The Long Mynd
Day 1 - Snailbeach to Church Stretton
In true Postill-leader-tradition, Saturday's weather forecast was wet – and sadly it was not wrong! After an early reveille (courtesy of Ray's hairdryer and the other early-birds), the Church Stretton community bus picked us up at the hostel and took us to Snailbeach on the far side of the Long Mynd.
In heavy Scotch mist, we climbed up past the ruins of a deserted mine, which used to be the biggest lead mine in Shropshire. Then up to Stiperstones, a challenging path of large boulders of shattered quartzite. Sadly the cold wind and rain kept our heads down and the views of the Long Mynd well hidden under clouds.
After a brief respite in the shelter of the Devil's Chair, the biggest of several rocky tors on the five-mile summit ridge, we carried on down to Bridges and were disappointed to find the pub closed for redevelopment. So we had lunch sheltering in a farmyard of Coates Farm before carrying on uphill past Priory Cottage and Pole Bank, the highest point on the Long Mynd.
The sun came out at last on the final stretch as we began a long descent following Burwell Hill with fabulous views over the lovely Carding Mill Valley and into Church Stretton. There we were able to discard our waterproofs and dry out in the sunshine drinking tea outside the cafe. That evening we enjoyed a good meal in the local Yew Tree pub. Heather
Day 1 - Snailbeach to Church Stretton
In true Postill-leader-tradition, Saturday's weather forecast was wet – and sadly it was not wrong! After an early reveille (courtesy of Ray's hairdryer and the other early-birds), the Church Stretton community bus picked us up at the hostel and took us to Snailbeach on the far side of the Long Mynd.
In heavy Scotch mist, we climbed up past the ruins of a deserted mine, which used to be the biggest lead mine in Shropshire. Then up to Stiperstones, a challenging path of large boulders of shattered quartzite. Sadly the cold wind and rain kept our heads down and the views of the Long Mynd well hidden under clouds.
After a brief respite in the shelter of the Devil's Chair, the biggest of several rocky tors on the five-mile summit ridge, we carried on down to Bridges and were disappointed to find the pub closed for redevelopment. So we had lunch sheltering in a farmyard of Coates Farm before carrying on uphill past Priory Cottage and Pole Bank, the highest point on the Long Mynd.
The sun came out at last on the final stretch as we began a long descent following Burwell Hill with fabulous views over the lovely Carding Mill Valley and into Church Stretton. There we were able to discard our waterproofs and dry out in the sunshine drinking tea outside the cafe. That evening we enjoyed a good meal in the local Yew Tree pub. Heather
The Devil's Chair at the Stiperstones. Looking down into the Carding Mill Valley. Finishing the day in Church Stretton
Day 2 - Caer Caradoc and Hope Bowdler Hill
What a contrast to yesterday’s weather. The sun shone and we were delighted that Ginny, recuperating from a major operation, joined us for her first walk of the year. The walking was magnificent but delayed slightly when Ray realised he was allergic to his sun cream and had to wash it off, and then we were attacked by horse flies. The initial climbs to reach Three Fingers Rock left several of us breathless but we soon got into our stride as we climbed Caer Caradoc. Here we stopped for a snack whilst taking in wonderful views. All too soon Ray had us walking again and we said goodbye to Ginny and Jane who returned to the bunkhouse.
After descending from Caer Caradoc we walked through fields of sheep and cattle before climbing steeply again to reach the summit of Hope Bowdler Hill. Here where we enjoyed a long lingering lunch and a nap in the sunshine before descending via Gaer Rocks to Church Stretton where tea rooms and bars were eagerly sought out for refreshment.
What a contrast to yesterday’s weather. The sun shone and we were delighted that Ginny, recuperating from a major operation, joined us for her first walk of the year. The walking was magnificent but delayed slightly when Ray realised he was allergic to his sun cream and had to wash it off, and then we were attacked by horse flies. The initial climbs to reach Three Fingers Rock left several of us breathless but we soon got into our stride as we climbed Caer Caradoc. Here we stopped for a snack whilst taking in wonderful views. All too soon Ray had us walking again and we said goodbye to Ginny and Jane who returned to the bunkhouse.
After descending from Caer Caradoc we walked through fields of sheep and cattle before climbing steeply again to reach the summit of Hope Bowdler Hill. Here where we enjoyed a long lingering lunch and a nap in the sunshine before descending via Gaer Rocks to Church Stretton where tea rooms and bars were eagerly sought out for refreshment.
Approaching Three Fingers Rock. Steep descent from Caer Caradoc. Jane has the best viewpoint
After a relaxing hour, some of the group went back by the easier low level route (Madeira Drive) whilst others took the high route via Bodbury Hill back to Batch Valley. Near the end Pat thought she had found a short cut back. However this entailed Ray and Mike beating down the shrubbery and nettles with their walking poles to make a path while the group slipped and slithered home. May have been a shorter route but definitely not quicker!
Back at the bunkhouse after a cuppa and shower we had a great meal and very interesting burnt pudding. Glenis blamed the poor oven as she nursed her singed eye-brows. We all agreed it had been a wonderful day and Shropshire is a gem of a place. Helen
Day 3 - Haddon Hill, Marches Way and Carding Mill Valley
On Monday morning, we woke up to what promised to be a lovely sunny day and after our usual hearty breakfast we packed our bags, tidied the bunkhouse and set off on the last walk of our long weekend.
Back at the bunkhouse after a cuppa and shower we had a great meal and very interesting burnt pudding. Glenis blamed the poor oven as she nursed her singed eye-brows. We all agreed it had been a wonderful day and Shropshire is a gem of a place. Helen
Day 3 - Haddon Hill, Marches Way and Carding Mill Valley
On Monday morning, we woke up to what promised to be a lovely sunny day and after our usual hearty breakfast we packed our bags, tidied the bunkhouse and set off on the last walk of our long weekend.
Caer Caradoc lunchstop and fine views of the Gaer Stone
The walk started with a steep climb up to Haddon Hill and the heat was already adding to the exertion and the cool breeze up on the top was very welcome. We crossed the golf course which stretches across the top of Haddon Hill with wonderful views over the hills and valleys in the distance. The walk took us along the ridge to the Marches Way where we stopped for a coffee break on a rocky outcrop to enjoy a fine view over the Carding Mill Valley and the reservoir which provides water for the area. After our rest we followed the path which wound gently down towards the reservoir. There we stopped and watched two young men diving into the reservoir from quite a height. Just the thing to do on such a hot day!
We continued on the path down to Carding Mill car park where we stopped for a very welcome cup of tea in the National Trust café.
As we started on the last leg of our walk, the weather had changed and it was now rather overcast and rain didn't look far away. We took the path up Bodbury Hill and were again rewarded with glorious views over the Shropshire countryside. From here it was only a short distance to the bunkhouse where we arrived just as the first raindrops started to fall. We all agreed that this morning's walk was a perfect ending to a lovely weekend superbly organised by Pat and Ray. Sonja
We continued on the path down to Carding Mill car park where we stopped for a very welcome cup of tea in the National Trust café.
As we started on the last leg of our walk, the weather had changed and it was now rather overcast and rain didn't look far away. We took the path up Bodbury Hill and were again rewarded with glorious views over the Shropshire countryside. From here it was only a short distance to the bunkhouse where we arrived just as the first raindrops started to fall. We all agreed that this morning's walk was a perfect ending to a lovely weekend superbly organised by Pat and Ray. Sonja
Overlooking the Batch Valley in the sunshine and then at the reservoir
