entertain by the people who know every inch of their local hills. It is not only the finest route around the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty but also the best possible set of day walks.”

“While people are enjoying the vistas opened by these new sections of the Shropshire Way, we hope they will remember the volunteers who literally showed us the way. Everyone involved in this splendid project deserves our congratulations and thanks.”

Especially aimed to attract people to try the Shropshire Way for the first time, the new Shropshire Way has been designed to have the broadest possible appeal. Younger non-walkers, Families and dog-walkers can enjoy the new short circular walks from the Way.

Choosing and going for a walk has never been simpler. There are now easy to follow maps highlighting each of the 11 routes and circular walks, giving you the option to walk either one or more sections of the Shropshire Way.

You can access a map follow the links on this page.

For more information about the new sections of the Shropshire Way call Jim Stabler, Shropshire Way Project Officer on 01743 255067.

17 July 2008