Hurst Rough

Walking boots on, this stretch of ancient woodland sits quietly above Craven Arms, offering proper hill country rambling without the crowds. Hurst Rough forms part of the broader Shropshire Hills landscape, where mixed woodland gives way to open moorland views across the Welsh Marches.

Families with older children who don't mind a bit of rough terrain will find plenty to explore here. The paths aren't always obvious - this isn't manicured National Trust territory - but that's rather the point. You'll need to read the landscape and follow sheep tracks in places.

Birdwatchers do particularly well here. The mix of deciduous trees and scrubland attracts everything from buzzards overhead to smaller woodland species flitting through the canopy. Early morning visits yield the best results, though any time works if you're simply after fresh air and exercise.

Allow two to three hours for a proper wander, longer if you're combining it with the surrounding hills. The woodland connects to wider footpath networks, so confident walkers can easily extend their day out.

Staying at one of the nearby glamping sites like Wild Valley or Shropshire Luxury makes Hurst Rough an easy morning expedition. It's the sort of place that works brilliantly as part of a longer Shropshire Hills break - not spectacular enough to be a destination in itself, but a lovely addition to your countryside explorations.