Whatever the time of year, there are many lovely walks to enjoy in our local area taking in the stunning Shropshire countryside, the canal and the historic mosses which are just a stone’s throw away from the marina.
Here’s three walks to try, of varying distances, all starting and ending at the marina:
Walks Leaflet
We have a stunning, natural environment on our doorstep – a wealth of natural resources, ideal for walkers and their four-legged friends. Our dedicated pathway takes you directly onto the canal towpath (please ask for our walks’ leaflet). A short stroll will take you to Whixall Moss, part of the world-renowned Fenn’s, Whixall and Bettisfield Mosses National Nature Reserve and the habitat of several rare species. Created more than 10,000 years ago as the glaciers that covered much of Britain receded, the Marches Mosses are one of the largest raised peat bogs in Britain and one of the rarest habitats on earth and an enormous carbon store, holding more carbon acre for acre than forest does. It’s a haven for plants and wildlife that thrive in the acidic peat. Many of these are seen in very few other places on earth. A ‘Mammoth Tower’ overlooking the moss provides a birds-eye view of this exceptional and memorable landscape, and is definitely not to be missed.
Further along the canal, ornithologists can enjoy a visit to the Charles Sinker Fields Bird Hide, named in honour of the passionate conservationist who recognised the unique nature of the meres and mosses of Shropshire, and who campaigned for their protection. Charles Sinker Fields is one of the best sites for wildfowl and wetland birds in North Shropshire, and home to curlews, lapwings and many more dabblers and waders.
More about Whixall Moss here: https://themeresandmosses.co.uk/visiting-the-mosses/
Bull & Dog, Coton 2.5 miles
Coton, Shropshire, SY13 2RA
Open seven days a week.
The Bull & Dog pub is perfect for a lunch or an evening meal and is just a short drive or bike ride from the house.
T: 01948 880559. www.thebullanddog.co.uk
The Dickin Arms, Loppington. 5.4 miles
Loppington, Shrewsbury, SY4 5SR
Open Tuesday-Sunday.
T: 01939 233471. www.thedickinarms.co.uk
Anglo Welsh Dayboat Hire (On-site) While you’re here, why not discover the Llangollen Canal on an Anglo Welsh dayboat. Adventures include cruising to Whitchurch or Ellesmere and back. If you’re interested, please visit the Anglo Welsh office which is located next to the Marina Office.
Whixall Moss 1 mile
Next door to the marina is Whixall Moss, part of the Fenn's, Whixall and Bettisfield Mosses National Nature Reserve and the habitat of a number of rare species.
For full details: http://www.shropshiresgreatoutdoors.co.uk/site/fenns-whixall-and-bettisfield-mosses-nnr/
Hawkstone Park and Follies 8.5 miles
Woodland fantasy of caves and cliffs where paths twist and turn, rise and fall, and almost without fail reveal something unexpected around every corner: dramatic cliffs, towers, monuments, tunnels and passageways. Associations with King Arthur.
Weston-under-Redcastle, Shrewsbury, SY4 5UY T: 01948 841700 www.hawkstone.co.uk
Ellesmere Mere 7.8 miles
Tourist Information & Visitor Centre with beautiful woodland and garden walk right by the mereside. Visitor Centre, Mereside T: 01691 622981 https://www.ellesmere.info/
Hodnet Hall Gardens 10.2 miles
Over 60 acres of brilliantly coloured flowers, magnificent forest trees, sweeping lawns and a chain of ornamental pools which run tranquilly along the cultivated garden valley to provide a natural habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife.
Hodnet, Shropshire T: 01630 685786 www.hodnethallgardens.org
Whittington Castle 12.8 miles
Beautiful remains of a 12th century moated castle located in the heart of the village of the same name.
Oswestry, Shropshire SY11 4DF T: 01691 662500 www.whittingtoncastle.co.uk
Shrewsbury Castle 15.3 miles
The Great Hall houses the Shropshire Regimental Museum. In the grounds you will find the motte of the original Norman Castle.
Shrewsbury T: 01743 358516
http://www.shrewsburymuseum.org.uk/visit-shrewsbury/shrewsbury-castle/
Attingham Park, Shrewsbury 19.7 miles
The National Trust's 18th-century mansion and estate located near the village of Atcham, Shropshire.
Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY4 4TP T: 01743 708123
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/attingham-park
Wem Town 4.7 miles
This town is filled with pretty Georgian buildings and delightful 'proper' small shops – like The Fruitful Deli and Kings (the sort of hardware shop that sells everything you can possibly imagine and many things you probably can’t!).
Whitchurch Town 7.8 miles
Whitchurch has been inhabited since the Roman times and is still a thriving market town and is full of independent businesses. Take time out for a coffee, browse around the gift shops, buy local meat or have a meal at one of the pubs or restaurants.
Markets
Whitchurch Friday Market has been operating for over 60 years. The Market takes place every Friday from 7.30am – 12.30pm in the heart of Whitchurch, both inside and outside the Civic Centre and Market Hall.
Whitchurch Heritage Centre:- 01948 664577.
