Activities at Bury Ditches

Hopton Woods is the home of mountain biking in Shropshire. Come and test yourself out on the warm-up loop before heading into the wood on our harder trails.

All the trails at Hopton are largely unsurfaced, so the way they ride changes according to the weather and the season. Please ride within your ability (and that of your bike) and with appropriate safety gear. 

The trees you see here (mostly Larch and Douglas Fir) were planted in the 1950s when the need for home-grown timber was high after WWII. You can now enjoy the woodland by following the forest road on a circular stroll or having a picnic at the benches overlooking Knighton. Picnic tables can be found at the viewpoint. 

The wood is full of folklore and stories, so pick up a leaflet at the Offa's Dyke Visitor Centre on West Street in Knighton for more information.

Come and escape in Mortimer Forest! Straddling the Shropshire and Herefordshire border this thousand hectare forest is a perfect place for some breathing space.

Although originally made up of ancient royal chases and deer parks, the forest we see today was largely planted by the Forestry Commission in the 1920s. It was named after the Mortimer Family, Norman Lords who held power over the region for some 300 years.

Eastridge Woods is enjoyed by visitors on foot, on horseback or on two wheels. Passing through the forest is the Shropshire Way, a long distance walking route covering over 200 miles of beautiful Shropshire countryside, which can be tackled in smaller sections.