From our base in North Shropshire, we are nevertheless captivated by the beauty that stretches across our entire county, especially as early summer breathes new life into the south.
There’s a particular magic to this time of year in South Shropshire, an invitation to truly escape. Imagine stepping out into the gentle warmth of the sun, feeling a soft breeze carry the sweet scent of wildflowers, and gazing out over rolling green hills that seem to stretch endlessly towards the horizon. This is early summer in South Shropshire, offering the perfect antidote to the everyday.
Blue Remembered Hills
It’s the ideal moment to visit, with days that are long and gloriously sun-drenched, perfect for invigorating walks, leisurely explorations, or simply finding a quiet spot to unwind. Every breath you take is filled with the clean, fresh air, perfumed by the blooming hedgerows and vibrant meadows. Here, you can truly leave the crowds behind, discovering a profound sense of peace amidst the tranquil valleys, ancient woodlands, and iconic hills. Whether you’re hiking across the Long Mynd and enjoying its panoramic views, strolling alongside the gentle River Clun through picturesque villages, or exploring the dramatic, fresh-aired ridges of the Stiperstones, South Shropshire in early summer is a feast for the senses and a true balm for the soul.
A.E. Housman’s “A Shropshire Lad” paints vivid pictures of this very region, capturing its timeless beauty and the bittersweet emotions it evokes. As he wrote:
What are those blue remembered hills,
What spires, what farms are those?
That is the land of lost content, I see it shining plain.
and
The world-wide air was azure
And all the brooks ran gold.
In early summer, as the hills are at their most vibrant and the air is soft, it’s easy to see how this place could stir such profound feelings. The rolling Shropshire Hills offer a continuity of beauty, a connection to a past where poets found their muse in the quiet strength of the land.
Shropshire being quietly beautiful and an amazing escape
