Discover Shropshire Circular Walk 7 – Llanforda

Walk directions

1. Start

   This walk starts near a restaurant called "Old School House"

2. Step 2

   The footpath from Broomhall Lane takes you into fields that soon take on a country estate parkland feel with trees dotting the grassland.

3. Step 3

   As you leave a small wood you will see a walled garden – all that remains of Llanforda Hall, burned down in 1780, rebuilt, fell to ruin and eventually demolished in 1948. It was the seat of the Williams-Wynn family which had a stake in Oswestry Racecourse.

4. Step 4

   You will reach the southern end of the Racecourse by climbing through Candy Wood following in part the route of Offa’s Dyke. A shout detour will bring you to the remains of the old grandstand and a panel explaining its history.

5. Step 5

   Leaving the Racecourse you will soon follow a straight restricted byway which can be muddy in places, to a road crossing and on to the back entrance of the second country house on this walk – Brogyntyn Hall.

6. Step 6

   You pass by some impressive red-brick farm buildings and a glimpse of a lake before entering the grounds of the house.

7. Step 7

   You are close to what was once the home of the Lords of Harlech – built in 1730 and extended 1811. It has been the subject of some redevelopment but the terrace remains, a glance back affords at least some idea of its grand setting. 

8. Step 8

   The return to Oswestry remains sternly rural right up to Gateacre Park – a sports field. Look out for Old Oswestry Hillfort to your left.