Garden Links

Country Walk, Theres No Limit

3rd December, 2008
New trail opens way to historic Shrewsbury beauty spot

People in Shropshire are being offered a new way to explore a popular localbeauty spot at the Forestry Commission’s Haughmond Hill near Shrewsbury,with the launch of a new easy access public trail.

The 1.3 kilometre (0.8 mile) route has been specially designed to make it easier for mobility scooter users and families with buggies to enjoy woodland walks and the panoramic views over Shrewsbury to the surrounding hills. The Forestry Commission teamed up with Haughmond Quarry owners Bardon Aggregates to create the new trail.

 Georgina Sharp, Recreation Ranger for the Forestry Commission in the West Midlands, said: “The new trail is a great way to encourage people with limited mobility to explore areas of Haughmond Hill that they haven’t been able to before. The trail goes through some stunning woodland that is quite different to other areas of the hill. “The Forestry Commission would like to thank Bardon Aggregates for their support in this project and the regular users of the site for their understanding whilst the improvement work was taking place.”

A range of trails for more mobile users are already available at Haughmond Hill, ranging from a 25 minute stroll to a more energetic 70 minute walk. All trails are accessible from the Haughmond Hill car park, which is located just off the B5062 Shrewsbury to Newport road. Visitor facilities also include accessible picnic benches, plus an information board on the history of the Hill.

Haughmond Hill is a 180-hectare recreational site, which lies 4 miles to the east of Shrewsbury. The majority of land on Haughmond Hill is either owned or leased by the Forestry Commission.

For more information on Haughmond Hill and other recreational sites on Forestry Commission land in the Marches area visit www.forestry.gov.uk/marches