Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd — Attraction in Church Stretton

During a recent quest for tranquility and natural beauty, I found myself in the heart of Shropshire, exploring the serene landscapes of Cardingmill Valley. This hidden gem in Church Stretton is not just a visit; it’s an experience that etches itself into your heart.

Scenery and Ambiance: As soon as you step into Cardingmill Valley, the world outside fades away, replaced by panoramic views that could easily be mistaken for paintings. The valley is a tapestry of vibrant greens, with babbling brooks and rugged hills that invite you to lose yourself in their beauty. The air is filled with the songs of birds, making every moment feel like a scene from a nature documentary.

Activities and Experiences: Cardingmill Valley offers a plethora of activities for nature lovers. From leisurely walks along the stream to more vigorous hikes up the Long Mynd, there’s something for every pace of life. My personal highlight was a picnic by the reservoir, where the reflection of the sky on the water made for a lunch view I’ll never forget. The valley also offers a perfect backdrop for bird watchers and photographers, aiming to capture the fleeting moments of natural splendor.

Facilities and Accessibility: The National Trust has done a remarkable job in maintaining the balance between accessibility and preserving natural beauty. The facilities, including parking, are well-thought-out and blend seamlessly with the surroundings. The visitor center provides insightful information about the valley’s history and wildlife, enhancing the visit. The pathways are well-maintained, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their mobility, can enjoy the splendor of Cardingmill Valley.

Conclusion: Cardingmill Valley is more than just a place; it’s a rejuvenating retreat into nature’s arms. Whether you’re seeking solitude, an adventure, or simply a beautiful landscape to marvel at, this valley will surpass your expectations. It’s a reminder of the simple pleasures life offers, making it a must-visit for families, couples, and solo explorers alike. If you find yourself in Church Stretton, let Cardingmill Valley be a sanctuary...

Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd is a truly beautiful place to visit. The scenery is stunning, with rolling hills, peaceful streams, and plenty of wildlife. Along the way, you’ll often see sheep, horses, and a variety of wild birds, which makes the walk feel even more connected to nature. It’s a very popular tourist attraction, and for good reason.

Parking is available on site at £6 for the whole day, which is reasonable given the facilities and the length of time you’ll likely want to spend exploring.

There’s also a café where you can grab a coffee or treat yourself to some ice cream, which is a nice touch after a walk. The area has a romantic, tranquil feel, perfect for couples or families looking to relax and enjoy the outdoors. However, you can't make any sort of fire like BBQ or using Gas etc

The walk up to the waterfall is a highlight, but the path can get slippery, so good shoes are recommended. It’s worth noting that the route to the waterfall isn’t suitable for those with limited mobility, though the wider landscape and greenery can still be enjoyed without the climb. For the average walker, reaching the waterfall takes around 40 minutes. We brought our own snacks and had a lovely time sitting and soaking in the views.

Unfortunately, one upsetting moment really disrupted what would otherwise have been a peaceful evening. Despite clear signs throughout the valley asking visitors to keep dogs under control due to grazing animals, we witnessed a sheep being attacked by a dog whose owner had no regard for the rules. The poor sheep was injured, and to make matters worse, the irresponsible owner left without helping. We reported the incident to the National Trust staff, and I hope the sheep received the care it needed. It’s deeply frustrating that such incidents happen, and I sincerely hope that owners who allow this are held accountable.

Overall, this is a wonderful place to visit, full of natural beauty and charm. Just please – if you bring a dog, respect the signs and keep them on a lead so that everyone, including the wildlife, can enjoy this special...

Visited on my Shropshire holiday in 2020 summer end. I already visited one attraction that day and thought - naive me - that in the afternoon I can have a nice lonely quiet walk here to finish my day. OMG! Even to get there is queue by cars to the kiosk, then when they let us in, to find a parking place is a nightmare! Every spot is occupied, if not by car but by bicycle, motorcycle, tent, blanket or just sit or lye there. Thousands of people around with or without kids, with or without dogs, all of them wants to walk, picnicking, have refreshments, have sunbathe, have a good time. I am very much introvert and I highly appreciate what we call space and private sphere, so from the very beginning to the short end I felt very uncomfortable. Also, I was already tired, so I was not able to walk too high or too far, but I started a moderate path. I spent there about 90 minutes or 2 hours altogether, and I saw, that it is a tourist attraction where we can be alone only if we spend a night in a tent on the top of the hill. Beautiful place by the way, with many paths, hard and moderate, but definitely not easy at all. I accept, that people want to enjoy this place and themselves, so it is crowded enough. Because I like to enjoy my day out further from crowd, it was not my style, and I do not wish to go back. I have seen ice-cream and drink kiosks, some benches for picnic, but the best is to prepare ourselves with enough water. Also, because there are paths to the hill, there is no shade if we start to walk, either on a rainy or a sunny day, so better to think ahead. Hiking boots and poles are highly...