This fantastic long-distance walk explores some of the most beautiful places in the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). At 93 miles (150 km) long, this is a comprehensive exploration of Shropshire and includes plenty of history, viewpoints and pretty towns.

The Way sticks almost entirely to the AONB, taking in historic towns and villages as well as windswept summits and open commons. Largely rural, hiking this trail is an expedition for the senses, with birdsong, hedgerows, woodlands, fields and rivers the dominant sights and sounds. The route is also designed for horse riders and mountain bikers.

Jack Mytton was a Shropshire landowner and MP in the 19th century. Born into a wealthy family and inheriting large sums, from a young age Mytton’s life was a series of debaucherous escapades. After serving in the army and returning to Shropshire to inherit his full wealth at just 21, he allegedly won his MP seat by bribing his constituency with money. An extravagant and negligent spender, he fell into significant debt and died in prison. He was a notable horseman however; the Way runs through the countryside Mytton would’ve ridden often.

As opposed to Jack Mytton’s somewhat chaotic life, rambling this trail is a considerably more tranquil and wholesome venture. I’ve planned stages 1 to 6 of this hike to follow the original Way from Cleobury Mortimer to Llanfair Waterdine on the Welsh/English border. Stages 7 and 8 are an addition, which stretches from Rushbury back to Cleobury Mortimer and forms a loop. These extra routes give you plenty of scope to change the itinerary, including doing the loop by itself.

I’ve also planned the stages to start and end close to accommodation and food options. However, you can take on two stages in one day or break them up further, depending on your plans. Stages 7 and 8 can be tackled in a single, long day to avoid the challenge of finding accommodation in Wheathill.

Starting in the old market town of Cleobury Mortimer, you ramble about the rural pastures near the River Severn, with the AONB to the west. Gently undulating and exceptionally green, the landscapes are quintessential English countryside. From Much Wenlock, the Way traverses the stunning Wenlock Edge, a lengthy limestone escarpment.

Church Stretton leads you up the Long Mynd, one of the AONB’s most notable hills. This ridge offers exceptional views across to the wild and rugged Stiperstones as well as Caer Caradoc and the hills at Clun Forest. From the Long Mynd, the Way heads to Clun, with its ancient castle and onwards to meet Offa’s Dyke. It ends at the Welsh/English border on Lloyney Bridge at Llanfair Waterdine.

You can hike this trail at any time of year but the warmer months give you a better opportunity to make the most of the area’s stunning woodlands and thriving wildlife. Shropshire’s hills are exposed and the whole county can experience changeable weather so be prepared with waterproofs and sturdy hiking boots, regardless of season. The hills do experience snow and icy conditions in harsh winters.

All towns have supermarkets and other food outlets but villages may only have small stores or nothing at all. This means it’s best to take your day’s food with you and plan ahead for evening meals. Pubs aren’t in short supply though. Shropshire is a haven for hikers and accommodation is varied and widespread but it’s also worth booking ahead.

To reach the beginning, you can catch a train to Bewdley on the outskirts of Kidderminster, and take the 292 or 292S bus to Cleobury Mortimer. The same bus serves Ludlow, which is gorgeous and also has a train station. Alternatively, if you’re doing a loop hike, you can drive to the start. At the finish, at Llanfair Waterdine, you can hike the short walk south to Knucklas and catch a train to Craven Arms, on the Ludlow line.