Natural England - Stiperstones: how to get there

Stiperstones: how to get there

Stiperstones NNR is in Shropshire.

We encourage the use of sustainable transport whenever possible.

By train

The nearest train stations are in Welshpoolexternal link (20 km to the west) and Church Strettonexternal link (10 km to the east).

There is a mainline train station in Shrewsburyexternal link (18 km to the north east).

By bus

The Shropshire Hills Shuttles are 16-seater mini-buses which provide easy access into the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for walking, sightseeing, pub lunches, picnics and more. They operate every weekend and Bank Holiday Monday from Easter to September. The Stiperstones is a stop on the Shuttle’s route.

For more information including Shuttle routes, timetables, ticket prices and walks from the Shuttles see www.shropshirehillsshuttles.co.ukexternal link

By car

The reserve is 3 km east of the A488, which runs parallel to The Stiperstones ridge.

By car, access is via minor roads from the A488. As well as the main NNR car park on the road to Bridges village, you can also park at The Bog Centre or Snailbeach.

On foot

The NNR is on the route of the Shropshire Wayexternal link, a 264 km trail from Shrewsbury to Ludlow.

Accessibility

There are two set routes from the main NNR car park.

The All-ability

The 650m trail starts from the main car park, near the reserved parking spaces. Take the smaller of the two gates and the trail follows a linear there-and-back route. The steepest gradient is just after the first gate.

There are resting places less than 50m apart and a tapping rail for visitors with sight problems. The Trail has an all-weather surface, but please be aware that it is open to horse and bicycle riders and occasional works traffic. The Trail affords fine views to The Stiperstones ridge and The Long Mynd. Listen for the mewing of passing buzzards and the cronk of ravens and you may see Hebridean sheep (black and horned) and Exmoor ponies.

Stiperstones is also featured on The Nationwide Access Registerexternal link.

The Stiperstones Stomp

This 8km (5 mile) walk begins from the reserve car park, going up and along the broad but rocky ridge, and down to Habberley village.

Both locations are connected by the Stiperstones Shuttle Bus service, so you can catch the bus back to your starting point.

The open hill ground is ‘access land’ over which you have a right to walk, but in the interest of wildlife and livestock, please keep to the network of well-defined footpaths. Access to areas outside the NNR is generally limited to public rights of way.

There are many other public rights of way in the area covered by Ordnance Survey Map Explorer 216.

Safety first

The Stiperstones is an upland area where weather conditions can deteriorate rapidly and become severe at any time of year, particularly in winter. The area is also subject to lightning strikes.

Beware of livestock, which may kick, bite, butt and trample, especially if they have young at heel and particularly if you are accompanied by a dog.

Watch your step, as many of the paths are rocky and steep.

Keep an eye open for signs warning of mine workings and heather burning.

Sporting rights are privately owned; these include the rights to shoot game and to shoot, trap and snare those predators of game which are not legally protected, so keep your dog on a lead and watch your step.

Shoots may take place at any time from 12 August to 1 February inclusive.

Make sure you have suitable clothes and footwear (walking boots)

Carry spare clothes and refreshment

Take a mobile phone or let someone know your route and estimated arrival time.

Local amenities and neighbouring attractions

The Bog Visitor Centreexternal link (01743 792484), is the old school house and one of last remaining buildings from The Bog Village, demolished in 1972. The centre is the only visitor facility for The Stiperstones upland region and provides a wealth of information about its mining history, its people, and the current work to restore the surrounding landscape. Check the website for opening times.

There are lots of ideas about things to do and places to visit at the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty websiteexternal link. 

The Shropshire Hills Shuttlesexternal link also have a website full of ideas for exploring the local area.

Details about where to stay and eat in South Shropshireexternal link.

Find full details about all the reserves managed by the Shropshire Wildlife Trustexternal link.

Visits to Snailbeach mine can be arranged through the Shropshire Mines Trustexternal link.

Toilet and refreshment facilities can be found in local villages such as Snailbeach, Stiperstones, Habberley, Bridges and Pennerley. These include disabled toilets in the village of Snailbeach.

Contact point for further information, Tel: 01743 792294