Our picks of the best walks in Shropshire

There's a curiously contrary quality to Ludlow. Amble around the old town – with its grand Georgian houses and cathedral-sized church – and you'd be forgiven for thinking you'd arrived in a small city. But then you look to the rolling hills on the horizon and remember: this is rural territory. Between these streets and those hills, you'll find some of the very best walks in Shropshire.

Pull on your hiking boots – it's time for a ramble.

Just landed in Ludlow? This gentle walk is one of the best ways to get a feel for the town and its many interesting sights.

You'll start at our front door and head down to Dinham Bridge, where you can stop to enjoy a postcard-worthy view of Ludlow Castle. Then, quick as a flash, you're in the countryside. This is the famous Breadwalk, which traces the route of the River Teme and affords stunning views over the Ludlow skyline towards the Clee Hills.

Finally, you'll saunter back into town via Broad Street. It was this 'hill of Georgian houses' that John Betjeman described when dubbing Ludlow 'the loveliest town in England'. Does that make Broad Street the loveliest street in England? We think so.

The best walks come with big rewards. Judged on that basis, this circular route easily ranks among the best walks in Shropshire.

Why? Because at the halfway point, you'll find Ludlow Farmshop. This is less a single shop and more a rural megastore, complete with shelves full of locally sourced treats, a bustling restaurant and a pub. It's well worth stopping by for an hour or three.

The walk itself is fairly gentle and wonderfully scenic, taking in pretty fields and farm buildings before looping back through the elegant Oakly Park estate.

Looking for something a little more challenging? The Mortimer Trail is rightfully regarded as one of the best walks in Shropshire – but it's not for the faint of heart. Unless you're a champion hiker, you'll need at least two days to tackle this 30-mile linear route.

On the plus side, you'll remember those two days forever. As you trudge between Ludlow and the Welsh border, you'll enjoy some of the most gorgeous countryside views that planet Earth can offer. It's seriously soul-stirring stuff.

We recommend starting in Kington, near the border – that way, you'll get the toughest part of the route done on day one. Then, you can rest for the night at Aymestrey (roughly halfway through) before enjoying a few revitalising days in Ludlow. The perfect reward.

If you like the sound of the Mortimer Trail but aren't so keen on a two-day trek, this is the walk for you. It skips most of the 30-mile route and heads straight for one of its most impressive peaks: High Vinnalls.

'Stunning' is an understatement. As the name suggests, High Vinnalls is the highest point in Mortimer Forest, which means 360° views of Shropshire's characteristically undulating landscape. It's jaw-dropping, whatever the season. But in spring, bluebells carpet the peak and transform a spectacular vista into something truly sublime.

As for the route, you've got options. You can drive out to the High Vinnalls car park and embark on a moderately difficult 2.5-mile circular trudge. Or, if you want to make a day of it, you can follow the Mortimer Trail from Ludlow and join the route from there.

We can't talk about the best walks in Shropshire without giving Church Stretton its due. This sleepy market town is one of only two major settlements within the Shropshire Hills National Landscape. That means undulating beauty in all directions – and dozens of rewarding rambles to enjoy.

This route is perhaps the most famous. It takes you from Church Stretton railway station up to the heath-strewn plateau of the Long Mynd. From there, you'll enjoy panoramic views stretching all the way to Wales. Be warned, though: it's a challenging route with rocky scrambles and several steep climbs. Sturdy boots and strong legs are a must.

The good news: Church Stretton is only a short hop from Ludlow on the Welsh Marches train line. If you time it right, you could be there within half an hour from our front door.