Church Stretton Walking Festival: Description of Walks

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DESCRIPTION OF WALKS

Thursday 3rd June

Walk 1 - In the Footsteps of Caractacus

Distance: 5.2 miles
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate with one steep ascent
Time: Half day
Start: 2.00pm CS Club

We leave Church Stretton for a very stiff (but not too long) climb to a rocky outcrop, where we are rewarded with magnificent views over the Stretton Hills and the Shropshire Plain.  We then ascend gently to the Iron Age hill fort of Caer Caradoc, visiting on the way the cave where it is reputed that the Celtic guerilla leader Caractacus hid from the Romans before his eventual capture. We come down the easy way, and walk under Hope Bowdler Hill towards Church Stretton..

Walk 2 - Something for Everyone

Distance: 8 miles
Degree of Difficulty: Strenuous with two steep ascents and one steep descent
Time: Full day
Lunch: Pub - Ragleth Inn
Start: 9.30am CS Club

If you like to sample a bit of everything on a walk, then this is the one for you! It has local history, a hidden lake, some strenuous climbing, a charming local hostelry, and of course - fabulous views....and because we take in both sides of the glorious Stretton Valley we get stunning views in all directions. We start by exploring the hidden delights of Carding Mill Valley - including the moody atmosphere of New Pool Hollow, (the largest lake in our hills), before tackling Cow Ridge - one of the most strenuous climbs up the Long Mynd. But the views from the top are well worth the effort. There's a chance to relax for a while as we meander along the Long Mynd ridge before descending steeply into the delightful Ashes Hollow and Little Stretton for a well-earned lunch in one of Shropshire's oldest pubs. In the afternoon, there's a chance to see where you walked in the morning from the opposite side of the valley, as we ascend the steep south side of Ragleth Hill.

Walk 3 - A Pocketful of Peaks

Distance: 13-14 miles
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate with one short steep descent
Time: Full day
Lunch: picnic
Start: 9.30am CS Club

Heading north from Church Stretton along Madeira Way our challenge for today, the Lawley, stands ahead and to the right of us.  We cross the entrances of 4 valleys as the low level route winds its way toward our crossing points over the railway and A49.  Crossing open fields fine views of the Lawley and Caer Caradoc can be seen before we walk along the base of the Lawley and then begin our ascent over its seemingly never ending peaks.  Paths along the side of Little Caradoc and Caer Caradoc bring us home via All Stretton.

Walk 4 - Introduction to Map and Compass

FULLY BOOKED

Distance: 6 - 8 miles
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
Time: Full day
Lunch: picnic
Start: 9.30am CS Club

Struggling to read a map or a compass?  Worried about getting lost in the mountains?  This is the walk for you.  Paul Wynn from Spike Outdoors will give you a basic introduction to reading a map and using a compass and then take you out on to the Long Mynd to put your new-found skills into practice.  What a great way to learn!

Friday 4th June

Walk 5 - Ragleth Ramble

Distance: 6 miles
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate with one steep ascent and one steep descent
Time: Half day
Start: 2.00pm CS Club

A perambulation through pastureland followed by a woodland wander.   A climb to the north end of Ragleth Hill for views of the town, Long Mynd and Clee Hills, hopefully. Steep descent towards Little Stretton and a gentle stroll back to town.

Walk 6 - Wilderness Wander

Distance: 9 miles
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate with one steep ascent
Time: Full day
Lunch: Pub – Royal Oak
Start: 9.30am CS Club

An undulating walk past three rocky outcrops to a pretty village with a 15th century inn. - Leaving Church Stretton via Snatchfields Lane we ascend into Hazler Wood from where there is a good panorama of the town with the Long Mynd in the background. Crossing Sandford Avenue we climb past the Gaer Stone to the top of Hope Bowdler Hill. With great views in all directions we traverse the ridge to the Battle Stones on Willstone Hill. More undulations take us past the Sharpstones before lunch in the pretty village of Cardington. Ascending gently through fields we reach the Wilderness, a low level ridge with views of The Lawley and Caer Caradoc, before passing the oddly named Robin’s Tump. Finally, the long gradual descent of an ancient drovers track takes us into Helmeth Wood from where it is a short walk back to town.

Walk 7 - Golden Valley and Glorious Views

Distance: 13 miles
Degree of Difficulty: Strenuous with two long ascents
Time: Full day
Lunch: picnic
Start: 9.30am CS Club

This strenuous walk crosses the northern end of the Long Mynd with tremendous views out across the Shropshire plain and ahead to the Stiperstones; descends into the Golden Valley, via Bridges, to return over the crest of the Mynd with wide views in all directions, finally returning down, past a waterfall, into town.

Walk 8 - Ancient Drovers’ Ways

Distance: 10 miles
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate with initial long ascent
Time: Full day
Lunch: picnic
Start: 9.30am CS Club

A classic walk traversing the Long Mynd’s seemingly never-ending spine with stunning views all day long. Leaders for the day are experienced National Trust staff. From Plowden, we ascend the Long Mynd from the south end and walk back in time along the ancient Portway which runs along the ridge of the Mynd

Saturday 5th June

Walk 9 - Natural History of the Long Mynd

FULLY BOOKED

Distance: 7 miles
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
Time: Half day
Start: 9.30am CS Club

A delightful ramble along two of the Long Mynd’s most stunning valleys, in the company of specialist National Trust staff who will give you an insight into the natural history of this area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Learn about the many varieties of birds and wildlife on the Mynd, and how the National Trust and its local volunteer Task Force, maintain the footpaths for walkers to enjoy every year.

Walk 10 - Walking in the Iron Age

Distance: 9.5 miles
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate with one steep ascent
Time: Full day
Lunch: picnic
Start: 9.30am CS Club

The northern end of the Long Mynd is our destination on this walk.  Haddon Hill overlooks the town and although it looks a long way up, we will take a fairly gentle route – one short steepish section up and a similar one down.  From the top of the hill, we look down on the Iron Age settlement of Bodbury Ring.  Returning to the present day, we can watch the golfers on the second highest golf course in England and cars struggling up the Burway Road. We will then make our way north to the hidden valley of Gog Batch.  As we walk, the views north are extensive.  On a clear day, we can see Birmingham in the distance. Our return takes us via Castle Hill where there is evidence of another Iron Age settlement. 

Walk 11 - A Walk on Par

Distance: 9 miles
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
Time: Full day
Lunch: picnic
Start: 9.30am CS Club

The first one and a half miles of this walk are an ideal warm up for the steady climb to the top of the Long Mynd.  Regular stops during our ascent give us a chance to turn and admire the views across the valley floor. Once we level out an easy walk takes us across the beautfiul Mynd. On our descent to Church Stretton, through the golf course, we can debate the best view.  There will be plenty to choose from and it will be a close run thing.

Walk 12 - Take the Rough With the Smooth

Distance: 11 miles
Degree of Difficulty: Strenuous with 2 long ascents and one steep descent
Time: Full day
Lunch: Pub - Bridges, aka the Horseshoe Inn
Start: 9.30am CS Club

Jagged, rocky, atmospheric Stiperstones - a land of myths, legends and stories, contrasts with the rounded slopes of the Longmynd. Each has a magic of its own, and we combine these for you in a linear walk between the two. Starting at the strangely named Bog Visitor Centre, we gently climb to gaze at the Devils Chair - will He be sat in it or not? - then through Frogs gutter before ascending both Gatten and Ratlinghope hills, lunch in the Darnford Valley at an ancient inn, then up and over the smooth topped Long Mynd rolling countryside, great views, and back into Church Stretton down one of our beautiful, tranquil valleys. Shropshire Hills views unrivalled - a simply breathtaking walk

Sunday 6th June

Walk 13 - To the Pole and Back

Distance: 6 miles
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
Time: Half day
Start: 9.30am CS Club

Rest assured, this walk does not entail walking to either the North or the South Pole as the title suggests! Rather, it's a varied, scenic and not too strenuous ascent of the Long Mynd to its highest point, Pole Bank. We start by walking through the beeches of Rectory Wood - stopping briefly, if the mood takes us, to look at the wood sculptures of eagles, owls and bears - before following the path to Little Stretton. From the village we then gradually ascend the Long Mynd by following the line of the stream that flows through Ashes Hollow, eventually emerging by the spring at Boiling Well. It’s then but a short dash to Pole Bank, from where there is a splendid view of four neighbouring counties.  After that it’s downhill all the way - back to the myriad welcoming teashops of Church Stretton for a well-earned cuppa.

Walk 14 - Precambrian Rocks of the Long Mynd

CANCELLED

Distance: 5.5 miles
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
Time: Full day
Lunch: picnic
Start: 9.30am CS Club

Around 560 million years ago the land that was to become the Long Mynd was being laid down under the sea, close to active volcanoes near to the Antarctic Circle. This walk with a geological theme will give two opportunities to explore these sedimentary rocks as we ascend The Batch and then view the sequence in reverse down the Lightspout and Carding Mill Valleys.

Walk 15 - The Minton Lollipop

Distance: 9.5 miles
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate with one short steep descent
Time: Full day
Lunch: picnic
Start: 9.30am CS Club

We start our walk in the small village of Minton, nestling under the south-eastern end of the Long Mynd.  There are two lovely valleys from here leading up on to the Long Mynd. Which one we take will depend on the conditions on the day.  Once on the top, we shall take a well earned rest while we watch the fantastic sight of gliders taking off and landing at the nearby Gliding Club. The Club celebrated their 75th anniversary last year and it’s easy to see why they established the Club here.  With a bit of luck, the paragliders will also be in the air, producing a magnificently colourful sight.  When we are ready, we will make our way back to Minton, staying on top as long as possible.  This means a short, but steep final descent.  Our way back to Church Stretton takes us to Marshbrook and around the back of Ragleth Hill, where we shall have a gentle stroll taking in the magnificent views towards the Clee hills. 

Walk 16 - Church Stretton Circular

Distance: 11 miles (or with shortcuts 6, 7.5 or 9.5 miles)
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate with one steep ascent near the end
Time: Full day
Lunch: picnic
Start: 9.30am CS Club

A circular walk around the edge of Church Stretton with 3 shortcuts to facilitate those wishing to go home early. Leaving Church Stretton via Watling Street North we ascend into Helmeth Wood, with good views back to the Long Mynd, before crossing to Gaerstone Farm Lane and continuing underneath Hope Bowdler Hill to eventually reach Cwms Lane. A short climb takes us  to Little Caradoc with wonderful views north towards Shrewsbury and beyond. Dropping down to cross the A49 we enter All Stretton (short cut 1). We now ascend Novers Hill, one of the best viewpoints for the Stretton Hills, before crossing Cwmdale and dropping into Carding Mill Valley where the National Trust are based. Rectory Woods next (shortcut 2) and then the Nisbett Way to Little Stretton (shortcut 3). From here the steepest climb to the pole on Ragleth Hill with a 360 degree panorama. Finally descending through Ragleth Wood into town.

Walking Sector Map

[Page Updated 09 February 2010]