Clun
“Clunton and Clunbury, Clungunford and Clun are the quietest places under the sun”
Sometimes it’s nice to take it easy, keep it simple, and get back to a more relaxing way of life.
Clun is a good place to start. Poet A.E. Housman described Clun as the quietest place under the sun in his book, ‘A Shropshire Lad’. So if you are looking for rest and relaxation, Clun will not disappoint.
Enjoy a picnic or strolls beside the Clun River and keep an eye out for brown trout. We are told that careful observers may, with patience, also spot a king fisher or a dipper too, or even the elusive Clun otter! If you’re feeling energetic you can walk up to Clun Castle which overlooks the town and also makes a scenic picnic spot.
I've never been there but I'm interested in the area because many of Malcolm Saville's Lone Pine books are set in Shropshire and several of them have episodes which take place in Clun. It looks beautiful, Pete.
"Heyho for a starry night and a heathery bed!" - Jack, The Secret Island.
"There is no bond like the bond of having read and liked the same books."
- E. Nesbit, The Wonderful Garden.
Looks lovely Pete but like Anita I have never been so cannot advise. You could have a lot of fun just motoring around snooping out places though.
"What a lot of trouble one avoids if one refuses to have anything to do with the common herd. To have no job, to devote ones life to literature, is the most wonderful thing in the world. - Cicero
I wish I could remember which Lone Pine books feature Clun, but I've only read them once and that was a long time ago now. I hope someone is able to tell you, Pete.
"Heyho for a starry night and a heathery bed!" - Jack, The Secret Island.
"There is no bond like the bond of having read and liked the same books."
- E. Nesbit, The Wonderful Garden.
Clun is mentioned in other Lone Pine books but Secret Of Grey Walls is the only book based in the town. We were there about 15 years ago and it was a delightful little town, very quiet even in the middle of the day. The packhorse bridge is still there and the remains of the ruined castle where the Lone Piners established their camp. Unfortunately, I can't recommend a B & B but we did have a lovely meal in a pub whose name I've forgotten.
I hope you enjoy the book, Pete. Although Malcolm Saville had real-life locations in mind, he played around with them to suit his plots. I see that in this case the River Clun has been moved - though whether that was down to Malcolm Saville or the map-drawer I can't be sure!
"Heyho for a starry night and a heathery bed!" - Jack, The Secret Island.
"There is no bond like the bond of having read and liked the same books."
- E. Nesbit, The Wonderful Garden.
That's one of my favourite Lone Pine books. I have been to Clun, just had a quick look around and saw the castle. I also saw the Stiperstones and did some walking there.