Mortimer Forest

Mortimer Forest straddles the Shropshire-Herefordshire border south of Ludlow, covering over 900 hectares of mixed woodland on rolling hills with views into the Welsh Marches. The 12.9km circuit uses a combination of wide forestry roads and narrower woodland trails, climbing through stands of Douglas fir, larch and native broadleaves to high points with views across to the Clee Hills and Titterstone Clee. Despite 455 metres of cumulative ascent, the gradients are manageable and the forest roads provide reliable footing in all conditions. The forest has a working character, with felling operations occasionally reshaping the landscape, but the quieter trails through the older growth feel genuinely wild.

This is an excellent dog friendly walk with high off-lead potential throughout the forest. The wide tracks give dogs room to range freely, and the dense woodland provides shelter from wind and rain year-round. The forest floor carries rich scent from pine needles, fungi and decaying leaf litter, and streams cross the route at several points for drinking water. Livestock risk is minimal within the forest boundary. The forest car parks provide straightforward access, and Ludlow, one of England's finest food towns, is just a few miles away with numerous dog-friendly pubs including the Church Inn and the Charlton Arms. A reliable all-weather walk with enough distance and climbing to feel like a proper day out.