Blue Remembered Hills Bridleway: Route 1

Clun to Llanfair Waterdine. Serenity, Conflict and Inspiration.

A 7 mile linear ride from Clun to Llanfair Waterdine through beautiful countryside and places of historic interest. Clun was described by AE Housman as “the quietest place under the sun” but this façade belies this active little town, this gentle ride will take you to the border village of Llanfair Waterdine where you will find part of the ancient monument of Offa’s Dyke.

Clun’s ancient origin’s can be traced from Saxon times and the settlement has a history of growth as a prosperous market town to a decline becoming a charming backwater in the heart of the Shropshire Hills. Here traditions survive, the most notable being the annual Green Man Festival in May. This is when Frostie, Queen of Cold challenges the Green Man in the Battle of the Bridge. If the Green Man doesn’t see her off then there is no Summer in the Clun Valley.

Clun has not always been such a peaceful spot. This has been one of the most turbulent and fought over borderlands in Britain. It is Offa’s country where the Saxon ruler built his magnificent Dyke to mark the extent of the great Kingdom of Mercia. You will cross the earthwork where it is revealed at its best striding across Llanfair Hill and wonder at how this monument was achieved at a time when the only equipment available was man and shovel.

In order to quell a Welsh uprising against the Norman Conquest King William created the Marcher Lordships. These were granted to his most valued supporters and they were given virtual independence as long as they upheld and protected the Norman lands. Clun was the location chosen by the Marcher Lords to build their line of defence. The remains of this stronghold still overlook the town. Look back as you climb up out of the Clun for a glorious view of the town.

In more recent years Clun has provided inspiration for artists and writers. It is believed that Sir Walter Scott wrote ‘The Betrothed’ whilst staying at the Buffalo Inn. The playwright, John Osborne, spent many years in the parish and his final resting place is in Clun churchyard. Bruce Chatwin’s ‘On the Black Hill’ gains much of its atmosphere.

Distance

7 miles

Start from

Clun
View a map

Nearest towns

ClunLlanfair Waterdine

Terrain

Stoned Tracks, lanes and cross field bridleways

Linear rides

Long distance

Wildlife heritage and geology

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Clun Castle

Clun Castle began as a motte and bailey castle built by the Norman, Robert de Say, around 1140-50. It was originally built with timber defences but these were replaced by a stone structure to create a formidable Norman fortress. The castle became the property of the Fitzalan family who endeavoured to make the village a place where Welsh and English cultures would intermingle but their effort was short-lived. The castle was abandoned in the late 13th century and consequently fell into ruin. The remains are under the guardianship of English Heritage and are freely accessible to the public.

Offa’s Dyke

You will cross the mighty earthwork, Offa’s Dyke, believed to have been built by King Offa of Mercia in the late eigth century AD. Archaeologists argue the purpose of the earthwork – was it purely delineating the extent of the Kingdom of Mercia or was it a military structure with the intention of keeping out the Welsh? In total the monument is 80 miles long and the Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail follows most of its course.

Rivers Clun and Teme

The River Clun rises in the Clun Forest hills, near Anchor, and meanders south east to join the River Teme. The source of the Teme is in mid Wales and forms the England-Wales border for much of its length in Shropshire. These rivers support significant populations of otters. This is a conservation success story and many stretches of water throughout the county now provide homes for these elusive animals after an absence of many years.

Ride directions

Step 1
From the High Street in Clun (B4368 towards Craven Arms) turn down the road opposite the garage which leads down to the ford through the River Clun. There is a footbridge but if the river is too high for horses there is an alternative via Bridge Street and Church Street (A488) and over the main bridge in Clun.
Step 2
Follow Vicarage Road around to the church. Turn left onto the A488 then, after 75 metres, turn left and begin the ascent of Church Bank.
Step 3
After about 1km take the bridleway on right through gate, by Glebe Cottage, and go straight up steep pasture field. Follow bridleway through gates to join road.
Step 4
Cross straight over road and start descending along firstly a field edge path, then diagonally cross two fields as the bridleway drops down to an old metalled road. Turn right and follow out to the A488 by The Tyndings.
Step 5
Carefully cross straight over road to join bridleway which runs through fields to join a stone track which leads down to a ford and footbridge crossing the River Redlake. Follow track to join road.
Step 6
Turn right and follow road for about 1km then turn left onto another minor road at ‘Curlew Corner’.
Step 7
At T junction go left then shortly right onto bridleway which runs uphill following a sunken lane.
Step 8
At junction of tracks turn left and pass ruined building. Carry straight on through gate.
Step 9
Turn right at junction of bridleways, through gate, and continue with field boundary on left straight on through gates, crossing several fields to meet Offa’s Dyke.
Step 10
Turn left, then right, onto bridleway which runs down a field edge, through a dingle then across a field in the same general direction to join a stone track which is Jack Mytton Way.
Step 11
Turn left onto track, pass farm buildings and follow farm track round to the left.
Step 12
Join lane ahead and follow through Graig down to join another road. Turn right into Llanfair Waterdine, past the Everest Hall on your left, to the Church and ‘The Waterdine’ pub.

Route leaflet

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