Shropshire Hills opens iconic scenery with new accessible viewpoints

Chloe Miller Author 2026-05-22 13:04 3 min read

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

Contents

Ten locations mapped for improved accessibility
Audio and tactile features for sensory engagement
Practical tools for planning inclusive visits

Shropshire Council and the Shropshire Hills National Landscape Team have launched a new network of accessible viewpoints designed to ensure the county’s most famous landscapes are available to everyone. Funded through DEFRA’s Access for All initiative, the Open Horizons project removes physical and sensory barriers at ten key locations across the region, including parts of Telford & Wrekin.

The project addresses the specific needs of visitors who have previously found the rugged terrain of the Shropshire Hills difficult to navigate. By providing a mix of car-based viewing spots and level walking paths, the initiative allows people with mobility impairments, families with pushchairs, and older residents to enjoy the countryside with improved safety and confidence.

Ten locations mapped for improved accessibility

The viewpoints were selected based on their potential for modification and their existing natural beauty. Each site now offers a specific type of access, ranging from direct views from a vehicle to short, managed paths leading to panoramic overlooks.

Location	Access Type
Asteron Bank	Short, level route to viewpoint
Lyth Hill Country Park	Level paths and car-based viewing
Clee Hill	Direct views available from car
The Bog Visitor Centre	Accessible facilities and nearby views
Castle Pulverbatch Motte	Improved path access
River Severn (Leighton)	Roadside viewing and level access
Darnford Brook	Managed path for mobility aids
Plush Hill	Car-based viewing options
Poles Coppice	Short, accessible walking loop
Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre	Full facility access and level grounds

Audio and tactile features for sensory engagement

Beyond physical access, the Open Horizons project introduces innovative ways for blind and partially sighted visitors to experience the landscape. Many of the sites now feature audio descriptions recorded by partially sighted artist Zoe Partington. These recordings move beyond simple navigation, using rich storytelling to describe the history, geology, and visual character of the hills.

To complement the audio, most locations have been fitted with unique tactile ceramic plaques. These artworks were created by local artists living with learning disabilities, supported by My Options Telford & Wrekin. Under the artistic direction of Roz Donati from Pneuma Affinity CIC, the artists designed these pieces to represent the specific topography and spirit of each viewpoint, providing a physical way to “feel” the view.

Practical tools for planning inclusive visits

To help visitors decide which sites best meet their individual requirements, Shropshire Council has published a series of detailed access guides. These resources provide factual data on parking availability, path gradients, surface types, and the proximity of accessible toilets or cafes.

Sarah Marston, Shropshire Council’s portfolio holder for communities and the environment, noted that the natural landscape is one of the county’s greatest assets. She emphasized that providing clear information and creative installations makes the countryside more inclusive for everyone, whether they prefer a gentle walk or viewing the scenery from their car.

All access guides, images, and audio descriptions are hosted on the Shropshire’s Great Outdoors website. The Council and the National Landscape team are currently reviewing further opportunities to expand these accessibility standards to other parts of the county’s natural environment.

Source: Shropshire Council Newsroom