You might find it hard to place Shropshire on a map of the UK. Not many people live in West Midland’s little-known county on the border of England and Wales – Shropshire boasts one of the lowest populations per square mile in England – and the rest of us, the tourists, are largely unaware of its colourful past. More than 20 hill forts tell of the county’s battles during the Iron Age (600BC); then there are over 30 castles dotted alongside numerous abbeys, lakes and canals, which, if walls could talk, would regale us with many a tale of feuding battles.
Bishops Castle is a small medieval market town in the Shropshire Hills. A local population of artists, musicians and craftsmen adds a slight bohemian edge to the tiny high street. Several arty shops offer attentive service and will encourage your custom, before waving you off to one of the local pubs to toast your purchases with a pint of own-brewed ale.
As you pootle down the mile-long lane that leads towards Middle Woodbatch Farm, you’ll find the countryside comfort of being sandwiched by leafy hedgerows extremely calming. Steven Austin grew up on this working farm, which has been in his family since 1936. Along with his partner Mary, he now raises cows, sheep and hens and in 2006 the couple opened their first camping field, where they greet arrivals with the warmest of welcomes.
The Austins operate a policy of admitting only 10 tents or camper vans at a time. You could even get the field to yourself in low season, where you’ll see the Shropshire Hills roll out before you like a sea of green grass, as sheep graze like buoys bobbing in the breeze. Children will like the farm animals, which include a pet pig and a magnificent dapple-grey mare called Molly. Then, there’s all the sheep, which Steven might well need help herding.
The family is busy all year round. Lambing on the farm – a hit with young and old – takes places in April. Whilst in June, a burgeoning international walking festival attracts regular and repeat custom, so book well ahead. Other local activities include a Michaelmas Fair, Real Ale and Food Festival and a Tandem Triathlon; there always seems to be something going on.
If you’re not a keen campfire cook, or fancy a treat after a long day’s hike, you can prebook a two-course dinner sourced from regionally produced or organic products, either to eat in the farmhouse kitchen or to take back to your tent. Mary also knocks up full English breakfasts for a fiver. If you’re on a budget, though, just buy some farm eggs and rustle up something yourself in the campers’ own purpose-built kitchenette.
For an ultimate escape within easy reach of cities such as Manchester and Birmingham, South Shropshire is low in human traffic and high in spiritually enriching nature. It’s an enviable paradise for locals and an ideal camping climate for the rest of us.
