Access, Trails, and Amenities
Introduction
This page provides an overview of access points, trails, and amenities in the Stiperstones, highlighting key features and facilities for visitors.
The Modern-Day Visitor Experience
The National Nature Reserve offers varied trails for different abilities, balancing accessibility and safety with preservation of its wild character. Access is primarily via minor roads from the A488, with the main NNR car park, The Bog Visitor Centre car park, and Knolls car park serving as popular starting points. Voluntary parking charges can be paid via RingGo. The Shropshire Hills Shuttles operate on weekends and Bank Holiday Mondays from Easter.
The Stiperstones All-ability Trail is a 650-metre path from the NNR car park with an all-weather surface, resting places, and a tapping rail for visitors with impaired vision—offering excellent views of the ridge and the Long Mynd. Longer circular and linear routes include the 7.0-mile Snailbeach circuit and the 11.6-mile route to Bishop’s Castle. The Stiperstones Stomp (8 km) covers the main sights. The reserve also lies on the Shropshire Way long-distance trail. Paths can be rocky and steep, and weather can change rapidly.
Walking Trails
| Walk Name | Difficulty | Distance | Estimated Time | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stiperstones Stomp | N/A | 8 km (5 miles) | N/A | Main ridge and surrounding countryside. |
| Snailbeach to Stiperstones & Back | Easy/Moderate | 7.0 miles (11.4 km) | 4h 40m | Circular walk with main ridge and village. |
| Snailbeach to Bishop’s Castle | Moderate | 11.6 miles (18.6 km) | 7h 0m | Striking landscape along a linear route. |
| Stiperstones All-ability Trail | Easy | 650 metres (0.4 miles) | 30 minutes | Accessible surface, resting places, tapping rail. |
Visitor Amenities
The Bog Visitor Centre is a central hub offering refreshments, homemade cakes, and local information in a former Victorian schoolhouse—wheelchair accessible with parking and toilets.
The Stiperstones Inn provides food and refreshments and offers self-catering accommodation options such as The Old Chapel and The Hayloft.
The area is also an excellent destination for stargazing due to minimal light pollution; the Stiperstones car park is a designated Go Stargazing Site.