Walkers stride out in to the countryside

On Saturday, there will be an 8-miles easy walk along part of the northern half of the Shropshire Way, from Astley to Shrewsbury via Haughmond Hill. Walkers will need to be at Shrewsbury Bus Station in time to catch the Arriva bus 64 for Market Drayton. The bus departs from Stand H at 10.15am. Please contact the walk leader (01743-353858 or 07974 039520) prior to the walk to confirm the bus times.

On Sunday, there will be an 8.5-mile moderate walk in the Cleobury Mortimer area. This walk will start from Cleobury Mortimer, using sections of the Jack Mytton Way and the Shropshire Way, through varied and interesting countryside, some of which is surprisingly wild, such as Cramer Gutter. The route will use paths, and small country lanes in a less well-known part of the county. Walkers should meet at 9.30am in Abbey Foregate car park to car share to the start of the walk. There will be a voluntary contribution of £4 each for those who are car sharing.

Then, on July 4, there will be a choice of two walks. The first of these will be a linear moderate plus walk of 12 miles along the Shropshire Way, from Coldgreen to Wilderhope. The route takes in spectacular countryside, including high moorland and a few steep climbs and descents. Places will need to be booked in advance as a bus will take walkers from Wilderhope Manor to the start of the walk at Coldgreen, and cars will need to be parked at Wilderhope Manor by 9am. Please contact the walk leader on 01743 363895 or 07484 113724 to reserve places on the bus, at £6 per place. Walkers should meet to car share at the Harvester Beaten Track car park, Old Potts Way, at 8.15am to the bus pick-up point. There will be a voluntary contribution of £3 for those who are car sharing.

The alternative walk will be a 7-miles moderate walk on Black Hill near Clunton, along forest tracks, field paths and quiet lanes. There will be far-reaching views as distant as the Malvern Hills on a fine day. Walkers should meet at 9.30am at the Harvester Beaten Track car park, on Old Potts Way. There will be a voluntary contribution of £4 for those who are car sharing.

On July 5, there will be a 4-mile easy evening walk at 7pm starting the Talbot Inn, Ruyton XI Towns. The walk will go from the village through Dunning Wood, alongside the River Perry to Platt Mill and arboretum, the Cliffe, Ruyton Church and the castle. The route will be on field paths and sandstone tracks. There will be an opportunity for drinks afterwards in the pub.

Walkers should wear suitable footwear, and suitable clothing for the forecast weather, such as hats. It is important to bring plenty of water. More information about these and other walks, including many suitable for families, is in the Shrewsbury Ramblers’ full programme, which is available on their website www.shrewsburyramblers.org.uk. Walk information for the forthcoming weeks can also be accessed via the group’s Facebook page.

The group have released their new programme for July through to the end of October. It is available on their website, www.shrewsburyramblers.org.uk There are lots of walks suitable for families and those wanting to walk further than three miles.