These days, exploring without a car does not come without its challenges. But it's not impossible. Commit to being a greener visitor by traveling by bus and train, and you'll soon see the advantages.
The following information will help you get here and find your way around without a car. And if that's not working for you, have a look at our cycling pages.
Arriving by train
The Manchester to Cardiff Transport for Wales service passes through Shrewsbury and Ludlow, our two most poplular county towns. Between these two towns you'll find the train stops at Church Stretton and Craven Arms. For up to date time tables click here. Church Stretton lies in the heart of the Shropshire Hills. It's the perfect destination for walking and cycling. For a small Georgian town, it has an impressive variety of boutique shops, cafe's, restaurants and bars. It's also only a short walk from two of the most iconic hills in the Shropshire Hills: Long Mynd and Caer Caradoc.
Before crossing into Wales at Knighton, the service provides opportunities to explore the heart of the Shropshire Hills. This is an historic echo, reminding us that we are exploring border country, and our landscape guards the gateways to Mid Wales. Running daily between Shrewsbury and Swansea, the service calls at Church Stretton, Craven Arms, Broome, Hopton Heath, Bucknell and Knighton. The recently opened Heart of Wales Long Distance Trail, follows the historic line through Shropshire, Powys and South Wales. It's first section, Craven Arms to Knighton, meadnders along the Clun Valley, made famous by Housman, and crosses the tops to meet Offa's Dyke and it's eponymous National Trail.
Arriving and Exploring by Bus
OK, so it's not the fastest way to travel, but does that matter if you are on holiday? Catching the bus through the Shropshire Hills is part of the experience, not the route to it. If you want a memorable day out, leave the car behind, and catch the bus. Forget trip stress and fighting over parking spaces. Forget the endless drone of your sat nav and unexpectedly meeting a tractor or caravan down a narrow country lane. Sit back, eat biscuits and enjoy the views.
435, Shrewsbury to Ludlow – stops include Church Stretton and Craven Arms
This regular, reliable service plies the roads and country lanes between Shrewsbury and Ludlow. It's a friendly, welcoming service, exploring all of the out of the way villages that you just wouldn't get to if you took the car.
552/553, Shrewsbury to Bishop’s Castle – stops include Pontesbury, Minsterley, Hope Valley
If the 435 explores the central spine of the AONB, the 552/553 tickles the ribs. The route puts you within reach of some of the most remote hill tops and most ancient landscapes that the area offers. It also drops you in one of it's most vibrant, eccentric and lovely market towns. Use this route to reach the Stiperstones National Nature Reserve, Snailbeach Mine, The Bog Visitor Centre, and the uniquely spooky Mitchell's Fold on Stapley Common, all at the very edge of the Shropshire Border.
292, Ludlow to Kidderminster – stops include Clee Hill Village and Cleobury Mortimer
740, Ludlow to Knighton – stops include Leintwardine and Bucknell
Ludlow Park & Ride (Monday to Saturday) from the Eco Business Park just off the Ludlow By Pass.
Long Mynd & Stiperstones Shuttle Bus - seasonal weekend service from Church Stretton
