The 10 best driving roads in Shropshire.

Welcome, everyone, to our grand tour of Shropshire's ultimate driving roads.

This isn't just for the petrolheads; it's for anyone who loves a good drive, whether you're behind the wheel of a Honda, Hyundai, Kia, SsangYong, or even an Isuzu  . Now, forgive us for the cheeky plug of our brands, but we simply couldn't resist. After all, what's a fantastic drive without a fantastic car?

So, pop on your driving playlist, grab your favourite sunglasses, and buckle up. It's time to hit the road and explore the best driving roads in Shropshire! 

1. A488 Bishops Castle to Shrewsbury.

Kick-starting our list, ladies and gentlemen, we introduce the Jekyll-and-Hyde of Shropshire roads - the A488, spanning from Bishops Castle to Shrewsbury, carving its path through the scenic Hope Valley.

Venturing from Shrewsbury to Bishops Castle, you might think this road is the quiet twin, almost yawning with contentment.

Enjoy the leisurely pace and marvel at the charming villages en route.

Who knew Minsterley was the cradle of our beloved British corned beef?

But buckle up for the return journey, folks. It's like this road has had a cuppa full of zest, showcasing a different character altogether.

A thrill ride in disguise, the way back to Shrewsbury is a slalom-like run downhill through a canopy of trees in the Hope Valley.

Is it the same Tarmac? Yes. Does it feel the same? Not a chance.

So, don't hesitate to treat yourself to this ride, perhaps even twice, for an extra sprinkle of motoring joy!

2. A528 Ellesmere to Harmer Hill.

Ready for another adventure? Let's shift into gear and introduce our next candidate - the A528, a route stretching from Ellesmere to Harmer Hill.

Think of it as the wild cousin of the A488, one who's had one too many energy drinks.

The authorities have tried to rein it in, evidenced by a parade of 'SLOW' signs along the battered carriageway, each sign more desperate than the last. It’s as though each one is pleading, "Slow down, mate! Enjoy the dance!"

Oh yes, this too-narrow-for-an-A-road is like a good old barn dance.

You're toe-in, toe-out, pedal-hopping in a lively jig with your trusty vehicle.

Crafted for something nimble and spry, this road ensures your attention never wavers, flinging the occasional oncoming vehicle into your personal bubble just for kicks.

Mischievous road, indeed. A bit like that unruly family member who, despite their antics, manages to be the life of the party.

So strap in, hold tight, and remember to slow down to enjoy this whimsical ride on the wild side of Shropshire!

3. A4169 Jiggers Roundabout to Buildwas.

Continuing our journey, next on our list is the suave and debonair A4169, a road that sweeps from Jiggers Roundabout to Buildwas.

Think of it as the James Bond of Shropshire's highways, slick, smooth, and full of character.

Strap into your car - be it a Honda, Hyundai, SsangYong, Kia, or an Isuzu pick-up - and feel the thrill as this route glides uphill, winks à la Roger Moore, then gently takes you over the crest of the hill.

It's here you're smoothly carried down and to the right towards the base of the bank.

At this point, your foot's relationship with the pedal comes into play.

Too eager, and you'll find yourself squealing into a turn towards Much Wenlock.

A bit more composed, and you're off exploring the gentle undulations at the foot of the Wrekin.

But the fun doesn't stop there. Make your way up in the opposite direction, and it's just as exciting.

Truly, this road is a charming thrill-seeker, akin to our favourite MI6 agent. Time to live and let drive!

4. B4378 Much Wenlock to the junction with the B4368 from Bridgnorth.

Next up on our grand tour of Shropshire's best driving roads, allow us to introduce the B4378, a narrow yet adventurous route from Much Wenlock to the junction with the B4368 from Bridgnorth.

Perhaps a touch too slender for some, this road refuses to be a wallflower. It's brimming with enticing dips and rises, not to mention the charming stop-and-go game you'll play through hamlets and villages, keeping you on your toes and your gears busy.
But the pièce de résistance of this road is undoubtedly the "Dirty Harry" junction at the end. It's here you'll ask yourself, "Do I feel lucky?" and scamper across as swiftly as you can, jiggling and jiving like a jittery piglet to ensure nothing's barrelling your way from either side.

All in all, the B4378 is a road that provides a dash of excitement, a sprinkle of charm, and an adventurous twist, perfect for those who fancy a slightly more daring drive. Buckle up, folks; it's going to be a delightful ride!

5. M54 Junction 6 to Preston Brook Island.

Rev your engines, dear roadsters, as we steer towards our next motoring delight - the stretch from M54 Junction 6 to Preston Brook Island on the A5.

This road stages a dramatic two-part ascent - first, from Junction 6 to the foot of the Ercall, followed by a second climb from the start of the A5 to Charlton.

As you crest, prepare to be treated to a sweeping curve around the hill, then brace yourself for a lengthy descent towards Preston Brook Island. All the while, you'll have the rolling hills of Mid-Wales straight ahead and Haughmond Hill on your right.

Heading in the opposite direction? The view is just as breathtaking, with the iconic Wrekin on your right. And on days when the top is shrouded by clouds, you might just imagine you've teleported to the foot of the Rockies near Revelstoke, British Columbia.

I know, I know, sounds far-fetched, but just squint a little, let your imagination run, and you'll see it... We promise!

This stretch offers more than just a drive; it's a cinematic journey through some of Shropshire's most majestic landscapes. Get ready to soak in the views and let the road take you on an unforgettable ride!

6. A458 Cross Houses to Much Wenlock.

Brace yourselves, my fellow road-trippers, because our next road is here to shake things up.

We're talking about the A458, a route from Cross Houses to Much Wenlock, home of the exhilarating Harley Bank and Hill.

This road offers a spine-tingling plunge down Harley Bank, followed by the hearty grunt up Harley Hill. But let's let you in on a little secret - tackling this path the other way round, in my humble opinion, is even more fun.

Why, you ask? Well, there's less chance of being wedged behind a tractor and trailer, huffing and puffing their way to the hilltop. Trust me, I've done the legwork.

So, ready to experience the thrill of the A458? Grip that wheel, plant that foot, and prepare for a roller coaster ride through one of Shropshire's most captivating routes. It's time to get our wheels rolling!

7. B4380 Wroxeter to Buildwas.

Oh, do we have a treat for you now! Imagine a road that bridges time, connecting the grandeur of Ancient Rome with the dawn of the Industrial Revolution. Intrigued?

Allow me to unveil our next gem, a route that's worth every turn just for the majestic views of the River Severn’s twists and turns as it traces its oxbowing path below.

This is more than just a stretch of Tarmac; it's a trip through history. At one end, you can almost hear the echoes of Roman centurions marching, while the other takes you to the birthplace of industry as we know it.

As you drive, cast your eyes to the River Severn. Like a silver ribbon, it weaves and winds below, offering a breathtaking spectacle that perfectly complements the historical grandeur of the journey.

So, strap in, folks, and prepare for a magical trip back in time with the greatest show nature can offer, right there on your side. Time travel was never this fun, was it?

8. A41 Tern Hill to Sandford.

Fasten your seat belts, road warriors, because we're steering onto the A41, a road that playfully swings from Tern Hill to Sandford.

It's an enchanting journey, filled with all the highs and lows, sweeps and curves that make a drive truly memorable.

This dual carriageway, teasingly sweeping past the Castle at Bletchley, practically whispers, 'Take me, I'm yours'.

It's like a siren's call to all drivers, tempting them into a thrilling ride, even with the occasional 'mind your speed' sign flashing like a cheeky grin.

But don't let those wide lanes lull you into complacency. This road has a wicked sense of humour, as it quickly narrows down to single lanes, right on some sneaky right-hand bends.

Heading south? Brace yourself for an added dash of excitement - a blind rise that's sure to give your heart a little squeeze.

So folks, get ready to embrace the thrill, because the A41 is a road that promises and delivers an exciting ride from start to finish. Ready, set, drive!

9. B5062 Newport to Crudgington.

Roll up, roll up, because it's time to explore the mischievous B5062, a road that threads its way from Newport to Crudgington. This little rascal of a road starts with a teasing invitation to conquer Cheyney Bank, all while ensuring you stay on your toes.

Respect is key as you tiptoe through Edgmond. The road doesn't lose its playful charm, though, as it opens up to a delightful sequence of rises and falls, lefts and rights, leading all the way to Crudgington.

A particular treat lies near the auto-grass track, nestled between the Waters Upton turn-off at Catsbritch Lane and Crudgington Village - a series of bends with a counterintuitive camber that'll leave you questioning which way is up!

The B5062 is a road with a sense of humour and a dash of surprise. It promises an adventure for all drivers, whether you're in a Honda, Hyundai, Kia, SsangYong or an Isuzu pick-up.

So buckle up, prepare for a lively dance with the road, and let the B5062 show you the fun side of driving!

10. A4117 Clee Hill to Ludlow.

All right, drivers, rev those engines and prepare for a road that shows off the stunning contrasts of Shropshire.

We're heading from Clee Hill to Ludlow on the scenic A4117. Clee Hill, even in the heart of summer, carries a kind of raw, moody beauty that you can't help but admire.

The landscape around you is a little wild, a little untamed, and it carries a certain allure that's unique to the area.

But the pièce de résistance of this road is the descent into Ludlow.

This transition from the austere glory of Clee Hill to the lush, vibrant greenery of Ludlow is one of those rare, special experiences you don't find just anywhere.

It's a road that celebrates contrasts and thrills its drivers with each turn and twist.

And just like our good friend the A488, it's a route that seems to have a personality of its own depending on the direction.

This charming road invites you for a splendid drive, promising new views, new adventures, and new stories to tell. So come on, folks, let's take the plunge!

Bonus:

Oh, you thought we were done? Not quite! We've got a bonus road to share with you, a hidden gem that's off the beaten track.

This is an un-named road, tucked away off the Haughton to Upton Magna road, heading towards Rodington Heath.

This road is a bit of an enigma. It's a stretch so flawlessly straight, it feels like it was either a Roman handiwork, a military masterpiece or a secret alien autobahn.

It just goes on and on, like a ribbon unravelling in the English countryside for nearly a mile, except for a little daft kink that adds to its charm.

As you glide down this path, you might find yourself echoing our sentiment, "Woo-hoo!" Yes, Bernie may remind us all to 'Think before you drive', but with roads like this, sometimes all you can do is let out another joyous "woo-hoo!"

And with that, we've arrived at the end of our journey, exploring some of the best driving roads in Shropshire.

But don't worry, the adventure doesn't have to end here.

We know every driver has their favourite road, the one that brings a grin to their face and a flutter to their heart.

Maybe it's a road we've mentioned, or maybe it's a hidden gem we've yet to discover. So, why not share it with us?

Drop your favourite Shropshire Road in the comments section below. Let's keep this journey going, sharing the thrill of the drive, and continue to explore the highways and byways of our beautiful Shropshire. Because after all, the real fun lies in the roads still untravelled. Over to you, folks!