Rudges

Deep woodland stretches across the hillsides just outside Church Stretton, offering proper walking country without the crowds you'll find on the Long Mynd. Rudges is one of those forests that locals know well but visitors often miss - a shame really, because the paths here give you a decent workout and some lovely views once you climb high enough.

Families with older children will get the most from it. The terrain's a bit challenging for pushchairs, but kids who can manage a proper hike will love scrambling through the trees and spotting wildlife. Dog walkers rate it highly too - plenty of space for four-legged friends to explore safely.

Expect to spend at least two hours here if you want to make it worthwhile. The paths can be muddy after rain, so decent boots are essential. Winter walking's perfectly doable, though you'll want to start early as daylight fades quickly among the trees.

For those staying at nearby sites like Small Batch Camp or Mountain Edge Shropshire, it's practically on your doorstep - a perfect morning adventure before heading back for lunch. The forest connects well with other walking routes in the area, so you could easily make a full day of it by combining it with sections of the Shropshire Way.