We know that following the updated guidance from the government allowing wider access to outdoor spaces, many of you will be keen to get outside and visit Shropshire’s beautiful towns and countryside on a day trip. Our number one priority right now is ensuring that people are able to enjoy our glorious county in a safe and responsible way; looking after our local community, our visitors and the landscape around us.
Shropshire is home to mile upon mile of the most beautiful rolling countryside as well as our picturesque towns and villages with over 5,500 km’s of Public Rights of Way, several countryside heritage sites, over 7,000 ha of open access land and a quarter of the county designated as the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty you will be spoilt for choice. It’s better for everyone to stay local right now but if you do plan to visit Shropshire please follow the simple steps below on how to respect, protect and enjoy Shropshire.
Respect Shropshire
Respect our towns, villages and country parks and if they are busy please turn around and visit when it is quieter and safer to do so. Why not use our Shropshire’s Great Outdoors website and discover our beautiful off the beaten track open countryside and riverside walks.
Respect our local communities by sticking to the Public Right of Way (footpaths and bridleways), keeping dogs on the lead, not picnicking on private land, not parking outside people’s houses, and taking your litter home.
Respect the wildlife. Nature may have recolonised some areas, so please tread carefully and look out for wildlife that has moved into unexpected places during lockdown. Please keep your dog on the lead and stick to footpaths and bridleways so as not to disturb ground nesting birds and other wildlife.
Respect any specific guidelines that have been put in place by our friends and partners across the county, by planning ahead before travelling, and checking what facilities are open to you.
Protect Shropshire
Protect yourself and others. Always follow hand washing guidance, and strict social distancing of 2 metres apart from others who are not in your household. Social distancing not only applies to any form of exercise such as walking, running or cycling but also sitting or sunbathing.
Protect the landscape by not using disposable BBQs or lighting small fires. The fire risk at the moment in Shropshire is extremely high.
Protect the landscape and follow the Countryside Code, which sets out how visitors to Shropshire’s rural areas can behave safely and responsibly.
Protect the environment by travelling sustainably and staying local. If you can, try to journey by foot or bike. This means you’ll have a chance to experience our wonderful county as you travel, and you won’t have to worry about finding a car parking space.
Enjoy Shropshire
Enjoy getting off the beaten track. We know everyone has their favourite spot in Shropshire – or maybe their favourite two, or three – but if large numbers of people head to the same place, it becomes impossible to stay safely socially distanced. Instead, seek out some new favourites away from the crowds, perhaps research somewhere you have never visited or heard of before and enjoy our open countryside, riverside walks and cycle paths.
Enjoy supporting our local businesses. Many Shropshire businesses are open online and can deliver to your doorstep. We really encourage you to shop with them, from our county town of Shrewsbury check out ‘Support Shrewsbury’ where you can purchase gift cards and experiences for the future.
Enjoy a Shropshire takeaway – if you’re local to Shropshire then why not enjoy some delicious food available for takeaway or delivered to your door.
If you are holding off from getting outside for now, or are self-isolating and unable to leave your home, we’re totally committed to bringing the very best of Shropshire to you virtually. Check out our social media channels where we have loads of information about enjoying Shropshire from home.
