[1] The trail leaves Melverley along the river, but take a little time to visit St Peter’s Church (SJ332165). Largely dating from 1406, it’s Shropshire’s oldest church, and may well be the oldest timber-framed church in the entire country. From here, walk back to the main road and take a left, until you come to a three-way junction with a sign for the caravan park. Turn left onto this lane and then carry on until you come to a stile (the first of many) on your right. Take a moment to admire the church from this vantage point, then climb the stile and join the Shropshire Way. Not all parts of this section are signposted, but you’ll generally follow the course of the River Vrynwy as it winds its way west.
[2] As the river curves round, rejoin the road for a short section then bear left back into the fields. At this point the path takes a more direct route, leaving the meandering waters to the south. Follow it, passing Pentreheylin Hall on your right. Keep ahead and after crossing the creek (near SJ290201), you can follow either the path along the meandering river or the footpath across the field to rejoin the road sooner.
[3] Taking care to avoid the fast-moving cars, follow the B4398 into Llanymynech and turn right, following the A483 a short way before bearing left at the first junction. From here you’ll easily spot signs for the Shropshire Way and the Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail, which climbs up through the Llanymynech Rocks nature reserve. Time permitting, have a little explore around this former industrial area, though if you take on the steep hills watch out for the sheer cliff edges. Wind your way round to the west and pass through a gate, climbing up towards the top. Once there, continue along the trail and skirt the golf course, keeping a wary eye out for people teeing off, and follow the woodland trail. If you’re tempted to approach the steep western edge, don’t – the trees will soon open up to provide you with a view over the Welsh hills.
[4] The Offa’s Dyke Path soon takes a left, but follow straight on for the Shropshire Way. The path now slowly begins to descend through woodland, taking a few twists and turns along the way – but is always well signposted.
[5] At the bottom, turn right along the A495 then carefully cross to pick up the route on the other side. Go straight ahead and look for the small waymark guiding you right – if you venture into another disused quarry you’ve gone too far. Instead, cross the stile and look for a footpath heading slightly left across the cornfield. Depending on the time of year, it may be difficult to find and follow. Continue across the field, then turn left and follow the edge of the field up a slight hill. Carry on straight up until you come to a raised path, turn right and join the road. Turn left and walk 300m until you come to a signpost and stile – cross this and continue straight across. This section was overgrown when I walked it, making the exit to this field a little hard to find. Look for Shropshire Way signage and climb over the stile to rejoin a clearer path, then cross the road into Sweeney Fen.
[6] Cross the stile and turn right up the hill, following the Shropshire Way signposts as you cross a succession of fields until you arrive in Trefonen. Take a left at the first road you come to and follow it down into town, where the Barley Mow pub (SJ332165) and its neighbouring microbrewery await.