Bishop's Castle Walking Festival
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Walk Programme

THURSDAY 13TH MAY 2021

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 Walk Title:
“Scenic Shropshire”
Grade:
Moderate
​Distance:
7 miles
Ascent:
500 feet
Meeting Point/Time:
10.00 am.  Outside the Bishop’s Castle Church opposite the Six Bells Pub.
Walk Leader:
Jenny Ellis
Description of Walk:  Walk up to Montgomery Road through Wintles plantation, through several fields (lovely views) short walk up road then along green lane. Onto road up to Bishop's Moat then more fields down to Woodbatch Road. Across fields and up through Cwmmawr Dingle then right and down Fields Lane to Church Barn.

​Cost £3.50
BOOK - SCENIC SHROPSHIRE THURS 13TH MAY

THURSDAY 13TH MAY 2021

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Walk Title:
“50th Anniversary Midpoint on Offa”
Grade:
Energetic
Distance:
7 miles
Ascent:
1300 feet
Meeting Point/Time:
9.30 am, Bishop’s Castle St John’s Church ​
Walk Leader:
Rob Dingle.
Description of Walk:  This walk is lead by Rob Dingle, Offa’s Dyke National Trail Officer.  We meet at the Bishop's Castle Church at 9.30am and start the walk in Newcastle on Clun.  A circular walk on the western edge of the Shropshire Hills AONB, linking the Shropshire Way with Offa’s Dyke Path at Hergan, with its gap in the Dyke.     The walk then returns along the Offa’s Dyke Path to the midpoint of the Trail, with fabulous views over Newcastle on Clun and the Clun Valley.     Please bring lunch and drink.

Cost: £3.50
BOOK - 50th anniversary MIDPOINT ON OFFA THURS 13TH MAY

THURSDAY 13TH MAY 2021

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Walk Title:
“The Upper Clun Valley, where you are more likely to see Red Kites than other people”
Grade:  ​
Energetic
Distance:
8 miles
Ascent:
1600 feet
Meeting Point/Time:
10.00 am – Clun Memorial Hall (Sat Nav SY7 8NY)
Walk Leader:
 Linda Martin
Description of Walk:   A gentle start meandering through the quaint town of Clun, skirting the medieval castle joining the Shropshire Way, crossing the River Unk, taking the footpath through an ancient wood with only sheep enjoying the shade. A short stretch on a metalled road until we reach a green lane leading us to open fields crossing to Little Hall Farm. We then cross the Newcastle to Clun road and have a steep climb up a wide track reaching a spectacular vantage point of the hamlet, Whitcott Keysett and the village of Newcastle on Clun where we will have our coffee stop.  We will carry on towards Burfield Farm taking in Llaanfair Hill and Offa’s Dyke to Garbett Hall then returning via Rockhill, with spectacular views of Clun and its prominent Castle, then back to Clun and a teashop for a welcome pot of tea and cake.

Cost: £3.50
BOOK - The Upper Clun Valley, where you are more likely to see red kites than other people thURS 13TH MAY

THURSDAY 13TH MAY 2021

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Walk Title:
“Gaerstone to Battlestone to Three Fingers Rock”.
​
Grade:
Energetic
Distance:
8 miles
Ascent:
1600 feet
Meeting Point/Time:
10.00 am in layby, Church Stretton. SY6 7ES.
From Bishop's Castle, you approach Church Stretton from the south on the A49. Turn right at the traffic lights onto Sandford Ave, direction Much Wenlock, B4371. After 0.8 miles the layby is on your left, as the road flattens. GR 469932. OS explorer 217.
Walk Leader:
Maggie Beckley
Description of Walk:  This walk is over the ridged hills of Hope Bowdler and Caer Caradoc, east of The Long Mynd. We will walk the ridges with beautiful views in all directions. Scaling the ramparts of an Iron Age fort and visiting the cave where King Caractacus supposedly hid from the Romans! Lower down we will pass through fields of lambs, see a badger sett and finish the walk in the bluebell woods of Helmeth Hill.  Wear sturdy boots and bring waterproofs. If the weather is very rough there are alternative paths that can be taken. We will make two stops for coffee and lunch so bring those provisions along with you. We will finish in time for people to get back to the Church Barn in Bishops Castle for tea and cake !

Cost £3.50
BOOK - Gaerstone to Battlestone to Three Fingers Rock THURS 13TH MAY

THURSDAY 13TH MAY 2021

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Walk Title:
“Offa’s Dyke to the Dog and Duck”
​Grade:
Energetic
​Distance:
12 miles
​Ascent:
1500 feet
Meeting Point/Time:
9.30 am outside Bishop’s Castle Church opposite the Six Bells Pub.
​Walk Leader:
​Steve Timm
​Description of Walk:  This circular walk leaves Bishop’s Castle via the Dingle to Mainstone and up to Offa’s Dyke where we have lovely 360 degrees panoramic views, across to the Dog and Duck (sadly no longer a pub) and, then downhill paths back to Bishop’s Castle in time for tea and cake at Church Barn.​

Cost £3.50
BOOK - OFFA'S DYKE TO THE DOG THURS 13TH MAY

THURSDAY 13TH MAY 2021

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Walk Title:
"Up, over and around the Long Mynd"
​Grade:
Strenuous
​Distance:
12 miles
​Ascent:
1850 feet
​Meeting Point/Time:
10.00 am Wentnor Village Church, SY9 5EE. Grid Reference SO383927
​Walk Leader:
​Janet Hill
Description of Walk:  Starting from the hilltop of Wentnor we cross Prolley Moor before ascending (for the first time) up onto The Long Mynd. We head south past the gliding club before descending through the forest onto Churchmoor Hill. There is a short steep descent into the valley. We then walk around to the south of the Long Mynd before ascending (for the second time) for the fine walk northwards with excellent views. We descend into Asterton and cross Criffin Brook before the final ascent to Wentnor.

Cost: £3.50​
BOOK - Up, OVER AND AROUND THE LONG MYND THURS 13TH MAY

FRIDAY 14TH MAY 2021

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Walk Title:
"Town Tour"
​Grade:
Easy
​Distance:
Half mile
​Ascent:
n/a
​Meeting Point/Time:
2.30pm outside The Castle Hotel at the top end of Bishop’s Castle
​Walk Leader:
​Official Town Tour Guides
​Description of Walk:  Join us for a fascinating tour of this ancient market town, which includes a private tour of The Town Hall (subject to Cover-19  restrictions).  We start out from the top end of town, an area which has many historical buildings and is close to the site where the castle once stood, so this is a good place to hear about the origins of this ‘plantation’ town.  A short walk down a steep, cobbled path leads us to the House on Crutches museum which has been beautifully restored, a mediaeval timbered building. Then on down the hill, stopping at points of interest along the way, our guide relating interesting and often amusing facts about the history, buildings and some of the characters and events that shaped it.  The tour ends with a walk around the churchyard, which has some unique gravestones and Georgian monuments.  

Cost £6.00
BOOK - TOWN TOUR FRI 14TH MAY

FRIDAY 14TH MAY 2021

PictureStokesay Court
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Stokesay Castle
Walk Title:
“Walk into History and Fame”
Grade:
Moderate
Distance:
6 miles
​Ascent:
500 feet
​Meeting Point/Time:
9.45 am, Auction Yard car park Bishop’s Castle, Station Street, SY9 5AQ
​(SO 324887) 
​
​Walk Leader:
​Ian Kidd
Description of Walk:  (Note: There may be changes due to Covid-19 restrictions). We assemble at Stokesay Court (famed for the film ‘Atonement’) at 10.30am, where we will enjoy tea and cake  whilst listening to an introductory talk about the Court.  11am don boots and walk through private byways and footpaths to Stokesay Castle approaching from a good view point.  12.30pm free time at Stokesay Castle to explore and have lunch.  You can pre-order a picnic lunch from the Castle (tel 01588 672544) and this will be ready for you at 12.30pm.  Alternatively, bring your own packed lunch or visit the on-site café.   Please note that pre-booked lunches are payable directly to the Castle and are not included in the BCWF ticket price.  If there is sufficient time, the church is also worth a visit.  2pm a valley walk back to Stokesay Court arriving around 3.30pm and then home to Bishop’s Castle for refreshments at Church Barn.  

These visits are a taster for both venues and walkers may want to make their own arrangements to visit again.
 
Note: Visits to the Castle have been agreed at a discounted 2-for-1 and the normal adult cost is £8.60.   This is to be paid directly to the Castle and is not included in the BCWF ticket price.  English Heritage members have free admission.

Cost, including the talk and refreshments at Stokesay Court is £11.​
BOOK - WALK INTO HISTORY AND FAME FRI 14TH MAY

FRIDAY 14TH MAY 2021

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Walk Title:
“Dingle, Dyke and Dairy Dreams”
​
Grade:
Energetic
​Distance:
9 miles
​Ascent:
1700 feet
Meeting Point/Time:
9.30 am, outside Bishop’s Castle Church opposite Six bells Pub
Walk Leader:
 Glynn Roberts ​
​​Description of Walk:  ​This is a full day linear walk from Bishop’s Castle to the Kerry Vale on the English/ Welsh border.  The return to BC will be by Dial a Ride minibus   We will leave BC to the south on the Shropshire Way before diverting off to visit Cwmmawr Dingle, a lovely hidden valley.  We then climb out of the Woodbatch valley, descend into the Unk valley, followed by a steep pull up to Offa’s Dyke. We follow the Dyke on one of its best sections, to the Kerry Ridgeway, before the steady descent into the Vale of Kerry.  Here we visit a dairy farm which produces Real Ice Cream. We will have a talk and tour of the farm and there will be the opportunity to purchase ice cream.   If we have time there is a possibility of a visit to the nearby prize-winning Kerry Vale Vineyard before the return to BC by minibus.

Cost £6.50​​
BOOK - Dingle, Dyke and Dairy Dreams FRI 14TH MAY

FRIDAY 14TH MAY 2021

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Walk Title:
“In Valleys of Springs and Rivers”  
​Grade:
Energetic
​Distance:
9.5 miles
​Ascent:
1200 feet
​Meeting Point/Time:
9.30 am, Auction Yard car park Bishop’s Castle, Station Street, SY9 5AQ,
(SO 324887)
​Walk Leader:
​Paul Baddeley
​Description of Walk:  We start the walk from the attractive old town of Clun, six miles south of Bishop’s Castle.  Our route takes us through the imposing ruins of Clun Castle, beneath which the little River Unk meets the River Clun.  We take the Shropshire Way between these two rivers before climbing onto the grassy slopes of the Cefns where there are great views of the valley below.   Continuing into the Unk valley we pass ancient farms and mills, walking through beautiful country that has an air of timelessness. There are deserted barns and tiny hamlets as we climb out  of the valley, then on to Guilden (golden) Down and back to Clun.

Cost: £3.50
BOOK - IN VALLEYS OF SPRINGS AND RIVERS FRI 14TH MAY

FRIDAY 14TH MAY 2021

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Walk Title:
"Up High on the Port Way: Adstone and the Long Mynd from Bridges"​​
Grade:
Energetic
Distance:
10 miles
Ascent:
1350 feet
Meeting
​Point/Time:

10 am at the Horseshoe Inn, Bridges, Car Park. SY5 0ST / SO 393 964
Walk Leader:
Dan Gordon-Lee
Description of Walk:  Starting from the Bridges Pub in the beautiful Onny Valley we will head south over Adstone Hill before heading for the foot of the Long Mynd at Stanbatch.  A steep ascent follows to Pole Bank, the highest point on the Mynd, with 360 degree views on a good day.  Walking north along the whale-back of the Mynd, we’ll have an opportunity to chat about the ecology and management of this important wildlife site with Dan, who has spent his life working in Nature Conservation.  Our route then heads north-west before dropping steeply down into the valley of the Darnford Brook, where beautiful wooded slopes above the brook bring us back to the Bridges, and a well-earned pint for those who enjoy such things!
 
Packed lunch, good clothing and footwear, and a good level of fitness essential.

Cost: £3.50​
 BOOK -  UP HIGH ON THE PORT WAY: ADSTONE AND LONG MYND FRI 14TH MAY

FRIDAY 14TH MAY 2021

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​Walk Leader:
“Three Iron Age Forts and a Burial Ground”
​Grade:
Strenuous
​Distance:
15 miles
Ascent:
2400 feet
​Meeting Point/Time:
09.05 am Bus Stop at Boar’s Head Pub (GR 434826) Bishop’s Castle to get the 745 Minsterley Bus Service to Craven Arms (Fare is £3.15 - bring Bus Pass or cash)
​Walk Leader:
​Ted Laidlar
Description of Walk:   This walk is an interesting mix of undulating farmland, deep wooded valleys and quiet back-roads with breath-taking views (given some fine weather!) There are some challenging ascents and some rewarding descents. The Iron Age tribes certainly chose where to build their settlements well, being easily fortified with excellent vantage. Brief historical information will be given at each site.     We meander from Craven Arms through the estate of Sibdon Carwood and climb to Hopesay Common where we may glimpse the resident wild ponies. Turning north we ascend steeply to the settlement atop Wart Hill. Dropping down to Round Oak we turn south to Hopesay village and climb to Burrow Fort where we might see deer grazing in the folds of the extensive workings. We descend to Kempton and join the Shropshire Way to climb up to Bury Ditches Fort, another fine location with a useful toposcope.  Descending through mature woodland past Redwood to the village of Acton we find an ancient tumulus.   Our way heads north touching Blakeridge Wood and passing west of Colebatch to return to Bishop’s Castle in time for tea and cake at Church Barn.

Cost £3.50
BOOK - THREE IRON AGE FORTS AND A BURIAL GROUND FRI 14TH MAY

SATURDAY 15TH MAY 2021

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Walk Title:
“Clun Forest without Trees”
​Grade:
Easy
​Distance:
5 miles
​Ascent:
300 feet
​Meeting Point/Time:
9.30am Auction Yard car park Bishop’s Castle and car-share
Walk Leader:
​Judith Evans
​Description of Walk:  Undulating walk in remote countryside across some rough ground as well as a stream or two to get across; along an ancient drovers’ route. No steep hills but good views. Visit the Cantlin Stone which commemorates the death of a pedlar in 1691. This is a morning walk which requires a half hour drive from Bishop’s Castle. We plan to be back in Bishop’s Castle by 1.30pm. Bring a drink and snack.  After lunch why not join the Bishop's Castle Town Tour! 

Cost: £3.50
BOOK - clun forest without trees SAT 15TH MAY

SATURDAY 15TH MAY 2021

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Walk Title:
"Mucklewick Hill"
​
Grade:
Moderate
Distance:
6 miles
​Ascent:
902 feet
​Meeting Point/Time:
10.00 am The Bog Car Park 
GR:  SO 357979
Walk Leader:
​Janet Hill
​Description of Walk:  Starting at the old mining village, The Bog, the walk goes across several field before climbing to the summit of Mucklewick Hill (374m) where there are good views westwards into Wales. After descending to a farm track the walk passes through pleasant woodland and fields and up to Nipstone before heading along the southern end of Stiperstones back to The Bog. There is a Visitors Centre and Café selling homemade cakes in the old school building at The Bog.

Cost: £3.50
BOOK - MUCKLEWICK HILL SAT 15TH MAY

​SATURDAY 15TH MAY 2021

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Walk Title:
“The Ups & Downs of the Shropshire Hills – including Llamas & Zwartbles Sheep”   ​
​Grade:
Energetic
​Distance:
9 miles
​Ascent:
1400 feet
Meeting Point/Time:
10.00 am at The Horseshoe Inn, Bridges, Car Park.  SY5 0ST  (SO 393 964)
Walk Leader:
​Trevor Sheard
Description of Walk:  This circular walk passes through the beautiful Shropshire hills between the renowned Long Mynd and the Stiperstones ridge.   From the Bridges car park, the route takes us through the charming Darnford valley and then climbs gently towards the Stiperstones ridge. This takes us through the pasture land and meadows of numerous small livestock farms, including some with rare breeds of sheep and even llamas.  There are quite a lot of stiles.  At the foot of the Stiperstones ridge, the walk turns westwards with panoramic views across the valley to the Long Mynd and down the valley of the East Onny river.   We begin to drop down across open access grassland and deciduous woodland to eventually reach the river itself.  A small climb from the valley bottom takes us onto an old drovers’ route offering more spectacular views.

Cost: £3.50
BOOK -THE UPS & DOWNS OF THE SHROPSHIRE HILLS – INCLUDING LLAMAS & ZWARTBLES SHEEP SAT 15TH MAY

SATURDAY 15TH MAY 2021

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Walk Title:
 "Views and Valleys"
​Grade:
Moderate
Distance:
9 miles
​Ascent:
950 feet
​Meeting Point/Time:
09.30am at Bishop’s Castle Town Hall. ​
Walk Leader:
​Alison Gouldstone
Description of Walk:  A circular walk from Bishop’s Castle up over the Kerry Ridgeway and into Wales over fields, along green lanes, small roads and drovers’ paths, and through woodland.  Although the walk is rated moderate, the climbs and descents are fairly gradual and this is not a difficult walk. We’ll go up over the Kerry Ridgeway and continue west along a green lane into Wales, with wonderful views of the Shropshire Hills to our right and out across mid Wales ahead of us. We return through fields, along a wooded path by a stream, onto a green track to take us back over the Kerry Ridgeway, and return to the south side of Bishop’s Castle along a valley bottom and through Cwm Mawr Dingle where, with luck, the bluebells will be out. We’ll have a lunch-stop half way round and there’ll be plenty of opportunities to stop and look at the views.
​Cost: £3.50
BOOK - VIEWS AND VALLEYS SAT 15TH MAY

SATURDAY 15TH MAY 2021

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Walk Title:
"Chirbury with a toddle around Lan Fawr to Corndon"
Grade:
Strenuous
Distance:
15 miles
​Ascent:
3000 feet
​Meeting Point/Time:
10.00 am at Chirbury Village Hall Car Park Grid ref SO 263984
​Walk Leader:
Iain Smith
​​Description of Walk:  Charge for parking is a discretionary contribution at Chirbury.  This walk from Chirbury goes through Marrington Dingle along the River Camlad and then takes us up across the English/Welsh border toward Churchstoke.   Then we turn back and take in the 4 peaks of Todleth, Roundton, Lan Fawr and on up to the summit of Corndon. It’s all down hill after our lunch stop, going along to Mitchell’s Fold Stone Circle, then back via Middleton and Heightley to Chirbury.     Be prepared for potentially cool winds at the top!   Please bring a packed lunch, snacks and plenty to drink.

Cost: £3.50
BOOK - CHIRBURY WITH A TODDLE aROUND LAN FAWR TO CORNDON SAT 15TH MAY

SUNDAY 16TH MAY 2021

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Walk Title:
Downton Gorge
Grade:
Moderate
Distance:
3.5 miles
Ascent:
350 feet
Meeting
​Point/Time:

09.15 am at Auction Yard Car Park, Bishop’s Castle, and then to Forge Bridge, Downton ​
​Walk Leader:
Simon Cooter, Manager of Stiperstones National Nature Reserve
Description of Walk:    Richard Payne Knight was part of the Picturesque Movement in the 18th century and developed the walks and the follies to entertain the guests to his private estate.  As the estate is still privately owned, this is a rare opportunity to visit this nature reserve and SSSI.  Although this is not a long walk, there are some steep climbs and descents on narrow paths.  Agility and a head for heights are needed and walking poles are recommended.  The start of the walk has very restricted parking so car-sharing from Bishop’s Castle is recommended.  The walk starts at the Forge Bridge (grid ref: SO 454 750, Sheet 203 Ludlow).  This is south of the A4113 Bromfield to Leintwardine road.  The walk runs to 1 pm so lunch not necessarily required although you might want it afterwards or could go to the Ludlow food centre cafe. There will be a stop for drinks and snack.  Please bring drinks and packed lunch.
​
Cost: £8.00​
BOOK - DOWNTON GORGE SUN 16TH MAY

SUNDAY 16TH MAY 2021

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Walk Title:
"A Family Environmental Walk, Activity and Talk"
​
​Grade:
Easy
5.5 miles
Ascent:
500 feet
​Meeting Point/Time:
10.00am in the yard at the Six Bells PH opposite the Church                                  ​
​Walk Leader:
​Glynn Roberts
Description of Walk:          This walk is for children aged 7-12 accompanied by one or two adults. Adults will be free of charge. To book contact Glynn direct on 07980 266345. We will visit a beautiful woodland on the way to the Woodbatch Valley where we will carry out a couple of environmental activities. We will then head up the Woodbatch Valley taking a little used permissive path on Middle Woodbatch Farm. Here we will meet the farmer Steve Austin and his wife, Mary, who will talk to us about their approach to farming and how they take care of the environment.   We will have our packed lunch here. There are toilets and hand washing facilities. We will return to Bishop's Castle along the Shropshire Way.  Please bring drinks and snacks for the day.

Cost: £1.00 per Child
BOOK - RING GLYNN DIRECT - 07980 266345

SUNDAY 16TH MAY 2021

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Walk Title
"Walk into History and Fame"
Grade:
Moderate
Distance:
6 miles
​Ascent:
500 feet
Meeting
​Point/Time:

9.45 am, Auction Yard car park Bishop’s Castle, Station Street, SY9 5AQ
​(SO 324887) 
​​
Walk Leader:
​Ian Kidd
Description of Walk:  (Note: There may be changes due to Covid-19 restrictions). We assemble at Stokesay Court (famed for the film ‘Atonement’) at 10.30am, where we will enjoy tea and cake, whilst listening to an introductory talk about the Court.  11am don boots and walk through private byways and footpaths to Stokesay Castle approaching from a good view point.  12.30pm free time at Stokesay Castle to explore and have lunch.  You can pre-order a picnic lunch from the Castle (tel 01588 672544) and this will be ready for you at 12.30pm.  Alternatively, bring your own packed lunch or visit the on-site café.   Please note that pre-booked lunches are payable directly to the Castle and are not included in the BCWF ticket price.  If there is sufficient time, the church is also worth a visit.  2pm a valley walk back to Stokesay Court arriving around 3.30pm and then home to Bishop’s Castle for refreshments at Church Barn.  

These visits are a taster for both venues and walkers may want to make their own arrangements to visit again.
 
Note: Visits to the Castle have been agreed at a discounted 2-for-1 and the normal adult cost is £8.60.   This is to be paid directly to the Castle and is not included in the BCWF ticket price.  English Heritage members have free admission.

Cost, including the talk and refreshments at Stokesay Court is £11.​​​
BOOK - WALK INTO HISTORY AND FAME SUN 16TH MAY

SUNDAY 16TH MAY 2021​​

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Walk Title:
"On the Trail of the Devil's Tears" 
​Grade:
Energetic
​Distance:
10 miles
​Ascent:
1380 feet
​Meeting Point/Time:
10.00 am - The Bog Car Park 
GR:  SO 357979
​Walk Leader:
​Jerry Hughes

​​Description of Walk:   A 10 mile figure of eight walk of The Stiperstones starting at The Bog taking in the Nipstone Wander before following The Stiperstone ridge north passing the rocky quartzite outcrops of Cranberry Rocks, Manestone and the Devil's Chair. Continuing north to the restored cottages at Blakemoreflat before descending to the site of Snailbeach Lead Mine . Following lunch we will walk up past Lords Hill Chapel and the remains of what is now the largest group of vintage holly trees in Europe before descending along the eastern slopes of the ridge.  The final phase of the walk will be crossing back over the Stiperstones ridge and walking back to The Bog along the western slopes.
​
Cost: £3.50
BOOK - ON THE TRAIL OF THE DEVIL'S TEARS SUN 16TH MAY

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