People in the UK are looking closer to home for their holidays this year because frankly, given the uncertainty with the pandemic, it’s much easier than wrangling with an overseas holiday. It also helps that there are many fantastic spots to explore in our island nation.
Ludlow is one of them. As part of the Shropshire Hills, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, we offer visitors glorious views, wide open spaces, cultural richness, good food and plenty of outdoor activities.
In this series, a few of our best places to stay share their favourite walk directly from the doorstep. First up is Pillarbox Farm Cottages.
Pillarbox Farm Cottages, Haytons Bent
Naomi, owner of the gorgeous Pillarbox Farm Cottages, knows the surrounding countryside inside out and recommends a straightforward circular walk for ramblers to take in the best views and nature.
Naomi and companions
The self-catering cottages are located in the charming hamlet of Haytons Bent, 10 minutes north of Ludlow. The Hayloft sleeps two and The Forge sleeps three, both are well equipped, full of character and offer a luxurious escape in a stunning setting. There is also a hot tub — a very popular extra.
Naomi’s favourite walk takes you from the B&B’s front door and out to a beautiful old oak tree (check out the important additions when you get there!) and back. She advises taking in the grand views and looking skywards to spot red kites with their forked tails and soaring flight.
Walk with a view
In the summertime, if you are very lucky you may catch sight of a curlew with their unique beaks or hear its haunting call.
For Naomi, the best thing about this walk is you can make it a short circuit (40 mins) or, if you’re up for a longer turn, extend it to a good one and half hour ramble . Whichever you choose, you can head out for a stroll knowing that when you get back to the cottage, there’ll be a warm welcome, hot cuppa and some cake at the end of it!
The short…
Around the old oak tree
- Head out of the Pillar Box Farm Cottages gate and turn left
- Almost immediately turn left beside Pillar Box Farmhouse
- Follow the lane for half a mile to a crossroads, turn right signposted The Bullring
- Follow the lane downhill until the tarmac ends and becomes a grass path.
- Follow the path enjoying spectacular views to your right. Lookout for the impressive oak tree with some interesting adornments. There is also a seat to pause and soak up the scenery
- Continue along the path (it gets a bit muddy in the winter) until you reach the lane
- Turn left*
- Follow the lane for about a mile until you find yourself back at Pillar Box Farm
and long of it
*to add a further 40 minutes or so
- After 100 yds at the crossroads, turn right up Thriftwicket Lane
- Continue for about half a mile until the last house on the left (after this the track becomes a bridle paths
- Just before the house take the grass footpath on your left
- Continue through the metal gate into the field
- Go straight ahead along the edge of the field and though the gate into the next field continue straight ahead to the next metal gate into the wood
- Enjoy a brew and a biscuit and perhaps even a dip in the hot tub – you’ve earned it!
To find out more about Pillar Box Farm Cottages or to make a booking, visit here, or find Naomi on Instagram and Facebook
