Bowring District Park

The moorland here rolls on for proper miles, all heather and gritstone outcrops, which comes as a surprise when you're this close to Coalbrookdale. Bowring is one of those reserves that rewards getting your boots on - there's no manicured paths or visitor centre faff, just genuine Shropshire upland.

You get sweeping views across to Wales on a clear day, and the walking is straightforward enough that families with older kids won't struggle, though toddlers will find the terrain frustrating. The heathland itself is the star - managed specifically to keep rare plants happy, which means if you're into wildflowers or spotting birds, you'll have your camera out constantly. Spring brings bilberry blossom; summer the place turns purple with heather. Walkers can easily spend two to three hours here without feeling rushed.

It's free to access, which is genuinely nice given how few undeveloped moorland reserves are left in the Midlands. The nearest proper facilities are down in Coalbrookdale, so pack a drink. If you're camping at nearby Irongorge, this is an easy morning before heading out to the Iron Bridge or heading deeper into the Shropshire hills. The reserve isn't dramatic enough to justify a special journey from miles away, but if you're already in the area exploring the industrial heritage, it's absolutely worth the detour to get some proper air and space. The contrast between the valleys below and this wide-open moorland is what makes it special.