Hopton Castle Walks
This walk visits the Shropshire village of Hopton Castle where you can explore the ancient ruins of the mediaeval castle. It then goes on to follow a long distance waymarked footpath to the nearby Clun Castle.
You can start from the car park at the 12th century castle which was besieged in a battle of the English Civil War in 1644.
After exploring the castle the route picks up the Bishop's Castle Ring and heads west through the village where you will find some old timber framed thatched cottages.
The route continues west along a bridle track to Sowdley Wood and Black Hill, a popular place for mountain bikers. At the other side of the woodland you will come to Clun where you can visit the English Heritage run castle. The Norman castle includes a tall 13th century keep set on the side of its mound. There's some fine views over the area from the elevated position of the castle.
Hopton Castle Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Hopton Castle Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Hopton Castle OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Hopton Castle Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Walks near Hopton Castle
- Bishop's Castle Ring - This long circular walk encircles the historic market town of Bishop's Castle in Shropshire
- Clun Castle - This circular walk takes you through the countryside to the west of the small Shropshire town of Clun
- Leintwardine - This small village in North Herefordshire sits in a pleasant rural location close to the Shropshire border
- Stokesay Castle - A circular walk from the Shropshire town of Craven Arms to the historic Stokesay Castle
- Circular Walk around Ludlow - Visit Ludlow Castle, Whitcliffe Common and the River Teme on this walk around one of England's most attractive towns.
The walk starts at the imposing Ludlow Castle, just a short distance from the train station - Downton Gorge - This circular walk visits the lovely Downton Gorge from the village of Downton on the Rock in Herefordshire
- Knighton - This border town in Powys is surrounded by the gorgeous countryside of the River Teme valley
- Stiperstones - The area around this popular Shropshire Hill is fantastic for walking and cycling
- Shropshire Way - This walk takes you through some of the most beautiful countryside in Shropshire
- Wenlock Edge - Wenlock Edge runs from Craven Arms to Much Wenlock, in the Shropshire Hills AONB
- Long Mynd - This circular walk takes you to Pole Bank, the highest point on the Long Mynd in the Shropshire Hills AONB
- Heart of Wales Line Trail - This long distance trail runs from Craven Arms in Shropshire to Llanelli in South Wales
- Knucklas Viaduct - This walk visits the Knucklas Viaduct near the village of Knucklas in Powys, Wales.
- Wistanstow and Flounders Folly - This Shropshire based village lies just to the north of Craven Arms in the Shropshire Hills.
Pubs/Cafes
Just east of the castle there's the lovely Wood 'n' Ribbon cafe. The cafe serves delicious sandwiches and cakes in their tempting afternoon tea. There's a lovely outdoor area with animals including goats, hens and ponies to see as well. The eclectic site also provides accommodation in the shape of quality glamping pods. You can find them at Oakheath, station yard, Hoptonheath SY7 0QD.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
The Heart of Wales Line Trail passes through the area. You could follow the waymarked path east to Craven Arms to visit Stokesay Castle. Heading south west will take you towards Knighton where you can enjoy views of the impressive Knucklas Viaduct.
Photos
Hopton Castle restored remains
Thatched cottage at Hopton Castle village. Looking north-west along the village street with an attractive timber-framed cottage to the right, complete with two thatch pheasants on the roof.
Cottages at Hopton Castle. There are many attractive timber-frame houses in this small village. View northwards from the main village lane.
Hillside west of Hopton Castle
Track through Sowdley Wood
Clun Castle