Mortimer Forest

Forest operations are taking place in Mortimer Forest, and some trails are diverted. - Find out more

Visitor information

Opening hours

Whitcliffe Car Park (next to the office) is Monday to Friday, 8am to 3pm.

Vinnalls Car Park is open from dawn until dusk 7 days a week.

Black Pool Car Park is open from dawn until dusk 7 days a week.

How to find us

Wigmore Road, Ludlow

Sat Nav Postcode: SY8 2HD

By Car

From Ludlow take the B4361 towards Leominster. the forest is sign posted from the outskirts of Ludlow.

OS Grid Ref

SO480730

Get directions

52.3641904, -2.742682

Parking and prices

There are three car parks around the edge of the forest offering you a different experience each time you visit.

There are height restriction barriers at Vinnalls Car Park and Black Pool Car Park.

Parking Charges

There are no parking charges at Mortimer Forest

Additional information

Number of accessible parking spaces: 0

There are no designated accessible parking spaces at this forest, have you seen our Easy Access trails page?

Facilities and access

For more information on planning your visit, take a look at our accessibility information.

Assistant dogs welcome

Dogs allowed

Easy access trail

Picnic area

Contact details

Landline Number

0300 067 4440

E-Mail Address

marchesforests@forestryengland.uk

Mortimer Forest

A great place to enjoy some fresh air and explore a variety of walking trails

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Although originally made up of ancient royal chases and deer parks, the forest we see today was largely planted by the Forestry Commission in the 1920s.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.

The forest is rich in wildlife. Spectacular birds of prey can be found here and small birds such as nuthatches and warblers are often seen. Open spaces within the forest provide warm spots for butterflies, the Wood White being an important species and open places for reptiles to bask in the sun. Keep an eye out for the unique longhaired fallow deer which lives in the forest. The wildlife which you can’t see is just as important. Dead wood provides homes for insects and fungi that feed the forest by breaking down nutrients.

Explore Mortimer Forest:

There are three car parks around the edge of the forest offering you a different experience each time you visit:

Things to do

See more things to do

Walking trails at Mortimer Forest

The Whitcliffe Loop starting from the Whitcliffe Car Park lets you explore the Lower Evens part of the Forest and views along Mary Knoll Valley.

Vinnalls Car Park is the starting point for the Vinnalls Loop which take you to the top of High Vinnalls. The nine mile Climbing Jack Trail and the surfaced Easy Access Loop.

Black Pool Car Park is the starting point for the Black Pool Loop which takes you through the Haye Park area of the woods.

Find out more

Nordic Walking at Mortimer Forest

Nordic Walking is a full-body exercise that's easy on the joints and suitable for all ages and fitness levels. It also has the added benefit of burning 20-40% more calories than normal walking!

This is a chance to put your technique into practice and meet other Nordic Walkers.

Nordic Walking provides a fantastic way to improve your fitness on our forest trails, maximising the health benefits of getting outdoors.

Find out more

parkrun at Ludlow, Mortimer Forest

parkrun organise free, weekly, 5km timed runs around the world. They are open to everyone, free, and are safe and easy to take part in.

These events take place in pleasant forest surroundings and people of every ability are encouraged to take part. From those taking their first steps in running to Olympians; from juniors to those with more experience; everyone is welcome.

Looking for a parkrun in a different place?

Find a different parkrun.

Find out more

Picnics at Mortimer Forest

Enjoy a tasty treat in the forest at one of our beautiful picnic areas, just bring along good food and company!

To prevent forest fires and reduce waste, please do not bring any barbecues into our forests.

All of our car parks have picnic tables for you to use:

Vinnalls Car Park Black Pool Car Park Whitcliffe Car Park Mortimer Forest Trail Map

Find out more

Nearby forests

Bury Ditches

Dating from about 500BC, Bury Ditches is home to one of the best-preserved hill forts in the country! Located near the town of Clun in the Shropshire Hills Area of Natural Beauty, Bury Ditches isn't short of stunning views, ancient history and blood-pumping walks.

The climb up to the hill fort is steep but the views are worth it!

Visitors looking for a level walk can follow the forest road from the car park, past the barrier to a bench and a view.

Find out more

Eastridge Woods

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.

Find out more

walkers enjoying a walk through nature in autumn

Haughmond Hill

Explore Haughmond Hill and follow in the footsteps of history. Follow the trails out to the front of the hill for commanding views across the River Severn and Shrewsbury to the South Shropshire and Welsh hills beyond. Discover the Iron Age enclosure or visit the viewing platform over the quarry; a must for any budding geologists or anyone who likes dumper trucks!

Find out more

Winding path through the mature woodland

Wyre Forest

Wyre Forest is the largest woodland National Nature Reserve in the country and can be found to the west of Birmingham.

Explore the arboretum to find the unusual Whitty Pear and don't forget to refuel in our on-site cafe. Our Go Ape course will keep the kids (and adults!) entertained and we've even got a dog wash on-site to keep your pooch pampered.

Find out more

Mortimer Forest Community and Recreation Plan

This plan is intended to focus our community and recreation activity in Mortimer Forest now and for communities that will use the forest over the next ten years. It has been developed following extensive consultation with local communities and this feedback has been used to set out our plan.

Read the full plan here

Mortimer Forest Community Survey

In 2019 Forestry England carried out a community survey for Mortimer Forest to help develop the ten-year community and recreation plan. This report outlines the data collected during this exercise.

Read the survey report here

Sun shining through the trees in a pine forest

Mortimer Forest Plan

This plan sets out how we aim to manage Mortimer Forest over the next 10 years. The main aim of the plan is to manage the area with increased conservation and landscape benefits, whilst maintaining substantial timber production, increasing resilience to climate change, pest and disease risks, and offering opportunities for informal recreation.

Find out more

Happy times and waggy tails

For a safe and enjoyable visit for everyone, read our guidance on dogs in the forest.

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