Camping in Shawbank

Shawbank’s setting in the Corvedale, in the shadow of the Long Mynd and within reach of Wenlock Edge, makes it an appealing base for campers who want quiet hill and river scenery without the crowds of better-known parts of Shropshire. As anywhere in England, wild camping is not permitted without the landowner’s explicit permission, so plan to stay at an established campsite, farm-based touring park, or a certified site through the Camping and Caravanning Club or similar schemes, several of which are dotted through the Onny Valley and around Craven Arms and Clun.

The terrain here ranges from gentle valley pasture along the River Onny to the steep, exposed ground of the Long Mynd itself, so pitch choice matters: valley sites tend to be sheltered and better suited to family camping, while anyone heading up onto the hills for walking should be prepared for changeable weather even in summer, since the open moorland catches wind and cloud that can bypass the sheltered lanes below. Ground can also turn soft after rain on some rural sites, so a look at recent reviews for drainage is worthwhile before booking, particularly outside the driest months.

Late spring to early autumn is the most comfortable window for camping, when evenings are light long enough for a walk up onto the Long Mynd or along Wenlock Edge after making camp, and the Onny and Corvedale valleys are at their greenest. For those who prefer not to pitch their own tent, glamping options such as shepherd’s huts, yurts and safari tents have become increasingly common on farms across this part of Shropshire, offering a comfortable way to experience the same hills and valleys with rather less effort, and are worth seeking out around Craven Arms, Clun and the wider Corvedale.