September 19 - 24 Sun - Fri
Group Size: 9
Starting Point: Shrewsbury
Based: Ludlow
Walking: Easy

Description :

The counties of Shropshire and Herefordshire contain a great many remarkably unspoiled and undiscovered corners, especially considering their close proximity to the Midlands and other major conurbations. Our base by the characterful market town of Ludlow on the River Teme is perfectly located for striking a number of prime wildlife localities. From bridges around the town we should notch up Dipper, Grey Wagtail and Kingfisher.

Easy walks through quiet back routes present us with Green, Great Spotted and Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers, Jays, Common Buzzards and Yellowhammers, plus southbound autumn migrants - Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers and maybe a Hobby or two. The naked flowers of Meadow Saffron are a late wildflower gem, and if warm temperatures prevail we may come upon basking Viviparous Lizards, Slow Worms, Grass Snakes or Adders.

At wetlands along the River Severn we encounter passage waders and waterfowl.

We visit the Elan Valley in Radnorshire for a day of raptor watching: Common Buzzards, Red Kites, Peregrines and possibly Goshawks.

The Long Mynd above Church Stretton is an excellent unit of moorland, where Red Grouse and Merlin are the main target birds.

A night-time excursion is undertaken using a powerful spotlight to look for nocturnal mammals. Polecat is top of the list, with Fox, Badger and Fallow Deer in support – also Tawny and Barn Owls.

This tour is essentially a leisurely, laid back exploration of superb 'back-roads' English and Welsh countryside, presenting a very rewarding diversity of wildlife.

Itinerary

Day 1 Sun: Morning rendezvous at Shrewsbury Rail Station. Venus Pool is visited en route to Ludlow.

Days 2 - 5 Mon - Thu: Minor routes are explored between Ludlow, Wigmore and Mortimer Cross. The Long Mynd, above Church Stretton, Elan Valley near Rhayader in Wales, the river at Hay on Wye, and hot-spots along the River Severn are among other locations targeted.

Day 6 Fri: Return to Shrewsbury where the tour finishes mid-afternoon.

Cost: £695...includes: Accommodation; all meals plus packed lunches; all travel.

Deposit: £100

Single Room Supplement: £50