Somewhere different again today which evoked so many memories- yet another place which has links to my world of education and school. This time I am in Shropshire and my starting point is very close to Church Stretton. Much Wenlock just up the road from here was a venue used for many years for residential, initially Year 5 and 6 then Year 4 and 5, staying in a basic converted barn but in splendid isolation in extensive fields and nearby woodland. Ideal for playing, walking, finding wood for fires and general adventures!
We always travelled to Church Stretton to start a walk on to the edge of the Long Mynd. A great afternoon walk which involved hills, wilderness, steep slopes, ravines and streams as well as woods thrown in at the end for good measure.
Today however we are on the opposite side of the A49 and our main aims are Caer Caradoc and The Lawley which run almost parallel to this road. We stay by parking at Hope Bowder which is on the road to Much Wenlock.
There are six of us today- Steve leading, Darren and Helen, Anna, Betty and myself. I’m quite excited to be walking on a ‘real hill’! We set off straight up hill, argh! Several people have got walking poles and I use both of mine, still not sure but I’m possibly a slightly faster last! I really do prefer to warm up a bit before heading up a hill. Taking photos gives me a breathing space!
Our first ascent is Hope Bowdler Hill, we actually skirt round the summit and our path leads us down hill to a small valley between this and our next ascent. We can see the path clearly and we decide the trees in the valley might be an opportune place for a ‘comfort break’. Steve explains that we go across the green field and whilst there is a path which goes round the base of the hill and then across diagonally – we are not taking that one but will go up a less well defined route more straight up to the lower outcrop of rocks.
So off we set. Good timing with the loo stops as a walker with a dog and two quad bikes pass just as we set of across the field before the hill. As we go over the stile before the hill it becomes apparent that Betty wishes she had brought her poles so I relinquish one of mine and we set off. This does feel good! Below the large crag three of them decide to find a way through the rocks and Steve tasks me with making sure Anna and Betty get up to the top path. A short break, some coffee and a snack before we push up the last bit towards the summit. Steve has already said we won’t eat lunch until we get to the top of the next summit which is a long time yet!
A stop to admire the views and a look back to our route so far.
The last short section was not so steep and headed up towards some rocks which form a natural peak. Another short stop as the other’s hadn’t taken a break. Just beyond these rocks is a hill fort which has been partly built and partly formed from natural rocky outcrops.
At the top it is possible to look over to the Long Mynd lying behind Church Stretton. In a different direction we can see down over the peak and the concave spur which we will soon descend and then The Lawley which we will climb next.
Whilst I found the descent reasonably straightforward Anna and Betty found it much more difficult. The track came out across a field to a road, just below the hamlet of Comley. We follow a track which starts ascending our next hill. This is a hill of several false tops and we all end up walking at a different pace. Steve is bring up the rear with Betty who is finding the route quite hard. Eventually we are all at the top where a pole is situated which apparently once had a weather vane. Looking back it’s good to see the hill we have just descended. There’s quite a steep sloping view down from our eventual lunch stop.
We start the long descent down this ridge, which I am so enjoying – it feels great to be on a hill- I love ridges. I notice that Anna is finding this a little easier which is great.
Steve and I are at the front and we are looking for a suitable place to drop off of the left hand side of the hill. We are quite close to the end of the spur but do cut back diagonally – we are heading for the track at the base of this hill.
Quite an invigorating walk down but to a rather muddy path. This proves quite tricky and we all try and seek optimum routes. Time is getting on and the decision is made to head for the main road rather than walk along the bottom of Caer Caradoc.
As we approach the last fields before the main road we can look back to see the double peak of Caer Caradoc and the distinct shape of the Lawley.
Not a sunny day, quite cool but consistent and no rain. A great days walking – not a huge distance but the amount of ascent and descent makes up for this. Quite a long journey home on a Friday night but definitely worth it.
Not sure why the OS App thinks I’ve cycled !
Marion's 50 Walk Challenge 