{"id":25520,"date":"2023-04-01T07:36:07","date_gmt":"2023-04-01T05:36:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/?p=141823"},"modified":"2023-04-06T17:37:49","modified_gmt":"2023-04-06T15:37:49","slug":"the-lawley-shropshire-walk","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/rss_feed\/the-lawley-shropshire-walk\/","title":{"rendered":"The Lawley, Shropshire walk"},"content":{"rendered":"

This small mount in the Stretton Hills makes for wonderful introduction to walking in Shropshire <\/p>

By Simon Whaley\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Saturday, 01 April 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p>

\n\n

The Lawley is a sleek and slender hill, the first in the north-east-to-south-west fault line of eruptions that comprise Shropshire\u2019s Stretton Hills.<\/p>\n

Quieter than its more popular and taller neighbours of Caer Caradoc<\/a> and the Long Mynd<\/a>, this 377m peak punches well above its weight when it comes to views.<\/p>\n

Not only does The Lawley offer glorious glimpses of the Stretton Hills and the Long Mynd, but on a clear summer\u2019s evening, the vista stretches across the Shropshire Plain towards the Berwyn Mountains in Wales. Some say the hill is view-pendous, and well worthy of it\u2019s status as one of Shropshire\u2019s best walks<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Walking boots in need of replacement? See our review guides on walking boots<\/a>, shoes<\/a> and backpacks<\/a> for outdoor kit inspiration.<\/p>\n

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The Lawley (looking north towards The Wrekin) near Church Stretton\/Credit: Simon Whaley<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

The Lawley walk<\/h2>\n

3.9 miles \/ 6.3km | 2.5 hours | moderate | 258m ascent<\/em><\/p>\n

1. The Lawley car park<\/h4>\n

From the small car park, climb to a kissing gate. Ascend through trees, heeding warnings about keeping dogs on leads. Grazed by livestock not normally associated with Shropshire \u2014 look out for Highland cows<\/a> and Herdwick sheep.<\/p>\n

The Lawley teases with four false summits, each offering better views than the previous. Turn round at the first to spot The Wrekin<\/a> ten miles away. This volcano-shaped hill is the last peak between here and the Staffordshire Moorlands. Gaze north-westwards for the imposing Berwyn Mountains over the border in Wales.<\/p>\n

A broadband transmitter shares the second false summit, with its better westward views of the Long Mynd and Church Stretton<\/a>. The ridge path conquers two more false summits, before the final, steeper ascension to The Lawley\u2019s true summit, crowned by a telegraph pole once topped by a weather vane.<\/p>\n

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The Lawley near Church Stretton, Shropshire\/Credit: Simon Whaley<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

2.\u00a0The Lawley summit<\/h4>\n

On sultry summer evenings, para-gliders launch themselves off the hillside, hoping to share a thermal with a skylark<\/a>, buzzard, or red kite.<\/p>\n

The summit panorama includes most of Wenlock Edge, a 17-mile wooded escarpment running from Much Wenlock to Craven Arms, and Shropshire\u2019s highest point, the twin-peaked Brown Clee Hill dominating the horizon. Adjacent to that is Titterstone Clee Hill, with its golf-ball-shaped air traffic control radar domes.<\/p>\n

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Walkers descending The Lawley\/Credit: Simon Whaley<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Sweeping southwards, the rolling hulk of Hope Bowdler Hill fills the landscape, along with the iconic Caer Caradoc. It\u2019s lesser-known smaller brother, Little Caradoc, hides within its shadow, literally. To the west, lie Church Stretton and All Stretton, sunbathing at the Long Mynd\u2019s foot, and poking above the horizon are the jagged quartzite outcrops of the Stiperstones.<\/p>\n

Completing this scenic circle is Earl\u2019s Hill, near Pontesbury, and the Breiddon Hills near Welshpool.<\/p>\n

From here, the route drops steadily to a kissing gate.<\/p>\n

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Highland cow on The Lawley\/Credit: Simon Whaley<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

3. The Lawley bridleway<\/h4>\n

Turn right onto a wide bridleway, through another kissing gate, and continue along this track, which still offers fine views over the adjacent farmland and towards north and west Shropshire. After 2.5km, fork right, just before a cattle grid, up through the trees to a junction. Turn left to return to the car park.<\/p>\n

Shropshire walks<\/h4>\n

Climb volcanic hills, discover old ruins and visit pretty rural towns in one of England\u2019s most diverse counties with our pick of Shropshire\u2019s best walks<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/p><\/div>

\""Scenic\"<\/div><\/div> <\/div> <\/section>

The Lawley map<\/h2>\n

The Lawley \u2013 OS Maps walking route<\/a><\/p>\n

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Useful information<\/h3>\n

Starting point<\/h4>\n

Small car park (Grid Ref: SO505991) on the narrow lane between Longnor and Chatwall.<\/p>\n

Terrain<\/h4>\n

Mainly grass path and wide farm track. Occasionally muddy after heavy rain.<\/p>\n

Map<\/h4>\n

OS Explorer 217<\/p>\n

Eat and drink<\/h4>\n

The Pound Inn<\/a>, Leebotwood, Church Stretton, Shropshire, SY6 6ND. Tel: 01694 751477.<\/p>\n

Stay<\/h4>\n

Rectory Farm Bed and Breakfast<\/a>, Woolstaston, Church Stretton, Shropshire, SY6 6NN. From \u00a355 per night (single) and \u00a385 (double). \u00a0Tel: 01694 751306<\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n

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