A Stroll Around Ludlow Castle

 

” And so they came to Ludlow, which some say is the fairest country town in England. In the twelfth century its walls were pierced with seven gates of which only one now remains, but everything else about it today is overshadowed by its magnificent castle, a memorial to the days when its courtyards echoed to the ring of steel and armoured knights rode over the drawbridge to fight the marauding Welsh.” Malcolm Saville, 1958

(click on an image to enlarge)

Start in the castle gardens
Choose a pathway
Looking back

Last Monday the weather was so good that I popped out for a stroll around Ludlow Castle. This  is a ruin, but quite an interesting one, and it dominates the skyline from the river side of the town. It has a combination of architecture from Norman, Medieval and Tudor times. Parts date from the 11th century when built by Walter de Lacy.

It was enlarged by Roger Mortimer in the 14th century and has been in the hands of the Earls of Powis since 1811. The castle was a seat of government for Wales for a time and it was involved in the Wars of the Roses. Often events are held in the castle such as the Christmas Medieval Fayre (late November) and the Ludlow Festival held in the summer which features an open-air production of Shakespeare.

Red cars seem popular
Always look up
Welsh Harp

Starting in the castle gardens at the end of Castle Square (where the open market is held at least three times a week) , this walk takes you down Dinham, past a few Georgian houses and this timber-framed example which must have been a public house once as there is a Welsh Harp hanging outside. Then exit right through the outer castle wall.

Through the arch
Sheltered Walk
Towards the other arch

After leaving the path next to the outer wall you find yourself above the River Teme and Dinham Bridge. With the castle behind you, turn right along a dirt track which leads around the base of the castle. This leads to a lovely bench where you can rest and admire the beautiful views.

Turn right
Follow the track
And find the seat
And admire the views and the river below

Unless you have the feet of a goat, and I don’t,  you need to turn round here and head back to the archway, then make your way down hill and around the castle on a lower level path.

Looking back at the castle and arch
On the lower path
This way leads down to the river and Dinham Bridge

The path splits and you can head even further down to the river and the Dinham bridge and a lovely café where you can have lunch, or tea and cake or simply an ice-cream. But we are going to carry on up the hill and make our way around the castle back to the square.

Carry on up the hill
The imposing castle ruins
This way?

This is a very short walk, but it can take a while, if like me, you stop to look at the views, take photos and sit and enjoy the sun.  At then end of the walk, near the square you’ll find another bench to rest your feet, before completing the loop.

The end is near
Maybe another rest?
And a quick peek through the gates.

Have a final glimpse of the castle through the gates. If you want to enter it will cost £5 per adult or more for special events like Knight Jousting or the Food Festival. There’s lots to explore inside the grounds and you can climb the towers for spectacular views over the town and countryside. Maybe another time 🙂

I’m combining Cee’s Which Way Challenge with Jo’s Monday Walk  this week as they seem to complement each other.

Join in with Cee’s challenge  and  view other ‘Which Ways’.
and take a look at Jo’s Monday Walks over on Restlessjo’s blog where you are in for a treat.

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Heyjude

I have lived in the UK for most of my life, but when young I definitely had wanderlust and even ended up living in South Africa for several years which was a wonderful experience. I now look forward to a long and leisurely retirement doing what I like most - gardening, photography, walking and travelling.

35 thoughts on “A Stroll Around Ludlow Castle”

    1. Thanks for hosting the challenge Cee – whenever I’m out and about now I think “that would make a good which way” 🙂

  3. I’ve had a little sit on both benches so I’m all set to climb the tower. Lead on, Jude 🙂
    I think these challenges combine well together. I almost never get to Cee’s Which Way because I can’t resist turning my signposts into full blown walks 🙂 Thank you so much!

    1. I must go into the grounds and get some decent photos. I do have a few, but taken in winter and the light is very flat. The castle stone looks better in sun and especially in the golden hour. I might even go up the tower for you 🙂

  4. Thanks for the tour Jude! I have been inside the castle a couple of times, but never done the walk around the outside perimeter! 🙂

  5. Good old Ludlow! there is no challenge that it cannot handle. Great stuff as always, and a trip down a (long ago) memory lane for me.
    Regards as always, Pete. x

    1. I’m sure I will run out of material soon Pete. I must have photographed every square inch in all seasons! Perhaps I’ll make a start on Shrewsbury next 🙂

      1. Mind you we are still today able to say we are going to pop out for a walk around the snow bank 🙂 I liked your castle walk very much more.

  9. Lovely to be guided around your local lovely sites. I don’t know Ludlow at all but now have an idea of the place and it makes me want to add it to my list of places to visit someday!

    1. Thanks Jenny. Most visitors stay around the square, some venture a bit further down Corve Street, but there are some lovely short walks where no-one seems to wander very much. It’s not really on the way to anywhere though – many people come in on coach trips!

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