‘Niagara in miniature’ waterfall walk next to a pub with a beer garden, just 90 minutes from Birmingham

How about this for a day out? A walk in a stunning location leading to a waterfall, followed by lunch in a black and white pub dating back to 1593.

Lightspout Waterfall can be found in Carding Mill Valley in the heart of the Long Mynd, a beautiful place with extensive views over the Shropshire hills. This four-metre natural water feature was called ‘Niagara in miniature’ by the Victorians, according to the National Trust.

Keep an eye out for red kites as you walk this 2.8 mile walk that takes about two hours. There is free parking for National Trust members.

Read more: 11 amazing waterfall walks within hours of Birmingham

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Start at the Chalet Pavilion, then follow the green markers up the stream to the site of the former top car park. From here, follow the red markers on the rocky trail on the left side of the creek to Lightspout Hollow. This leads you to the waterfall. Discover the full route on the National Trust website.

It can be a “challenging climb at times” and be careful when approaching the waterfall as the ground can be slippery when wet. Look for rare plants and wildlife along the way.

After your walk you can go to the pretty market town of Church Stretton and have lunch at The Kings Arms, one of the oldest pubs in the area. You can even bring your dog as well behaved dogs are welcome.

There is a large beer garden to enjoy the sun or burners inside if it’s cold. The pub serves Joule’s Ale, which is brewed in Market Drayton with pure Shropshire mineral water.

In the restaurant, you can enjoy home-cooked meals including Shropshire steak and Joule’s Pale Ale pie, local butcher’s sausages and hand-battered fish and chips.

How to get to Carding Mill Valley and The Kings Arms from Birmingham

It takes just under an hour and a half to get to Carding Mill Valley from Birmingham via the M6 ​​and M54, traffic permitting. The address is Carding Mill Valley, Church Stretton, Shropshire SY6 6JG.

You can also take a Transport for Wales train from Birmingham New Street Station to Church Street via Shrewsbury. It takes just over two hours. The Kings Arms is on Church Stretton High Street and Carding Mill Valley is just over a mile from here.