Mortimer Forest
Shropshire
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.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 12.9 km (8.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 4 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Woodland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- None on route; High Vinnalls car park
- Parking
- Free car park at High Vinnalls, Mortimer Forest
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Mortimer Forest, 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 Mortimer Forest dog friendly?
Mortimer Forest is a great choice for dogs, earning a rating of 8 out of 10 on our directory. The wide forestry roads give dogs plenty of space, the dense woodland offers year-round shelter, and livestock risk within the forest boundary is minimal. After your walk, Ludlow is just a few miles away and has several dog-friendly pubs, including the Church Inn and the Charlton Arms.
Can dogs be off lead at Mortimer Forest?
Off-lead potential is high throughout Mortimer Forest. The wide tracks give dogs room to range freely, and with minimal livestock risk inside the forest, you can generally let them explore without much concern. There are also streams crossing the route at several points where dogs can stop for a drink.
What should I know before visiting Mortimer Forest with my dog?
The circuit covers 12.9km with around 455 metres of cumulative ascent, so it's best suited to dogs who are comfortable with a longer, hillier outing. There are no facilities on the route itself, so bring everything you need with you , the free car park at High Vinnalls is your starting point. It's worth knowing that the forest is a working one, so felling operations can occasionally alter parts of the landscape, though the trails through older woodland sections feel genuinely wild and quiet.
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What’s Nearby?
Bircher Common and High Vinnalls
Herefordshire
Rare lowland heath on the Welsh Marches fringe with gorse, Mortimer Forest plantations, and Shropshire views — a varied circuit combining open common with enclosed forestry tracks.
Attraction5.8 mi awayStokesay Castle
Shropshire
The finest medieval fortified manor house in England, barely altered since 1291, with a dog bowl and toileting area provided in the grounds.
Walk5.9 mi awayTitterstone Clee Hill and Cleeton St Mary
Shropshire
A big day out for a fit dog on a lead, climbing a quarry incline on Titterstone Clee to a 533m summit with a hillfort and radar domes.
Croft Ambrey and Croft Castle
Herefordshire
Ancient chestnut parkland leading to an Iron Age hillfort with Welsh Marches views — a National Trust estate with extraordinary old trees and a well-structured 6.5 km circuit.
Walk11.6 mi awayBrown Clee Hill
West Midlands
A climb to the highest point in Shropshire with dramatic views over the Welsh border country and into the Marches.
Walk11.9 mi awayThe Long Mynd
Shropshire
A full Long Mynd traverse over the open moorland plateau with Shropshire's most dramatic views and proper wild walking.