The place we’re staying has a variety of walking guides for Shropshire. In Shropshire: A Dog Walker’s Guide, we found a walk of just over three miles through forest with an abbey nearby. After two hot days that had left Breezy struggling, somewhere shaded for most of the walk was a priority. This one delivered on that, and on heritage interest too.

Haughmond Abbey is managed by English Heritage and free to visit. The man on reception noticed us lingering over the information boards and came out to chat. He was knowledgeable and enthusiastic - sharing the idea that the abbey and its monks were effectively a business, owning mills and generating income, not just a religious institution. And that after the dissolution, the whole surrounding area suffered for it. Interesting thoughts, generously shared.

I was, as I always am when I see such buildings, struck by the engineering and craftsmanship. The scale of what remains is remarkable.

View across green fields and woodland towards distant hills, seen from Haughmond Hill forest

Wide view over Shrewsbury and the Shropshire plain with Welsh hills on the horizon, framed by summer trees

Green fields and distant hills framed by a carved stone window opening at Haughmond Abbey

Ruins of Haughmond Abbey showing a large stone arch and Gothic window openings against a blue sky

Interior view of Haughmond Abbey ruins, looking up through a tall Gothic arch flanked by two small turrets with different designs