Stay in a lovely Jacobean country house hotel (The
Feathers in Ludlow). Very relaxing and friendly with an excellent
restaurant. This is a real treat for a special occasion. A short walk
through the market square (next to Ludlow Castle) and you are surrounded by
brilliant walks, along the River Teme or over the hills in Mortimer Forest.
You have a wide choice of walking routes, with very detailed descriptions
and maps.
Both nights are spent in Ludlow. Well known as one of
BritainÕs most beautiful towns with a fantastic reputation for excellent
food (food festival and ÔMichelinÕ stars). If you prefer to travel by
train, this holiday works out really well, with easy links from Ludlow to
all mainline destinations.
Walk Description. Easy to moderate walking. On the
longer walks there are some steep uphill sections. 4 to 15 miles per day
(6-24km).
Day 1. Travel to Ludlow, arrive by lunchtime. Ludlow
is a medieval fortified town with a magnificent Norman castle. The Feathers
is a lovely place to stay, and a real treat for a special occasion. You
should have plenty of time to try the short walks and explore the local
area:
(a) Along the River Teme to Oakly Park country estate,
visit remains of Benedictine priory (medieval gatehouse & wall
paintings in church) and finish with afternoon tea at The Clive or Ludlow
Food Centre. 3-6 miles (5-10km)
(b) Follow Ludlow's historic town trail to trace its
history. Then try the ÒBread WalkÓ along the river and across Whitcliffe
Common for the best views of Ludlow. 1-2 miles (2-3km).
Day 2. Explore Mortimer Forest. Your walking holiday
pack includes detailed route notes and Ordnance Survey maps for a selection
of walks of varying lengths & degrees of difficulty, from 4-15 miles
(6-24km). You can choose the walk each day that is most suitable for you
(and the weather).
The routes include:
(a) A selection of walks through Mortimer Forest and up
to ÒHigh VinnallsÓ with fantastic views all the way down to the Black Mountains
in Wales. You can follow the Mortimer Trail to Mary Knoll Valley and Sunny
Dingle cottage. 4-6 miles (6-10km).
(b) Climbing Jack Common is perfect for picnics - or
look out for deer and Red Kites as you walk through Haye Park - to the
idyllic churchyard & castle ruins at Richard Castle. 9.5 miles/15km.
(c) Explore Bringewood - great views of Downton Castle
(which was built from the revenues of the great Iron forge at Bringewood,
fuelled by charcoal from the forest). 11 miles/ 18km. Or carry on to the
picturesque village of Burrington, with unique cast iron gravestones....
and in June a field of orchids.15 miles/ 24km.
Day 3. Your last day in Ludlow. Time for another short
walk, or just have a relaxing time exploring the unique shops and market
square. Try lunch at De Greys, one of the best tea shops in the country.
Leave Ludlow at any time to suit you.
© Wheely wonderful cycling
