The Hidden Highway
England
The borderland between England and Wales, the B4368 and B4391 through the Marches from the food capital of Ludlow across the Long Mynd plateau and the Shropshire Hills (the best walking country in the English Midlands), past Powis Castle's Baroque terraced gardens, to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct (Telford's iron masterpiece carrying a canal 38m above the Dee Valley) at Llangollen. The quietest and most rewarding drive in the Welsh Marches.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Ludlow
England's food capital. A Norman castle, half-timbered Feathers Hotel and more Michelin stars per capita than anywhere outside London.
- Craven Arms
Gateway to the Shropshire Hills AONB. Stokesay Castle, England's finest fortified manor house, stands in the meadows just south of town.
- Church Stretton
Sheltered valley below the Long Mynd's 7-mile heather plateau. Caer Caradoc hillfort above town marks Caractacus's last stand against Rome.
- Bishop's Castle
Tiny hilltop market town near the Welsh border. The Six Bells brewpub has brewed on-site since the 1800s in one of England's smallest brewing towns.
- Powis Castle
Medieval castle in continuous use since 1286. Four terraces of Baroque gardens with 30-foot yew hedges and sweeping views over the Severn Valley.
- Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
Telford's 1805 UNESCO iron canal trough carries narrowboats 38m above the Dee Valley on 19 slender stone piers for 307m.
- Llangollen
Welsh market town straddling the Dee, famous for its annual International Musical Eisteddfod. Castell Dinas Bran crowns the hill to the north.
Where to Eat
- The Church InnTraditional British
Historic pub in Ludlow offering classic British dishes and local ales in a cozy setting.
- The Green DragonPub Fare
Charming pub in Bishop's Castle known for hearty meals and a selection of real ales.
- The Corn MillModern European
Riverside restaurant in Llangollen serving contemporary dishes with scenic views.
Things to Do
- Stokesay CastleHistoric Site
Explore a well-preserved medieval manor house near Craven Arms, featuring a great hall and picturesque grounds.
- Castell Dinas BrânHike
Hike to the ruins of a 13th-century castle atop a hill, offering panoramic views of Llangollen.
- Shropshire Hills Discovery CentreMuseum
Interactive exhibits on the natural and human history of the Shropshire Hills, located in Craven Arms.