The Mortimer Trail is a 30 mile trail starting in the picturesque border town of Ludlow in Shropshire, which stands proudly on the River Teme with the castle at its centre. The trail is named after the Mortimer family, given huge estates and power in the border country of England and Wales – named the Marches, by William the Conqueror, in return for guarding the border from the Welsh. The Mortimer Trail follows a succession of forests, hills and ridges along the border country, through spectacular scenery, with a backdrop of the Black Mountains in Wales to the West and the gentle undulations of the beautiful Malvern Hills to the East, to the lovely little market town of Kington, on Offa’s Dyke, close to the border between England and Wales.
The Mortimer Trail is a haven for wildlife, hence a delight for the naturalist – supporting a variety of flora and fauna in the ancient woodlands. All year round walkers will see and hear buzzards, ravens and woodpeckers and in summer may catch redstarts and pied flycatchers, as well as birds of prey. Fallow, roe and muntjac roam the woodlands quietly, and in springtime bluebells and wild garlic provide spectacular carpeting underfoot.
About The Mortimer Trail
This 30 mile trail is the perfect short break, showcasing a huge variety of landscape and wildlife and rich in historical interest.
Distance: Ludlow – Kington 30 miles (48km)
Duration: The trail can be completed in either 2 days (3 nights) or 3 days of walking (4 nights)
Price: From £275 per person (3 nights) and from £345 per person (4 nights)
Prices based on two people sharing one room.

Highlights of the Mortimer Trail
- Panoramic views throughout the trail including the Black Mountains and Radnor Hills in Wales and the Malvern Hills in Worcestershire – superb views over 14 counties.
- The magnificent castles at Ludlow and Croft Castle and ancient hill fort at Croft Ambrey.
- Opportunities to see a variety of native wildlife including fallow deer in the Mortimer Forest, kingfishers on the banks of the Rivers Teme, Lugg and Arrow and red kites and buzzards overhead.
- Fascinating historical sites including Ludlow Castle, Croft Castle and the iron age hill fort of Croft Ambrey
- Opportunity to see a variety of wildlife – fallow deer in the Mortimer Forest, kingfisher on the banks of the rivers Lugg, Teme and Arrow crossed on the trail, buzzards and red kite overhead.
- Spectacular panoramic views throughout the trail including the Black Mountains in Wales and the majestic Malvern Hills to the east.
Itinerary
Day 1: Ludlow to Aymestry (14 miles) (22.5 km)
Day 2: Aymestry to Kington (16 miles) (25.7 km)
Alternatively:
Day 1: Ludlow to Orleton Common (8 miles) (12.5 km)
Day 2: Orleton Common to Byton/Shobdon (11.5 miles) (18.5 km)
Day 3: Byton/Shobdon to Kington (10.5 miles) (17 km)
Optional extra day
The Mortimer Trail is the perfect location for taking an extra day to appreciate what the area has to offer. Both Ludlow at the start of the trail and Kington at the finish have a great deal to offer apart from their magnificent rural settings. Ludlow has its magnificent castle in the centre of town, is renowned as a ‘foodies paradise’ with many superb pubs and restaurants as well as a fabulous food market, and has many independent shops. The ancient market town of Kington too, has a high street full of independent shops and eateries, the highest golf course in England… and a very relaxed feel.
What’s included?
- Hotel, inn or B and B accommodation with full English breakfast
- Luggage transportation to every destination
- Detailed guide book for the trail and clearly marked OS map guide
- Information pack with details of accommodation, the area and any events of interest during your stay
- Help and support from Black Pear Walking Tours whenever required
Accommodation and eating
Accommodation we provide is all good quality, clean, comfortable, welcoming and selected from a range of small hotels, local inns and quality bed and breakfast accommodation. Breakfast is provided with all accommodation and we will give you advice about local places for an evening meal within a short distance from your accommodation, or in-house where there are no local facilities. For lunch you will be recommended stops en-route, be provided with packed lunches in-house if there are no convenient stops, or you will be able to buy refreshments locally. This is a wonderful opportunity to sample the best of local cuisine!
Travel information
By Air – the nearest international airport is Birmingham International Airport.
By Rail – Ludlow has a railway station in the town, within easy walking distance of most accommodation. From Kington, at the end of the trail you can choose from railway stations at Leominster and Hereford. Buses or taxis can be used to reach either town.
From London – there is a regular train service between Heathrow or Gatwick and Ludlow (changing at London Paddington and Newport, South Wales). Similarly from Leominster and Hereford there is a regular service to Heathrow and Gatwick although there are several routes and changes will be needed. The journey from London Paddington to Ludlow will take approximately 3 hours 15 minutes.
By Car – please notify us if you wish to drive and we will arrange parking and transfers.