Hills Ford Stages Rally: How to navigate Shropshire road closures

The Hills Ford Stages Rally returns to Shropshire on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September 2026, bringing high-speed motorsport to the county. The event, which spans two days, involves a mix of ceremonial starts, festival activities, and competitive stages on closed public roads. Residents and visitors should plan for significant travel disruption, particularly in south Shropshire on the Sunday.

Event Schedule and Locations

The rally itinerary is structured to move across the county throughout the weekend:

• Saturday, 19 September: The event opens with a ceremonial start in Shrewsbury. Later in the day, activity shifts to Weston Park for a dedicated Rally Festival and competitive stages.
• Sunday, 20 September: The competition intensifies on five specific stages in south Shropshire: Cressage, Clee Hill, Lawley, Dorrington, and Linley. Each of these stages will be run twice, requiring the closure of public roads to ensure the safety of participants and the public.

Managing Road Closures and Access

To facilitate the rally, local authorities have implemented a Temporary Traffic Restriction Order under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. These closures are comprehensive and apply to all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders, and those using e-scooters or e-bikes.

Residents and businesses directly affected by these closures have been contacted by event organizers. For the general public, the following guidance is essential:

• Follow Official Signage: Do not rely on sat-nav systems, as they may not reflect real-time road closures or the suitability of rural routes for event traffic. Obey all signed diversions.
• Plan Ahead: If you are travelling through south Shropshire on Sunday, allow significant extra time for your journey.
• Respect Private Land: The rally route crosses sensitive farmland and private property. Please do not park on verges, block gateways, or obstruct emergency access routes.

Spectator Guidance and Safety

Safety is the primary focus for the 2026 event. Spectators are strictly required to use only the official viewing locations, designated parking areas, and marked pedestrian routes identified by the organizers. Attempting to view the rally from unofficial areas is strongly discouraged due to the risks associated with high-speed motorsport on narrow rural roads.

To stay updated throughout the weekend, attendees are encouraged to access the official event portal. This site provides critical resources, including detailed maps, parking information, and safety guidelines. Please note that no fires or barbecues are permitted on any spectator areas or public land throughout the duration of the event.

The Essentials

For real-time information regarding specific road closures, residents can consult the One.Network website or follow the official event updates provided by the organizers.

Source: Shropshire Council Newsroom