01/09/26 - Wenlock Edge, from Rushbury

18 Miles Long

I had no idea that Wenlock Edge went on for so far. I always assumed it was hill near Much Wenlock but having spent a week in the area, I can now confirm it is a 18 mile ridge, running straight and thin all the way to Craven Arms.

Today, we have a short but beautiful walk from Rushbury. There is little to report. Rushbury has no pub. The church is austere.

But the walking is fantastic - a gentle climb out of Apedale along the flanks of agricultural fields. A long section on the Jack Mytton Way - on the edge - and back down to the village.

All I can bring you are the photos;

Wenlock Edge behind the trees

Apedale

Jack Mytton Signpost

The Wrekin in the far distant

Rushbury Church - an austere interior

This is our last day in Shropshire. Next week, I hope to bring you pubs.

Walk Details

Distance - 3.75 miles

Geocaches - 1

Walk Inspiration - 40 Walks in the Welsh Marches, Walk 8

31/08/26 - Caer Caradoc

Automatic for the People

Walking comes into the modern age. No pubs or cafes on route today, but post walk refreshment can be found in a (for me) first of a kind. At the trail head - a shed - with automatic hot and cold drink and snacks running the gamut from twix to ice cream.

Ginger beers and brownies, post walk

But I am getting ahead of myself. First the walk - a lung-bursting ascent of Caer Caradoc, via three fingers rock. Descent over Little Caradoc and stop before climbing the Lawley. The return on fern infested paths along the flanks of the Caradocs.

We could watch the rain-storms sweeping in and were rewarded with a rainbow and surprisingly, by not getting a drenching ourselves.

A delight of a walk, where the photos only just begin to do it justice.

Views over Church Stretton

Climbing

Summiting

Mrs M at Three Fingers

Minnie and her daughter, Curly - the flatcoat retreivers

Turn back when you get to the Lawley

The profile of Caer Caradoc

Walk Details

Distance - 5.75 miles

Geocaches - 1

Walk Inspiration - Komoot

30/08/26 - The Holdgate Sheela-Na-Gig, Shropshire

You Exhibitionist

The Queen PJ Harvey's second single. I've been listening to it for 34 years. It's taken a trip to deepest Shropshire to find my first one. A tiny church in the tiny hamlet of Holdgate, deep in the Corvedale Valley, in the shadow of the Clee Hills.

On the south wall, above the chancel door

It's rather weathered and a little tricky to decipher. But once you have had it explained to you, it's impossible not to spot. From the Sheela-Na-Gig project;

The figure is described by some authors as “pugilistic” which is understandable given the weathering on the figure. In fact what at first seem to be the figure's hands are in fact its knees. The arms are behind the knees with the hand holding the vagina open.

No one can quite agree what they are for - a pre-Christian fertility symbol? A warning against lust? Who knows, but you wouldn't necessarily expect them on a church wall. If we wanted to see more of this ilk, we could have headed onwards to the next Hamlet. Tugford also has one.

This walk climbs out the Corvedale valley on the Shropshire Way. If you don't like sheep and/or stiles then maybe give this one a miss. It's not a bad walk, it's just that Mrs M is a tough woman to please. Already disinterested in rude symbols, she then moans that this route "is a bit samey and can we do something more exciting tomorrow?"

Corvedale Valley Floor Views

The Clee Hills in the far distance from Wenlock Edge

Not even spectacular Elizabethan architecture can excite her. On the crest of Wenlock Edge, we come across Wilderhope Manor House.

From the 1580s - restored by the Cadbury Family in the 1930s

If you like it, you can stay there - either in a single room or by hiring out the entire gaff. It is a youth hostel.

On the drop down to the valley floor, we find our second Elizabethan home - Shipton Hall.  Many parallels with Wilderhope, although this is in private ownership.

Same period, style and building material

Walking Details

Distance - 7 Miles

Geocaches - 2 (including a 3 year resus)

Walk Inspiration - Les Lumsdon's Best Shropshire Walks, Walk 29 

28/08/26 - Pole Bank and Light Hollow Spout

Old Familiar, Variation

This walk over Long Mynd is my most walked "boots on" ramble. It's the one I loved from the first time walked. It's the one where Country Walking Magazine ran a feature on Geocaching. It's the one I used for training when my son had an interest in walking Snowdon. Cost me children's boots, rucksack, socks and a penknife. He didn't like rambling.

We are staying in the wilds of Shropshire on our latest dog sit. A first, as it is 3 dogs. Never have more dogs than you have hands. Or children. It looks close to Church Stretton on the map but with the roads not taking the most direct route, it's a 40 mile round trip.

I found a new route on Komoot. We park in our (not so) secret free car park in Cunnery Road but instead of heading to Little Stretton and Round Hill, we head up Townbrook Valley. This will shave a couple of miles off and test out our dog handling skills.

All the views from the highest point, Pole Bank, and the slightly more dramatic hands-on-rock descent of Light Hollow Spout are present.

The top of Townbrook Valley

Old Boy Punch left snoozing - the two flat coats are up for it

The real wild ponies are in the far distance

Light Hollow Spout

Heading down Carding Mill Valley - for coffee and cake at the NT Cafe

Walk Details

Distance - 6.25 miles

Walk Inspiration - Komoot

Geocaches - 0

20/05/26 - Slow Way - Highley to Bewdley

For The Harbour at Arley

Highley - an unassuming mining town in Shropshire - becomes my most walked Slow Way location. I can add Bewdley to Kinver, Bridgnorth and Cleobury Mortimer to the list of destinations that I have walked from or to.

Today's walk is so simple..... Immediately pick up the river, walk downstream on the Severn Way, stop when you arrive at Bewdley.

Today's vista - the river at Highley

Long Distance Walking on the Severn Way

Half-way along, handily placed for (liquid) lunch, is the Harbour Inn at Arley. 

The Harbour Inn

With the population of Arley on the other side of the footbridge, it's a survivor. Pleasing that is open regular hours (Midday - 11pm), the only surprise was that I was not alone for my visit. A couple of other walkers not quite making it worth their while opening. 

Three Wye Valley Cask on - with Butty Bach in fair condition.

Plenty of refreshment options in Bewdley - but not all keeping such traditional hours. Looks like it's evening only for Bathams at the Horn and Trumpet.

Walk Details

Distance - 7 Miles

Geocaches - 1

Walk Inspiration

07/04/26 - Slow Ways - Highley to Cleobury Mortimer

My Kingdom for a Pint

There was only one way to approach this Slow Way. Highley has only one pub, and I think it is a dead pub. The Bache Arms, a wild experience, whilst it was open. Cleobury has four. One of them must be open on a Tuesday lunchtime, surely?

The Slow Ways web site is an excellent resource, aiming to connect every major town in the UK through walking. I am unsure as to who creates the routes. This route was unreviewed (until I came along) and was fine apart from a couple of lengthy road sections. One such section is avoidable. My feedback has been submitted.

Overall, a fine walk, completed is Spring sunshine across rolling agricultural landscapes.

Highley Church

The Walk looked mainly like this

My diversion to Cleobury Lodge Farm

Cleobury's Twisted Spire

Into Cleobury - with an hour to wait for the bus. I made the mistake of ignoring the Royal Fountain. The best pub in town, based on my previous Slow Way. The others - The Kings Arms, The Talbot and the Stables - all closed up on a Tuesday lunch time.

What's that I spy opposite the bus stop? Bargain Booze for a trampy wait in the sunshine.

Walk Details

Distance - 8 Miles

Geocaches - 0

Walk Inspiration

23/01/26 - Ludlow Pub Crawl

Pub Rules

The most epic bus journey from Kidderminster. The 292 still runs hourly, taking you through Bewdley, Cleobury Mortimer, Clee Hill before dropping you off outside the Ludlow Brewery. Over an hour after setting off.

The Ludlow Brewing Company

A civilised 11am opener on the days that it is open. Even though I am early, I'm not the first in. Which is encouraging. 

Next to the railway

Somehow, the advanced party ignored the wood burner next to my seat

I have the feeling that I have peaked already. There is food. There is atmosphere. Constant movement from the staff actually making the stuff we love. And as you would expect, the beer is in absolutely perfect condition. My Stairway - a 5% IPA - as good a pint as I have ever had.

I loved it and the bus journey is already a distant memory.

The Feathers

The architecture cannot be ignored and the first clue for my adventure lab cache.

Formerly the Griffin Inn, which may help future ALC-ers

A timber framed coaching inn from 1642. Trust me, all the beauty is on the outside and there is little need to explore the internals. Even if liveried waiters were poised to bring you Ludlow Gold.

The Charlton Arms

My exploration took me downhill to the ancient bridge. On the other side is the Charlton Arms. A sticker on the door boasting that it is in a "Top 50 Gastropub 2025".

The Charlton Arms - Across the Teme

A view from a bay window

For a gastropub - it's OK. There is a separate bar for the drinkers - and the Ludlow Gold was in fine condition. The comfy seats (and wall sockets) are in a pre-dining area, where the hungry wait to be called into the dining room. The view from the bay window is a joy.  Recommended? Well, it's a bit out of the way and there are plenty of other options.

The Wheatsheaf

Chosen for its external architectural interest. It's literally built into the City Walls, with a narrow gateway where you can watch drivers of SUVs try and squeeze through the narrow gap.

With bravery, you can drive through the gatehouse

One old fella who couldn't finish his chips inside. I looked hopeful when they came to collect his plate, but I needed to be more vocal with my desires. My pub instincts proved excellent and I have never been as grateful to order only a half. Timothy Taylor Landlord with the sharp smell of vinegar.

The Old Street Tavern

My Google Maps has the Green Dragon saved - and it was this I was looking for. God knows why or when I saved it but it is now a private house. Although a private house that has thirsty pub bloggers staring through the window. 

It's only a short walk to the Old Street Tavern - a small but multi-room, multi-floor proper boozer. Friendly staff and locals propping up the bar but I could not ignore the wood burner in a small room to the side.

Siren Memento in fine condition.

Worth a look?....

..... Definitely

The Church

My real quarry is the Blood Bay - a Good Beer Guide Tick - but this does not open until 3pm. With half an hour to spare, there was time to hang around for a half in The Church. A freehouse dating from the C14th, its mainly geared for pub dining. 

The major thing of note is the church bell housed in a recess by the bar. Commandeered from some redundant church, it is still used today to call last orders.

The Church

A decent half of Ludlow Gold, to show you the church bell

The Blood Bay

Shop Conversion

I'm still processing my thoughts on this place. Let's provide some details, so you can make up your minds;

Very limited opening hours - the 3pm Friday opening is a recent trial.

Its a micro in a shop but they have gone for a Victorian Pub experience. This means authentic, repurposed hand-pulls that have no branding on them. The drinks selection is geared to beer and cider drinkers, with very limited other options. They stock a pale, bitter, stout and a cider. Uley Brewery appears to be popular, from a chalkboard detailing what's on and what's coming.

There is a strictly enforced no-mobiles rule. Which goes as far as browsing. I am a solo, retired pub explorer who was chastised for looking to see how the 192 bus was doing on its journey to take me home. Do I need telling "to turn it off or take it upstairs"? As a result, you will need to see a more brazen, professional pub blogger's work for internal photos.

My pet hate is pubs with signs detailing obscure rules that make little sense to the outsider. 

But having said that, this was a pub where conversation flowed and strangers were included. I think the success of this depends on the landlords/landlady's ability to be a host and facilitate this conversation. The Blood Bay's landlady was very keen to chat in-between the real work of running a bar.

The online consensus is that people love it, citing the mobile, laptop, music ban as a positive. I can see where they are coming from but I doubt it would make my top 100 pubs.

I set off for the anticipated 4pm bus. It was 24 minutes late. 

If I had access to my phone, I could have stopped for a second pint.

23/01/26 - On the Trail of...... Prince Arthur

England's Sliding Doors Moment

Episode 3 of the West Midlands History Podcast and my quarry is Prince Arthur - Tudor prince and brother of Henry VIII. 

Prince Arthur, eldest son of Henry VII, was deliberately raised from infancy to rule, educated in the humanist ideals of the new Tudor monarchy and trained in governance, piety, and diplomacy as the living guarantee of dynastic stability after the Wars of the Roses. In 1493 he was sent to the Welsh Marches as nominal head of the Council of Wales and the Marches, residing chiefly at Ludlow Castle, where his household was intended to accustom him to kingship through regional rule; nearby Tickenhill Palace at Bewdley formed part of this orbit of royal authority and courtly life in the west. Arthur’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon in 1501 was meant to seal England’s place in European politics, but within months he fell ill at Ludlow and died in April 1502, aged just fifteen. He was buried in Worcester Cathedral, his tomb a quiet reminder of a reign that never was. 

Had Arthur lived to become king, England would almost certainly have avoided the later marital crises of his brother Henry VIII, with profound consequences for the English Reformation, the break with Rome, and the entire religious and political course of the nation. We'd all be Catholic and still have the monasteries and abbeys.

In terms of turning this into walk(s), there are three locations. Ludlow, where he died, Worcester Cathedral, where he is interred and the extraordinary "lost" Tudor Palace of Tickenhill in Bewdley.

Tickenhill Palace

I have lived within 3 miles of this place for over 50 years and yet I was hardly aware of its existence. A royal Tudor Palace in a small Georgian town. Incredibly, the much altered building still exists, perched in a new housing estate on a hill to the South West of the town. Now in private ownership. 

Everything you need to know about it is contained within this excellent website. The podcast mentions it as the place where he was proxy married to Catherine of Aragon and also a staging point for his body on the journey from Ludlow to Worcester.

Artists Impression from 1738

I arrive at the house from Blackstone Picnic area, picking my way up through the wonderful lost world of Snuffmill Dingle. Alas, the main house is protected by a high hedge - where it is possible to peek through but not to photograph. I do get to see the adjacent coach house. 

Tickenhill Exists

As it looks now with its Georgian facade

Ludlow

The longest bus journey from Kidderminster. £3 gets you over an hour of changing scenery - if you can see through the steam and dirty windows. But when you arrive, it's a fine town to explore. Not least the pubs.

Ludlow Castle is where Prince Arthur died.

Outside the Castle - with a canon from Sevastopol

St Laurence - a church, which seems too insignificant a word to describe its splendour - dominates the skyline. Arthur's heart (read all internal organs) was buried here and there is a memorial in front of the altar.

Prince Arthur

Heart

There's plenty of other things to investigate - not least the misericords.  These are a series of mini stories through carvings. You need to help to appreciate some of the stories and in keeping with the theme of the blog, here is dishonest alewife.

Serve short, weak measures of ale, get carted off to hell by demons.

Worcester Cathedral

When I visited on the Trail of Elgar, you cannot help but notice the chantry. Arthur's body is housed beneath the floor, rather than in the raised tomb.

Rather than my poor photo, here is a video which also tells the story of his life.

07/01/26 - The Pubs of Cleobury Mortimer. Shropshire

100% Quality, 75%  Available

It was a Slow Way that brought me to Cleobury Mortimer. 5 hours and 13 miles after setting off.

I feel that I am deserve a reward. All the rewards.

In Bayton Church, I fire up the Bar Trek App and find that 4/4 pubs are open on a Wednesday. I had my doubts as to the veracity of this, but they're all close to each other.

The Royal Fountain sits opposite the church with the twisted spire. A terraced free house dating from the 17th Century.

Pub 1 - The Royal Fountain

Enter into a main bar - where two men hang at the bar and one man guards all four of the comfy seats that a man who set off walking from a different county surely deserves. A cheery hello from the bar staff and my glasses instantly steam up. Which means the heating is on! Through the mist, I spot 5 cask hand pulls (a lot for three men, two on Madri) and as I am in Hobsons County, I plum for a Best Bitter.

Only 3.8% but very tasty and in very good condition.

1C or 10

Sadly, despite two sources of information saying open at midday, it looks like The Kings Arms opens at 3pm. There are only so many sources of the truth a man can review. Photos outside, much to the bemusement of the two workies who are also trying to gain access.

Kings Arms - Dubious Tick

The Talbot and The Stables share the same building infrastructure but are two independent premises. The Stables proudly celebrating their 10 year anniversary. It's a long way to go before they can match the Talbot - a 16th Century Coaching house, that looks handsome today as it did then.

All coaching houses need stables

Front of house - the Talbot

As the original and oldest pub in town, it becomes the first tick in my Shopshire Inn of Interest booklet. Love how the 1960s get excited at Chicken in a Basket. To be fair, the prospect got me buzzing.

There must be a pensioners offer on in the stables. Nearly every table is full of the grey pound. I manage to find the last place to sit and enjoy high quality Wye Valley Butty Bach.

Banished to the back of house

The talbot is the opposite extreme - just two men, one playing the puggie, the other playing cards with the bar man. One cask on - Hobsons Pale - but running high on success, I decide to give it a go. 

A bucket pulled through as the barrel is freshly on. 

Perfect.

Life is all about timing.

Gorgeous

Which extends to transport home. The nearest bus stop is called "The Talbot" and the 292 is bang on time.

A journey to Kidderminster to ponder on why no Cleobury pub is in the 2026 Good Beer Guide.