Between Liverpool And Newport Is A Scenic Escape With Abandoned Ruins, Trails, And Rolling Hills

The dichotomy of the steel, stone, and asphalt of modern cities being so near to natural landscapes of multicolored hills, brush, and trees can boggle the mind. Yet the Shropshire Hills National Landscape is one of Britain's most striking examples of how we can easily forget that such beauty exists so close to us when we're so busy with our daily concerns of modern life. Shropshire Hills is open year round and is rife with castles in various states of disrepair, swaths of vibrant wildflowers, spires of craggy rocks, and hilltop views of bucolic valleys dotted with local villages. Exploring this area is like walking through the world of "Game of Thrones." This is the perfect spot for travelers looking to walk among the hills surrounded by beautiful scenery and then relax at a cozy, old-fashioned pub.

Located in western England near Wales, Shropshire Hills National Landscape is only two hours south of Liverpool and two hours north of Newport. Those flying into Birmingham Airport (BHX) are even closer, with an easy drive of around an hour and 15 minutes to an hour and 40 minutes, depending on traffic. These journeys will lead visitors through the pastoral scenery found along the border of the Welsh countryside. Travelers that wish to focus more on the sights than on the road, can opt for a bus that travels to several of the small towns within the Shropshire Hills.

The remains of castles, abbeys, and churches can be found throughout Britain, and the Shropshire Hills National Landscape is an excellent place to view several of them in close proximity to each other, along with the rolling hills which surround them. Some are half crumbled while others still retain the majority of their structure. Clun Castle is one of the more famous ruins in the area, having been built on the site of an 11th-century castle. The 13th-century keep is all that is left standing, as the wooden original was burnt down in battle. This castle eventually fell to Welsh forces in the 15th century and remained unoccupied thereafter. Visitors can explore it for free.

The stout and square Hopton Castle was constructed sometime near the year 1300, and was overtaken during the English Civil War during the mid-1600s. The popular archaeological show "Time Team" did an episode here focusing on a grim part of its history, when a siege took every life in the castle. Evidence of this was found by the team in the form of musket shot. This castle can be visited during the day for free throughout the year, and visitors can see the effects of the siege on the crumbled walls. Today, this castle affords lovely views of the surrounding rolling hills, much like those around the underrated gem of Cardiff.

Buildwas Abbey is one of the most impressive structures in the area, having been built in the 12th century with a tile floor and a church that are still in excellent condition. Visitors can explore these fine structures free of charge from April to October and learn about how Savignac monks lived during the abbey's active years under King Stephen. 

Hiking trails allow one to take their time and admire the expanse of the Shropshire Hills. The beauty of which is comparable to the adventure haven with ocean views that is Eryri National Park, under two hours to the northwest. As one of Britain's Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, these hills and their medieval ruins often cause one to stop and wonder at how this place must have looked when the castles were thriving. Due to the contours of the land, the trails are of moderate difficulty, yet the efforts are well-rewarded with vistas that will long be remembered.

At a little over 8 miles long, the Long Mynd Circular trail contains part of a path that dates back to the Stone Age and leads to a pretty waterfall. As hikers traipse through the heather, they'll find the welcome sight of the Bridges Pub, where one can take a well-deserved break and enjoy a local brew and a sustainably sourced meal, then choose to stay the night or continue on the trail. The terrain can be difficult and requires sturdy footwear. The trade-off is spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and natural scenery, much like the wild beauty of the remote Welsh park known as Brecon Beacons National Park.

The nearly 4-mile Wrekin Hill Circular trail is a journey into history as it will bring wanderers to what's left of a great fort from the Iron Age. The site draws over 100,000 annual visitors and affords breathtaking panoramic views of the Shropshire Hills from 1,334 feet above. While it's not one of the easiest trails to traverse, it's certainly among the most visually generous and is said to have been an inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth, per The Guardian.