Clun to Bury Ditches Hillfort Circular
Shropshire
Bury Ditches crowns Sunnyhill north east of Clun, an Iron Age hillfort built around 500BC whose four earth ramparts make it one of the best preserved hillforts in England. Forestry England now manages the woodland, which shelters the rare wood white butterfly and gives dogs some of the best off lead going on the whole route. This 10.5km circuit, from the Shropshire's Great Outdoors Walking with Offa series, leaves Clun on the Shropshire Way past Guilden Down, climbs steadily on forest tracks to the ramparts and gateways of the fort, then returns by Stepple Farm and Radnor Wood with its steep woodland climb, crossing fields and streams on plank bridges. Allow for around 300 metres of climbing, a few short stretches of lane and several stiles and gates.
This is a dog friendly walk with a good balance of open fields and forest, and the conifer and mixed woodland around Sunnyhill gives shade and some of the best off-lead potential on the route for a dog with good recall. The farmland sections hold sheep and cattle at times, so plan on a lead through the fields and on the lanes. The small streams on the return offer a drink, and the River Clun runs through the village at the end. Stiles may mean lifting a bigger dog. Clun has two pubs, the White Horse Inn and the Sun Inn, and the ruins of Clun Castle are a short stroll from the car park.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 10.5 km (6.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 3 hr 45 min
- Walk Type
- Historic, Forest, Peak
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Pubs (White Horse Inn, Sun Inn) and shops in Clun; no facilities on the route.
- Parking
- Memorial Hall car park, Clun. Alternative: free Forestry England car park at Bury Ditches (SY7 8BD) for a short climb to the fort.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Clun to Bury Ditches Hillfort Circular, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
The Cote at Kinsham Estate
Sleeps 2 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £515 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in ShropshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Clun to Bury Ditches Hillfort Circular dog friendly?
This 10.5km circular walk scores 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness, and it's a solid choice for dogs who enjoy a mix of forest tracks and open countryside. The route combines conifer and mixed woodland around Sunnyhill with field paths, small stream crossings and a finish through the village of Clun, where the River Clun runs right through. Two pubs, the White Horse Inn and the Sun Inn, are waiting at the end if you fancy a post-walk stop.
Can dogs be off lead at Clun to Bury Ditches Hillfort Circular?
The woodland around Sunnyhill and Bury Ditches itself offers some of the best off-lead potential on the route, and dogs with good recall will love the freedom here. The farmland sections are a different story — sheep and cattle are present at times, so keeping dogs on the lead through fields and on the lanes is strongly advised. The overall balance of open forest and managed farmland is one of the things that makes this circuit work well for dogs.
What should I know before visiting Clun to Bury Ditches Hillfort Circular with my dog?
The route involves around 300 metres of climbing, a few short stretches of lane, and several stiles and gates — larger dogs may need to be lifted over some of the stiles. Small streams on the return leg provide a natural drink stop, and the River Clun in the village is handy at the end of the walk. There are no facilities on the route itself, so bring water and anything else your dog needs from the start; Clun has shops and pubs if you need to stock up beforehand.
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