Summary
Oswestry advertises itself as “Where Shropshire meets Wales”, and it’s very much a border town. This story draws on a couple of walks around the streets on market day, a visit to the ruined castle in the centre of town, and a run out to Old Oswestry Iron Age Fort a mile north of the centre.
It also highlights a few other attractions and easy hiking routes in the countryside nearby.
- I'll remember most the air of busy prosperity in the town
- The best bit was the sense of ancient history at the iron age fort
- We saw some outstanding old buildings whilst walking around Oswestry
- Another highlight was the Old Racecourse with the views down over the town
Read the full walking story with more photos >
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Contributed by: Andrew Llanwarne
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Looking down on the market stalls from Oswestry castle motte
Key Facts
Location |
North Shropshire, near the Welsh border but just in England! |
When it was walked |
April 2004 |
Walk type |
City and town walks |
Difficulty |
Suitable for anyone who enjoys an easy walk |
Distance approx |
variable according to how long you want to spend; Old Oswestry Fort 2 miles round trip |
Time taken approx |
variable, but allow at least half a day to explore the market, shops and the old castle, and about 2 hours if visiting the Old Fort |
Height climbed |
negligible except the short climb up the old fort earthworks |
Map used if any |
Ordnance Survey 1.50,000 Landranger map No 126: Shrewsbury & Oswestry; and map in Town Trail booklet |
Source of info on walk |
internet search, “Oswestry Town Trail & Brief History” published by Shropshire Books (Shropshire County Council), Shrewsbury |
Getting there |
at the northern end of the A5 about 20 miles NW of Shrewsbury; main trains stop at Gobowen, 3 miles to the north, linked by a bus service |
Places to stay |
Choice of hotels and guest houses in Oswestry |
Places to eat/ buy food |
Plenty of choice in Oswestry |
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