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Ferndale Flat Location

South Shropshire is arguably the most scenic and rural area of the County. It is ideal for country lovers, walkers, bird watchers and people who are interested in history. There is something for everyone, provided it is a quiet, rural spot that you are seeking ...

FERNDALE is on the B4368, about a mile west of Shipton, at SO547905. Ordnance Survey maps label this location as Hopescross. We overlook the River Corve, towards the Brown Clee Hill, the highest spot in Shropshire. This is a designated area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - very rural and unspoiled. Walkers can leave the car and follow the Shropshire Way and other local paths from the front door. Lovers of small towns will enjoy visiting Bridgnorth, Ludlow, Much Wenlock and Church Stretton. A stroll in our own developing woodland leads to a viewpoint from which the Tudor manor house, Wilderhope, and views towards Wenlock Edge can be seen.

FERNDALE is easily accessible by car. Public transport is negligible so a car or cycles are essential, if only to make visits to hostelries for evening meals. Trains to Shrewsbury, Wales, Birmingham and other more distant places can be caught from Craven Arms and Telford. Each of these stations has a car park. Cycle hire (including electric bikes) is available in the area.

If you prefer to travel to Shropshire by train, you could hire a car for local journeys.  In this case, you could arrange car hire with Enterprise, Telford,who will meet your train at Telford Station.  Telford is a few stops from Wolverhampton or Birmingham New Street.  Both stations have connections to the north and the south.  Phone 01952 200353 to make the arrangements.

Maps

To see a map of the location, note the grid reference: SO547905 then go to www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk and enter the reference.

• OS Explorer Map 217 (2.5" to 1 mile) covers the area well
• OS Landranger Map 138 (1.25" to 1 mile) gives less detail but covers a larger area
• To buy maps of the area, go to Books & Maps
• Maps and guides to local walks may be borrowed from the Flat

The Ferndale Flat is centrally located for:

Ludlow - famed as one of England's finest small towns with its Norman castle and walls, mediaeval street pattern, market square (with events most weekends), timber framed houses and shops, two especially fine streets of Georgian houses, river walk and restaurants. The Tourist Information Centre and Museum are of interest and there is also a leisure centre with swimming pool on the outskirts. The annual festival includes Shakespeare in the castle grounds. Other festivals include the Food Fair in September.

Much Wenlock  which grew up around the Priory which is now a National Heritage property. This very small town is unspoiled and has a museum and information centre, interesting shops and several places to eat.

 

Wenlock Edge - in the care of the National Trust: views, wildlife (including the recently returned red kite), walks

 

Ludlow and the Titterstone Clee from Whitcliff

Church Stretton - sits at the foot of the spectacular Shropshire Hills owned by the National Trust. The Long Mynd and Caer Caradoc appeal to serious walkers. Others may prefer to drive up the Cardingmill Valley (or catch the shuttle bus) and take more gentle walks from there. In Victorian times, Church Stretton was marketed as a spa town because of its mineral water supply. The water, but not the spa, is still available. There is an award-winning tea shop and several other cafes and restaurants in the town. Electric bikes may be hired here.

Places to eat

There are plenty to choose from in South Shropshire, ranging from pubs and cafes to award-winning restaurants, some of which have earned Michelin stars.

See Things to See and Do for more information on places to visit.

 

Wenlock Priory