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.

Go on, get away from the Christmas shopping with a walk in Shropshire. Leave the car behind as we're going by train (this is an experiment to show what's possible). This gives you a green tick.

The walk is a circuit from Church Stretton, taking in moors, secluded valleys, hills and hill forts, a bit of farmland, and only a little road. Unusually, it is all on paths shown on the map - which happens to be Landranger 137.

We are going with Arriva Trains Wales, on the Saturday 8:30 from Manchester Piccadilly to Milford Haven via Crewe & Shrewsbury, getting to Church Stretton at 09:59 we hope. Calls at Stockport (where I expect to join) 08:39, Wilmslow 08:47.

Return: this could depend on you and the conditions - there is a good chance of making the 15:37 (to Manchester at 17:15), else the next is 17:37 (arr. 19:15).

The route: Start at Church Stretton station (SO456936) at 10am. Cross the A49, head almost S through the woods and over Ragleth Hill. W into Little Stretton, then follow the narrow valley of Ashes Hollow, heading N at the end to emerge on the moorland at the "Boiling Well" (don't walk onto the bright green stuff). From here, head to the highest point of the Long Mynd, Pole Bank at 516m (415945). NW along the spine dropping down at Cross Dyke (SO443968), where the route gets tricky (and subject to change), but likely Plush Hill, Dudgeley farm and on to the B5477 N of All Stretton. Those who really have to catch an early train will find a shorter return to the station mostly parallel to the B road, but will miss the best bit of the walk. Cross rail and A49, then from Botvyle, gain the NE end of the ridge, which leads us to the top of Caer Caradoc (459m) with its hill fort, and excellent open views. With an eye on the sun, follow the enjoyable ridge SW via Three Fingers Rock, then steeply down to the col before Helmeth Hill. From here a mile on path and minor road return us to the station.

Total distance ~12mi, ascent ~850m. As a circuit, there are lots of return routes to give shorter walks if necessary. Hope to see you on the train!