Go Green in Shropshire

Members present: Dave Bone & Bob Kelly.

 

As I suspected, only 2 KMC on the train and none hiding under the stairs at Church Stretton station either. The weather forecast the night before had a narrow window of opportunity in the incessant rain - the day would be dry until about 15:00. This proved spot on with glimpses of sun through the morning?

The train was on time, really an excellent way of covering the distance, and we hopped out and set off right away, with some helpful directions to get out of Church Stretton. The first lump of Ragleth Hill (a fine grassy hill with a "lightning conductor" pole) was shortly dispatched and we strode into Little Stretton past some fine architecture. Apparently we could buy 'Merriements' at the village shop for £6. On into the winding defile of Ashes Hollow, leaping back and forth over the stream and balancing along narrow ledges - this proved a fine secret way into the heart of the Long Mynd, arriving quite suddenly on the plateau. The summit was only some 10mins away with its view indicator. Visibility wasn't good enough for Cadair Idris or Hay Bluff either, but the view was good enough - the Devil being absent on the Stipperstones.

North along the moor on wide tracks and short cropped turf, to descend in the direction of the northern end of Caer Caradoc where once back on the 'lowlands' we finally had lunch at 13:15. Doing well we crossed the valley and tackled the fierce but short climb to the top of the hill fort - stones rolling off here would make mincemeat of the Romans. On the descent, again steep, the rain arrived but fortunately steady but light. And so back to the station where we were ahead of time ensuring a long wait for the 15:37 train. Adults were barred from the waiting room, which seemed to be a youth (very youthful) party venue. It was a fine short day's walk made all the better by the slot in a very dirty period of weather - thanks to Bob for ensuring it wasn't a solo one.

Dave Bone