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The Wrekin loop — Shropshire Hills

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

The Wrekin loop — Shropshire Hills

Moderate

4.7

(33)

147

hikers

The Wrekin loop — Shropshire Hills

02:28

7.79km

330m

Hiking

Embark on The Wrekin loop, a moderate hike spanning 4.8 miles (7.8 km) with an elevation gain of 1087 feet (331 metres), typically completed in about 2 hours and 28 minutes. The trail guides you through delightful mixed woodlands and open moorland, featuring some steep ascents and rugged, rocky paths, especially as you approach the summit. From the top, you'll be rewarded with expansive panoramic views across the Shropshire countryside, including Telford, Shrewsbury, and even Snowdonia on a clear day.

Prepare for varied terrain on this route; some sections are narrow, while others are broader tracks, and the climb can be quite steep in parts. Appropriate footwear is recommended for the rocky paths and exposed volcanic sections. While the full loop is manageable for most, those seeking a less strenuous walk can explore gentler routes on the lower slopes. You might even find a small café near the summit for a well-deserved break.

The Wrekin is a distinctive volcanic hill, home to the remains of an Iron Age hillfort, once a capital for the Cornovii tribe. Look out for the Needle's Eye, a striking rock archway central to local folklore, and ancient calendar stones. The area is also geologically fascinating, with diverse rock types, some dating back 600 million years, making this a truly unique hike in the Shropshire Hills.

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Shropshire Hills AONB

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656 m

Halfway House Café (Wrekin Trail)

Highlight • Cafe

I'm not entirely sure what the half way house is half way between. Presumably the Wrekin Summit and somewhere. It didn't however feel half way up the trail I walked. It is however a great place to stop for a break, maybe get an ice cream and sit outside in the sun looking out over fantastic views.

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1.21 km

The Wrekin Hillfort

Highlight • Viewpoint

A gorgeous and popular hike full of history, going as far back as the Iron Age with its hill fort. There are a whole host of routes to the top: some are muddy, some are not so muddy. There’s a large car park at the start of my route. It’s a lovely hill to have a hike on!

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2.00 km

The Wrekin summit

Highlight • Summit

A 'little mountain' in Shropshire, it dominates the surrounding countryside. The shortest walk to the summit from the forest glen car park is very well marked. The start of the trail is the steepest section so may be worth pacing yourself unless you're fitter than I am. The summit itself has spectacular views in good weather. It's also the site of an Iron Age hill fort. There's a common local saying 'round the Wrekin' meaning to take the long way round... something I quite like doing when out walking.

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2.14 km

Needle's Eye, The Wrekin

Highlight • Summit

The Needles Eye is a feature on a large rocky outcrop atop the Wrekin. A gap in the rocks allows you to squeeze through although great care should be taken as it is on the edge of the hill.

There are many myths and sayings about the Wrekin and it's a true local icon. One such saying suggests that you can't be a true Salopian (someone from Shropshire), until you've walked through the Needle's Eye.

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