Midwinter Mortimer Trail

Midwinter Mortimer Trail 2026

The Midwinter Mortimer Trail offers two self-navigating trail routes across the Marches landscape, following sections of the historic Mortimer Trail between Ludlow, Aymestrey and Kington.

• 30ish mile Ultra: mixed trail/field/road from Ludlow Castle to Kington
• Croft 15 (16ish mile): mixed trail/field/road from Aymestrey to Kington

The routes pass through extensive forests, limestone tops and gentle pastures, and follow a succession of hills and ridges with some strenuous climbs. The Ultra crosses valleys of the rivers Teme, Lugg and Arrow and takes in features such as Mary Knoll Valley, the High Vinnals, Orleton Common, Croft Ambrey and Wapley hill fort. The Ultra starts at the entrance archway of Ludlow Castle; the Croft 15 starts at the Riverside Inn, Aymestrey, with both finishing in Kington.

Age limits are specified by course: the 30 mile Ultra requires competitors to be 18 years or older, the Croft 15 from 17 years or older. Entry fees are shown as £60 for the 30 mile Ultra and £40 for the Croft 15. Estimated completion times are given as walk and run ranges: Ultra walk 8-12 hours, run 5-9 hours; Croft walk 5-8 hours, run 2-6 hours. Organizers recommend parking in Kington; optional transport from Kington to a start point is available for a stated fee.

The event forms the opening race of the Wild Shropshire Ultra Series; completing all three series events earns a unique medal and a prize for the fastest combined time. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.