Walkers to enjoy new Shropshire Way extension

The 140-mile Shropshire Way is being extended to allow walkers to explore the north west of the county.

The new Oswestry loop will link Llanymynech, Chirk, Oswestry and Ellesmere using existing footpaths and the canal towpath and will create a dozen additional easy access routes. To celebrate its opening one of the villages on the route will hold a walking festival later this year.

The Shropshire Way winds140 miles from Shrewsbury taking in the Shrewsbury Canal, Shropshire Hills, Bishop's Castle, Clun, Craven Arms, Ludlow, the Clee Hills, Wenlock Edge, the World Heritage Site at Ironbridge, the Wrekin and Wem.

There is also a 12-mile northern spur connecting with Whitchurch and Grindley Brook on the Llangollen Canal.

The new waymarked Oswestry Loop will take walkers around the town, with half a dozen new, easier access circular routes.

It will be officially opened on May 12 and 13 and to celebrate villagers in Selattyn, on the very edge of the county, will hold their own events.

Reverend Mark Turner, from Selattyn, said: "The Oswestry Loop will include a footpath that goes past Selattyn Tower on the edge of the village.

"To celebrate Selattyn will hold a Walking Festival on both days. There will be organised walks beginning at the traditional 17th century Cross

Keys pub in the centre of the village starting at 10am and 2pm each day. A buffet lunch will be offered at the pub.

"Local bed and breakfast accommodation can be arranged for those who wish to stay over the weekend."

The Shropshire Way was originally devised by local ramblers in the late 1970s and subsequently expanded.