Deceptively easy Midlands walk 'through clouds' to 'best views you will see anywhere in England'
Blowing away the cobwebs with a walk in the countryside is one of the most rewarding ways to start a new year. And given our location, right in the heart of England, we're in easy reach of some of the most stunning places to stroll.
There are no fewer than five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) within two hours of Birmingham, offering everything from challenging hikes and steep scrambles to leisurely meanders to gorgeous viewpoints. But one of the best views in England can be found after a deceptively easy walk.
Titterstone Clee Hill is a stone's throw from Ludlow in Shropshire, the third highest of the Shropshire Hills, rising 1,749ft into the sky. It was once the site of a hill fort and the Bronze and Iron Age history there is remarkable, with telltale features that hearken back to its history.
Read more: The unreal natural beauty you can't believe is so close to Birmingham
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To reach the top, you don't need to be a seasoned hiker with walking gear and impressive stamina. If you're driving there from Birmingham, you can practically drive right up to the very top of the hill. That's particularly handy if you've got children who might struggle to walk huge distances but who want to see the sheep that share the views with you from the top of the hill.
Others take their bikes to explore. Giving the viewpoint a glowing write-up on Google Reviews, Mark Smith said: "Always great to get up to the summit (I frequently cycle up). Some of the best views you will see anywhere in England.
"Ludlow Castle is clearly visible as is Downton Castle and of course the Welsh mountains further afield. It's often very windy and noticeably colder than the surrounding countryside, so pack accordingly. Also note there are no facilities of any kind."
Mark Bertram added that his walk had been simple too: "When we went there, the clouds were below us. Easy walk up to the trig point, where you get a 360° view. Welsh mountains in the distance. Plenty of parking and many potholes. No facilities."
Matthew Kingston added: "What a beautiful place with amazing history! Worth a walk around by far."
Simon Tipping said that it was a 'wonderful place' that offers something more than fresh air: "Had a good walk up the summit. A fairly easy walk and was very quiet when I was there," Simon wrote. "Came here to think and contemplate. Definitely a good place for that. Highly recommend."
If you're looking to push yourself with a stroll that's a little bit more challenging, the Shropshire Hills are a playground. There's a moderate 7.6km hiking trail that will take it more of Titterstone Clee Hill than just the viewpoint.
If you're not on a New Year diet, you can warm up after your brisk walk with fish and chips. The Clee Hill Fish and Chip Shop has high ratings. Reviewer Steven Hughes said: "Lovely fish and chips from here, sat and ate them at Clee summit in the fog!"