Swan on the river at Attingham Park, Shropshire — Swan on the river at Attingham Park | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Shropshire & Staffordshire

Wildlife walk at Attingham Park

This circular walk starts in the Stables Courtyard at Attingham Park and follows the Deer Park walk and centuries-old routes in the beautiful parkland of this great estate and by the River Tern.

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Total steps: 8

Start point

Visitor reception, Attingham Park, Atcham, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY4 4TP. Grid ref: SJ5501109896.

Step 1

From the car park make your way to visitor reception and through the Stables Courtyard bearing left towards the walled garden. As you walk towards the Walled Garden you are on part of the Mile Walk, a hoggin path.

Step 2

You will pass the Walled Garden on your left as you continue along this section of the Mile Walk.

Step 3

At this point the path splits: bear left, following signs for the Deer Park Walk.

Step 4

Cross the cable-stayed bridge over the River Tern.

The River Tern and the bridge

The River Tern is only 30 miles long, and flows into the River Severn about a mile downstream. Its source is considered to be a lake in the grounds of Maer Hall in Staffordshire. Attingham is host to around 5 miles of river, featuring beautiful stretches of the Severn and Tern. Ponds are a haven for wildlife of all sorts, from ducks, swans and otters to dragonflies. The cable-stayed bridge provides improved access for buggies and mobility scooters, and was built in 2009 with funding from Natural England.

Step 5

At this fork in the path carry straight on up a gentle incline to continue with the walk. At further forks in the path follow signs for the 'Deer Park Walk'. For buggies (in muddy conditions) and mobility scooters, follow the right fork labelled 'short cut' through the gate which takes you along the bank of the Tern to rejoin the walk at point 8.

Step 6

After walking through the woodland the path opens out along the top of the deer park, with the woodland on your left and the deer park to your right. During parts of the year sections of the deer park may be closed; please follow any signed diversions.

Step 7

Keep walking along the grass path with the woodland on your left, until you get to the Repton oak.

The Repton oak and wildlife

Originally marking the boundary between the parishes of Wroxeter and Atcham, this old oak is now one of the wonders of Attingham Park. This venerable tree is thought to have started life in the reign of King Edward III (1327–1377). Old trees are havens for wildlife, bats, birds, insects, mosses and lichens. There are five species of bats at Attingham including over 1,000 pipistrelle bats. Barn owls, ravens and buzzards are the top predators here – can you spot any flying over the deer park?

Step 8

A short while after passing the Repton oak the path will begin to lead you down the hill towards the mansion. Go through the gate, across the bridge and turn right to take a look at the ice house. Please note: there is no light in the ice house and it is lit by natural light from its entrance. Be careful walking down the narrow uneven steps into the ice house. After you've been inside follow the path passing the mansion on your right-hand side and continue to bear right, past the tea-room and toilets before turning left to return to the Stables Courtyard.

End point

Visitor reception, Attingham Park, Atcham, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY4 4TP. Grid ref: SJ5501109896.

Trail map

Map route for Attingham Park wildlife walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

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Atcham, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY4 4TP

01743708170

attingham@nationaltrust.org.uk

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