The Castle Hotel, located in Bishops Castle, Shropshire, has been honored with the Good Hotel Guide’s César Award for “Best Hotel for Walking in 2025.” This prestigious accolade recognizes the hotel’s exceptional commitment to providing outstanding experiences for walking enthusiasts.
Nestled in the picturesque market town of Bishops Castle, the Castle Hotel serves as an ideal base for exploring the natural beauty of Shropshire. The surrounding area boasts a variety of walking trails that cater to different skill levels, offering guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the serene landscapes of the region.
In celebration of their César Award, the Castle Hotel has introduced special packages tailored for walkers. These packages include guided walks, detailed maps, and recommendations for local routes, ensuring guests can fully enjoy the scenic countryside. After a day of exploration, visitors can relax in the hotel’s comfortable accommodations and savor delicious meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
The Good Hotel Guide’s César Awards are esteemed accolades in the hospitality industry, highlighting establishments that consistently deliver exceptional service and unique experiences. The Castle Hotel’s recognition as the “Best Hotel for Walking in 2025” underscores its dedication to promoting outdoor activities and providing guests with memorable stays amidst the natural beauty of Shropshire.
Bishop’s Castle, nestled in the Shropshire Hills, offers a variety of walking routes suitable for all levels.
- Stunning Scenery
Located in the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the area offers rolling hills, patchwork fields, and breathtaking views—perfect for photographers, nature lovers, or anyone craving peace and space.
- Peaceful, Unspoiled Landscape
Unlike more tourist-heavy areas, Bishop’s Castle remains a tranquil place to walk. You’ll often find yourself alone on the trail, immersed in nature and history without crowds.
- Rich History and Culture
From ancient drovers’ roads and castles to local legends and Offa’s Dyke, the area is steeped in history. Walking lets you explore old lanes, quaint villages, and historic buildings firsthand.
- Local Charm
The town itself is vibrant and quirky, with independent shops, local pubs (including two breweries), and community events. It’s a lovely place to rest after a day’s walk.
- Variety of Routes
Whether you’re after a short countryside loop or a multi-day challenge, there’s a route for you—many well-marked and supported by local guides and maps.
Short Walks Around Town
For leisurely strolls:
- The Wintles Hillside Walk: A gentle loop starting from the town center, offering scenic views and passing through The Pines path.
- Short Walks Leaflet: Provides several easy routes around Bishop’s Castle, ideal for a relaxed exploration.
These walks are perfect for a relaxed afternoon and often include historical landmarks and countryside vistas.
Moderate to Challenging Routes
For more adventurous hikes:
- Bishop’s Castle to Clun: A 10-mile route along ancient drovers’ paths and Offa’s Dyke, offering panoramic views and historical sites.
- Blakeridge Wood Loop: An 11 km trail through woodlands and open countryside, suitable for moderate hikers.
- Bishop’s Castle Ring Circular Walk: A 60-mile loop divided into stages, showcasing the diverse landscapes around the town.
These routes provide a deeper immersion into the natural beauty and history of the area.
Planning Your Walk
- Visitor Information: The Town Hall in Bishop’s Castle serves as the Visitor Information Centre, offering maps and guides.
- Online Resources: Websites like Shropshire Great Outdoors and Walking in England provide downloadable maps and user reviews.
- Slow Ways Network: Connects Bishop’s Castle to neighbouring towns via verified walking routes.
Before setting out, ensure you have the appropriate maps and check the weather conditions.
Whether you’re seeking a gentle walk or a challenging hike, Bishop’s Castle offers a range of options to suit your preferences. If you have specific interests or need further information, feel free to ask!
The Bishops Castle Annual Walking Festival
The Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is recognised as one of Britain’s finest landscapes. With hundreds of miles of public footpaths, the countryside around Bishop’s Castle is a walker’s dream. Our Festival offers nine days of guided walks – and some tough unguided challenge walking. With the Shropshire Way, Offa’s Dyke and the Kerry Ridgeway all at hand and featuring in our program, there’s a lot of choice from wide, open hilltops to narrow, winding valleys, and fantastic views.
Bishop’s Castle is a friendly and welcoming market town with two breweries, six pubs, interesting independent shops and a well-established program of festivals, music and arts.
For full details of our Festival visit: Bishops Castle Walking Festival
Walking In Bishops Castle
Bishop’s Castle is set right in the heart of the South Shropshire Hills, designated “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty” (AONB). Right from the hotel doorsteps you can enjoy some of the best walking country in England. Explore the Stiperstones, the Bishops Castle Ring, The Long Mynd, Cardingmill Valley, the Kerry Ridgeway, Offa’s Dyke and The Shropshire Way, to mention but a few of our local walks.
For an extensive list of local walks all starting from Bishops Castle of all lengths please visit The Roberts Family Bishops Castle Walking Website
