New accessible viewpoints open across Shropshire Hills

Eleanor Finch Author 2026-05-22 13:04 3 min read

An elderly couple sits on a wooden bench overlooking a vast, scenic rolling countryside landscape.

Contents

Ten locations selected for inclusive access
Practical facilities for mobility and sensory needs
Artistic and inclusive interpretation at every site
Planning a visit to the viewpoints

Residents and visitors with mobility challenges can now access some of Shropshire’s most iconic vistas through a newly launched network of accessible viewpoints. The Open Horizons project, a collaboration between Shropshire Council and the Shropshire Hills National Landscape Team, has established ten specific sites designed to remove barriers to the countryside.

Supported by DEFRA’s Access for All funding, the initiative ensures that the county’s natural beauty is available to those who use wheelchairs, have limited mobility, or live with sensory impairments. The locations span the Shropshire Hills National Landscape, reaching into parts of Telford & Wrekin, and provide a variety of ways to experience the scenery.

Ten locations selected for inclusive access

The project identifies ten specific sites where infrastructure has been improved or audited to ensure accessibility. These locations were chosen for their geographic diversity and their potential to offer high-quality views without requiring strenuous hiking.

Location	Access Type
Asteron Bank	Short, level route to viewpoint
Castle Pulverbatch Motte	Level access to historic site
Clee Hill	Views directly from car or parking area
Darnford Brook	Accessible paths near water
Leighton (River Severn)	Roadside viewing of the meander
Lyth Hill Country Park	Paved and level walking routes
Plush Hill	Car-based viewing and short paths
Poles Coppice	Improved trail surfaces
Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre	Full facility access and level grounds
The Bog Visitor Centre	Accessible parking and nearby viewpoints

Practical facilities for mobility and sensory needs

Each of the ten sites is supported by a comprehensive access guide. These digital resources provide factual data on parking availability, path gradients, surface types, and the proximity of accessible toilets or cafes. By providing this information upfront, the project allows visitors to gauge whether a specific site meets their individual requirements before they travel.

For visitors who are blind or partially sighted, the project introduces a sensory layer to the landscape. Audio descriptions have been developed for many of the sites, providing a narrative of the physical features and history of the view. These recordings were created by Zoe Partington, a partially sighted artist who used storytelling to translate visual landmarks into an auditory experience.

Artistic and inclusive interpretation at every site

Beyond physical access, the Open Horizons project includes a permanent artistic legacy. Most sites now feature unique tactile ceramic plaques. These markers allow visitors to feel the shape of the landscape they are looking at, providing a physical connection to the topography of the Shropshire Hills.

These plaques were designed and produced by local artists living with learning disabilities, supported by My Options Telford & Wrekin. Under the artistic direction of Roz Donati of Pneuma Affinity CIC, the artists worked to create pieces that are both functional as navigational aids and significant as local art installations.

Sarah Marston, Shropshire Council’s portfolio holder for communities and the environment, noted that the natural landscape is one of the county’s most significant assets. She stated that the Open Horizons project serves as a model for increasing inclusion through clear information and creative installations, allowing people to choose between enjoying a view from their vehicle or taking a gentle walk.

Planning a visit to the viewpoints

Detailed access guides, images of the terrain, and the audio description files are hosted on the Shropshire’s Great Outdoors website. This central resource is designed to be the primary planning tool for anyone looking to utilize the new network. The council and the National Landscape team are currently reviewing further opportunities to extend these accessibility standards to other parts of the regional environment.

Visitors are encouraged to check the specific access guide for their chosen location, as weather conditions can occasionally impact path surfaces in more rural spots like The Bog or Clee Hill. The infrastructure at these sites is now fully operational for the 2026 season.

Source: Shropshire Council Newsroom