GO2 Leisure Drive 4 - Shrewsbury to Church Stretton

Shrewsbury
From Meole Brace roundabout, take the A49 south towards Ludlow. Straight over at the roundabout on the Shrewsbury bypass. SO through Bayston Hill. Turn left sign posted Condover.

Condover
I never get tired of visiting Condover as it is a very pleasant village with a good balance of old and new. SO through Condover, SP Dorrington. Turn left at T-junction with A49, them immediately right SP Picklescott.

Dorrington
A pleasant village still waiting for a by-pass.
After the village, you will immediately find yourself in the heart of rural Shropshire. The high hedge banks don't allow many views, but the hedgerows provide a wonderful display of wild flowers during the summer. Turn right SP Wilderley and Pulverbatch. Turn right SP Pulverbatch. After going up a short hill, you will enter Pulverbatch.
To visit Castle Pulverbatch, turn right by the White Horse Inn, SP Habberley, then go SO where the road bears right. The castle site lies a few hundred yards on the left. Although nothing remains of the castle structure, the earthworks provide a lovely vantage point and picnic spot. The castle was built in the 11th century and abandoned in the early 13th century. Retrace your route to the White Horse Inn and turn right SP Bishop's Castle.
This road provides some lovely views of the hills, particularly of the Stiperstones to your right.
Turn left at Bridges SP Church Stretton, then immediately right by the Horse Shoe Inn. This road is gated. At times you might even think you are lost as you pass through a farmyard. Don't forget to close the gates after you. After leaving the gated road you will find yourself close to the western slope of the Long Mynd. Above, you may see gliders, if it's a good day. Follow the road through Prolley Moor until you turn left SP Asterton and Plowden.

Asterton
Little more than a hamlet on a cross roads. Go SO. (The road to the left leads up to the glider field on top of the Long Mynd.). A little further down this road you will see the tiny village of Myndtown over the fields to the right.Turn left on the main road SP Craven Arms. Turn left on the B4370 SP Craven Arms.
After climbing a hill you will see a church on your right. Turn left soon after it SP Hamperley, Priors Malt and Church Moor. Turn right at X-roads. Turn left by phone box.

Minton
I have always liked Minton as it reminds me of what villages must have once been like. An interesting cruck building can be seen here. Follow signs for Church Stretton and Little Stretton. Turn left at T-junction.
Bear right.

Little Stretton
A lovely village worthy of a perambulation which tends to live in the shadow of it's bigger neighbour, Church Stretton. Turn left at X-roads. This road then takes you into Church Stretton.

Church Stretton
If you turn left on entering Church Stretton, SP TIC, then follow the road up the hill you will arrive at a car park which gives access to Rectory Wood which is a lovely place for a walk, if you've got the energy! The shortest return route is along the A49 which you will find extremely dull after your leisure drive.

Should you wish however to proceed further, and explore more, you could always travel from Church Stretton to Welshpool using another of our leisure drives