PROGRAMME: May – August 2021

PLEASE NOTE – All walks must comply with the government’s coronavirus regulations. This means that at the time of publication:-

• Walks must be booked in advance to limit numbers and keep a record of walkers. When a walk is full this will be posted on the website and on Ramblers central database

• Make your own way to the start of a walk and minimise car sharing. • Maintain social distancing according to government guidelines. • You may wish to wear gloves to avoid touching gates, stiles etc. or use hand sanitiser. Face covering may be required for some facilities. • Do not share any walking equipment. You may want to bring your own first aid kit. • If you have any symptoms of coronavirus you must not walk in a group.

Any changes to guidelines or walks will be posted on the website and emailed.

Offers of walks for the Sept – Dec 2021 programme should be sent to the appropriate co-ordinator by Friday 23rd July 2021

We hope that these gaps in the programme will be filled as more people become confident in leading walks again. Any new walks will be put onto the website, emailed out, sent to the WhatsApp group and put on the Facebook page.

Sun 2 May Jane Bright (07903525298) 7 miles Moderate The Gutters walk. After crossing the A49, we pass Stokesay , enter Stoke Wood and up to Clapping Wickets. From here we walk along the edge of View Wood and join a track down by View Edge Farm heading towards Gorst Barn and on to Brandhill Gutter and swing Northwards to Aldon Gutter passing through the hamlet of Aldon. We then descend to Stoke Wood, cross over the railway line back to the Secret Hills Discovery Centre. Max number on walk is 10. Start 10:15 Secret Hills Discovery Centre (SO 435825)

Tue 4 May Neville Hubbard (07774675348/ 01743352658) 8.7 miles Moderate Whittington Canal Walk. A level walk using quiet lanes, the Union Canal towpath and pastures in a circuit from a delightful village in an area used by few. 254ft ascent. Start 10:15 Whittington Castle ( SJ324312 )

Wed 5 May Shirley Konieczny and Sue Roberts (07929 800390) 4.5 miles Easy The first evening walk of the season. A prompt start partly following walk No 1 from the 20 walks which is also named "the John Newnham Walk". Book with leader, text only please Start 19:00 Frankwell Car Park (SJ490129)

Thu 6 May Christine Holding (07774 675348/ 01743 352658) 5 miles Easy Wrekin lower levels. Round the bottom of the Wrekin. A chance to see bluebells in flower. Start 10:00 Forest Glen Car Park (SJ 638093)

Sun 9 May John Garrett (01743 356215/ 07421 745722) 8 miles Moderate area. Past the Priory and along field paths to Barrow Church via Asterton Farm to view the faint remains of a medieval village. Good views of The Wrekin and Brown Clee. The return is via Shirlett, Atterley Riding Stables and a couple of cider orchards. May be muddy in wet weather. Max number on walk is 12. Start 10:15 St Mary's Lane CP, Much Wenlock, TF13 6HD (SO 624998)

Tue 11 May Di & Gerald Higgs (07811974568/01743271138) 7.5 miles Moderate Stiperstones and Linley area. From the Bog car park to Frogs Gutter, up onto Linley Hill then back down Linley Beeches returning via Lower Beech, skirting Black Rhadley and The Rock.1100ft ascent. Start 10:15 The Bog Car Park ( SO357978 )

Wed 12 May Al Davies (07706 117518) 4 miles Easy/Moderate Riverside walk, part of Severn Way, tarmac lanes, meadows, two stepped inclines, no stiles. Book with leader, text only please. Start 19:00 Frankwell Quay (SJ490129)

Thu 13 May Di Higgs (07811974568) 4.5 miles Moderate All Stretton and Cardingmill. A walk with three short punchy climbs starting in Batch Valley and going via Cwmdale and Madeira Walk to Cardingmill Valley returning by the golf club. One of the best views in Shropshire. Refreshments and toilets available in Cardingmill Valley Start 10:00 NT Car Park in Batch Valley. Members free (SO455955)

Cancelled Sat 15 May Michael Carding (07814 567363) 3.5 miles Easy A walk to commemorate the 5th birthday of the Food Hub. Walk 5 from the 20 Walks book. A woodland walk with breath-taking views from the southern edge of the hill. Compare the genuine ruin of with Sundorne Castle’s and chapel. Start 10:00 Forest Car Park (SJ546148)

Sun 16thMay Chris Raine (01743 249440 / 07974543561) 9.2 miles moderate Walk from Pontesbury through Poles Coppice and Eastridge Wood into the Stipperstones Nature Reserve passing around Castle Ring. Returning through Brook Vessons and Lower Vessons to Habberley village and finally around the base of Earls Hill to return to the parking area. Varied walk with good views. START at 9.45am from the school bus parking area opposite the entrance to the Mary Webb school and Science college, Bogey Lane, Pontesbury, SY5 0TG. ( Bogey Lane is a left turn off the A488 road from Shrewsbury as you come into Pontesbury, having just passed the Nags Head Pub on the right).

Tue 18 May Sue Fisher & Frances Ayres (07708486891) 9 miles Easy Shrewsbury area. Out of town yet close to home – an easy walk towards and along river and brook. Start 10:15 End of Sutton Road, Shrewsbury (SJ503104)

Wed 19 May

Thu 20 May Charles Teece (01743 709318) 4.5 miles Easy Haughmond Abbey and Hill. Skirting Haughmond Abbey & Hill on less known paths. Good Views in all directions. One short climb, no stiles. Start 10:00 Slip road 400m past Haughmond Abbey Entrance on B5062 (Newport Road) coming from Shrewsbury, opposite the turn for Upton Magna.

Sun 23 May Amanda Hartley-Newton (01743709507/07730 875274) New Members Walk on Sunday 23rd May for a taste of being a Shrewsbury Rambler If you are a new member of the Ramblers, we have planned a lovely 6- mile moderate circular walk between Wenlock Edge and the Severn Gorge, starting in the pretty market town of Much Wenlock to Wyke returning on The Shropshire Way. There will be a further 2-mile option to walk from Wyke to Benthall Hall returning through Benthall Edge Wood. Pastoral views throughout, with a medieval Priory, medieval village remains and a Manor House used in the Civil War. The walk starts at 10.00 a.m. from St Mary’s Lane car park (GR SO 623998), which offers free parking on Sundays. There are toilets at the start and there will be an opportunity to have a cup of tea and some cake or other refreshments in Much Wenlock at the end of the walk. The walk will be led by Susan Turner and Amanda Hartley-Newton, both experienced walk leaders. Please bring waterproofs and boots, plus a hot or cold drink and some lunch. Places must be booked with Susan beforehand due to restrictions on numbers. There will be a limit of 20 walkers, with a reserve list in case of cancellations. Please text or ring Susan on 07984 117704 or 01743 243754.

Fully Booked -Tue 25 May Reg Wilford (07541022331/01743350337) 7 miles Moderate Longmynd area. A circular walk taking us to Little Stretton, Small Batch, Round Hill and Pole Bank before following the ridge back to The Cunnery. Start 10:15 The Cunnery Car Park by Longmynd Hotel (SO449938)

Wed 26 May Shirley Konieczny and Sue Roberts (07929 800390) 4 miles Mod Rhododendrons on Nesscliffe Hill. Countryside Heritage Site passing Oliver's point and Kynaston Cave. Perhaps a good idea to bring your walking poles. Book with leader, text only please. Start 19:00 Pine Car Park, Nesscliffe Hill Country Park (SJ388197)

Thu 27 May Charles Gee and John Phipps (07971 636080) 4.5 Easy Acton Burnell area. Panoramic views of the western hills along with the opportunity to explore Langley Chapel and the castle at Acton Burnell. Start 10:00 Acton Burnell Castle Car Park (SJ533020)

Sun 30 May Sue Turner (07984 117704/ 01743 243754) 11.3 miles Moderate+ circular. Lovely walk from Clun to Clunton via Steppleknoll, Shropshire Way, Merry Hill, Gunridge, Lady Bank and Woodside. 2270 ft of ascent, with some steep ascents. Maximum number on the walk is 30. Start 10:15 Clun Memorial Hall (SO 302811)

Tue 1 Jun Al Davies (07706117518/01743353782) 9.5 miles Moderate Bromfield and area. Country lanes through Oakley Park via the hamlet of Lady Halton, ascending Bridgewood Chase into Mortimer Forest and walking through woodland to Whitcliffe Common. Return via farmland and country lanes. Start 10:15 Bromfield Food Centre SY8 2JR (SO483769)

Wed 2 Jun Nancy and Athos Micheli (01743 367986) 3.5 miles Easy Alberbury and surrounding area. Any easy walk, mostly footpaths with 4 styles and walking through the lovely village of Alberbury Start 19:00 The Windmill Inn, Rowton, SY5 9E (SJ365124)

Thu 3 Jun Anne Nairn (07367 093351) 5 miles Moderate Brooks Hill area. Walking through woodland and fields along mainly good paths and tracks passing through Nind and Brookshill. Start 10:00 The Bog Car Park ( SO357978 )

Sun 6 June Sue Turner (07984 117704/ 01743 243754) 13 miles Moderate+ Bishops Castle area. An interesting walk on the Shropshire Way to Blakeridge Hill and Offa's Dyke. Return by Lower Edenhope and Reilth Top. Walk gives good views of border country with 2037 ft. of ascent. Maximum number on the walk is 30. Start 10:15 Cattle Market Car Park, Bishop's Castle (SO 324887)

Tue 8 Jun Neville Hubbard (07774 675348/01743352658) 10miles Moderate Much Wenlock to Ironbridge and back. Jack Mytton way to Bradley Farm, Woodhouse Farm, Audience Wood, The Vineyards, Benthall Edge Wood, Ironbridge, Benthall Hall, Posenall, Arlescott Farm, Downs Mill and return. Delightful walk with good views and decent walking surfaces. 1200 ft of ascent. Start 10:15 Wenlock Priory (SJ624001)

Wed 9 Jun Darren Hall (07837 021138) 4 miles Moderate The . A steady climb onto The Long Mynd and steepish, exposed descent back into Batch Valley. Booking essential by phoning or texting between 7&9pm weekday evenings. Please note later time start this week only. Start 19:15 Batch Valley NT Car Park - right turn near The Yew Tree PH (SO455955)

Thu 10 Jun Christine Holding (07774 675348/ 01743 352658) 5.5 miles Easy The canal at Ellesmere and Colemere. Along the canal at Ellesmere & Colemere and back. Usually see quite a few narrow boats and maybe a heron. Start 10:00 The Moors Car Park on the right-hand side entering Ellesmere. (SJ406346) Car Park charge of £2.60, card only.

Sun 13 Jun Amanda Hartley-Newton (01743709507/07730 875274) 9.5 miles Moderate Clun circular. A fairly challenging hilly walk, including sections of the Shropshire Way and the Jack Mytton Way, with splendid views into remote valleys.1160 ft. of ascent. Maximum number 12. Start 10:30 Clun Memorial Hall (SO 302811)

Tue 15 Jun Gill Norton (07729616141) 7 miles Moderate Stiperstones/Gatten area. A walk in the shadows of the Stiperstones passing by Gatten Lodge, Near and Far Gatten and Hollies Farm. Start 10:15 Gatten daffodil field (SJ394000)

Wed 16 Jun Al Davies (07706 117518) 4 miles Easy Country Lanes, farm land, some road walking, meadows – 4 stiles. Part of Severn Way and Walk 4. Book with leader, text only please. Start 19:00 Grapes Hotel, Bicton Heath, SY3 5BH (SJ458131)

Thu 17 Jun David Simpson & Susan Tonge (07528 900554) 6 miles Moderate Pulverbatch, Cothercott mines, Wilderley. Hilly terrain. Several stiles. Interesting industrial remains of the Cothercott Barytes Mine. Longish walk so bring lunch. Start 10:00 Car park at the ‘castle’ at Pulverbatch (free). SJ424022

Sun 20 Jun

Tue 22 Jun Curt Williams (07790490847) 10.5 miles Moderate + Clun area. A walk from Clun to Bury Ditches. 1900ft of ascent. Start 10:00 Clun Memorial Hall (SO303812)

Wed 23 Jun Amanda Hartley-Newton (07730 875274) 4.5 miles Moderate Pulverbatch area. Walk 16 from 20 Walks. Fields, tracks & minor road. Moderate inclines Start 19:00 The White Horse, Pulverbatch (SJ422022)

Thu 24 Jun Reg and Ruth Wilford (07485 203280) 5 miles Easy+ Nescliffe & The Cliffe. Footpaths and tracks. Ridgewalk and views. No stiles. Start 10:00 Along A5 and turn off towards Nesscliffe. Into the villlage and turn right opposite the Three Pigeons. In less than half a mile parking on the right. Map ref 385199

Sun 27 Jun Darren Hall (07837021138 – between 17:00 & 19:00) 9.5 miles Moderate+ to Cardington circular. Cross A49 to Snatchfields, Gaerstone Farm, Willstone farm, North Farm and into Cardington, option of drink at The Royal Oak/Church. Return via The Wilderness, optional gentle ascent of Caer Caradoc, via the zig zag path and/or Cwm's Lane and back over the A49.Tea and cake in a tearoom garden, optional, if available, after the walk. Maximum number 10. Start 10:15 Easthope Road CP, Church Stretton SY6 6BL (SO453936)

Tue 29 Jun Anne Nairn (07367093351/01743243021) 8 miles Moderate The Bog and Mucklewick Hill. Starting from The Bog car park passing Brooks Hill, Nind, Mucklewick Hill and returning via Shelve and along the edge of the Stiperstones. Start 10:15 The Bog Car Park (SO358979)

Wed 30 Jun Sue Roberts and Shirley Konieczny (07794 124503) 4 miles Easy Lyth Hill. Footpaths, lanes, open fields & stony tracks. Start 19:00 First car park on Lyth Hill (SJ476070)

Thu 1 Jul

Sun 4 Jul

Tue 6 Jul Roger & Wendy Ford (01743 246352 / 07979 875267) 8 miles Moderate Circular walk from Wilderhope. Paths and fields taking in Stanway Copse, Broadstone, Hope Dale and Coates Wood Start 10:15 Wilderhope Manor Car Park (SO546927)

Wed 7 Jul David Simpson (07528 900554) 4.25 miles Easy Acton Burnell area. Walk 7 from 20 walks. Village roads, field paths and stony tracks. Start 19:00 Acton Burnell Castle car park (SJ533019)

Thu 8 Jul Peter Greeve (0778568049) 4.5 miles Easy Pontesbury area. , Pontesford Brook and Lydd Hole Waterfall. Mainly field paths with views, old railway track, watercourse and waterfall. Mostly gates and two short ascents. Group limited to 10 due to parking limitations. Start 10:00 Pontesford Hill Fort Car Park

Sun 11 Jul Darren Hall (07837021138 – between 17:00 & 19:00) 9.5 miles Moderate+ Church Stretton to Pole Bank along the Portway. Walk up through Rectory Wood, Town Brook Valley, Pole Bank, and along The Portway, passing over Haddon Hill, to Green Gallops and a steepish, exposed descent into Batch Valley, back to Church Stretton, via Madeira Walk and Longhills. Tea and cake in a tearoom garden, optional, if available, after the walk. Maximum number 10. Start 10:15 Easthope Road CP, Church Stretton SY6 6BL (SO453936)

Tue 13 Jul Karen Headworth (01743762286) 9 miles Moderate Acton Burnell area. Quiet lanes and pleasant views around Langley, and . Start 10:15 Acton Burnell Castle Car Park (SJ533018)

Wed 14 Jul

Thu 15 Jul

Sun 18 Jul Sue Turner (07984 117704/ 01743 243754) 9.4 miles Moderate Walk through woodlands, fields, common land. Haye Park Wood, Mary Knoll Valley, Mortimer Trail, Gorsty, Monstay Rough, Juniper Hill, High Vinnalls, Climbing Jack Common. Some great views over local hills. One steep ascent. 1621 ft total ascent. Start 10:15 Car Park on Overton Common, Ludlow. (SO49697169)

Tue 20 Jul Ray Clarke (07733 986231/ 01743 873765) 7.5 miles Moderate Stiperstones area. Starting from the Knolls Car Park, the walk goes through Knolls Farm (can be boggy if wet) Kinnerton, Bridges and the Darnford Valley and then to Gatten, Hollies Farm and the Stiperstones ridge back to the car park. Start 10:15 The Knolls Car Park SO370976

Wed 21 Jul Al Davies (07706 117518) 4 miles Easy Shrewsbury area. Pleasant riverside walk, part of walk 4, farmland. country path, tarmac lanes. 5 stiles. Start 19:00 The Beacon Hotel Copthorne SY3 8LP (SJ475126)

Thu 22 Jul

Sun 25 Jul

Tue 27 Jul Curt Williams (07790490847) 11.5 miles Moderate Clun – Three Paths Circular. A walk along parts of The Shropshire Way, Offa’s Dyke and The Jack Mytton Way – 2000ft ascent Start 10:00 Clun Memorial Hall (SO303812)

Wed 28 Jul Ray Clarke (07733 986231) 4.5 miles Moderate Grinshill Hill. From Corbett Wood, through Grinshill Village and pass Sansaw Hall. Over the railway line to take us to Clive and up to the vew point. Start 19:00 Corbett Wood car park (SJ525238)

Thu 29 Jul

Sun 1 Aug

Tue 3 Aug

Wed 4 Aug

Thu 5 Aug Al Davies (07706 117518) 5.5 miles Easy Bicton Heath area. Country lanes, farmland, some roads, meadows and riverside paths. Route includes part of walk 4 in 20 Walks Book, Severn and Shropshire way. Tea, coffee, cakes and light meals available for purchase at end of walk from Severn Hospice New Cafeteria, proceeds from profits to Hospice. Book by text only with leader. Start 10:00 Severn Hospice Cafe car Park Bicton Heath SY3 8HS

Sun 8 Aug John Garrett (01743 356215/ 07421 745722) 7.75 miles Moderate Church Stretton to Pole Bank. Through Rectory Wood and ascending Townbrook Valley to the trig point at Pole Bank. Good views of The Malverns, Brecon Beacons and the hills to the west. The return descends quite steeply to Little Stretton with a good view of Callow Hill. Then finally back to Church Stretton. Total ascent 1715 feet. Max number 12. Start 10:15 Easthope Road CP, Church Stretton SY6 6BL (SO453936)

Tue 10 Aug Sue Turner (07984 117704/ 01743 243754) 10 miles Moderate Stiperstones area. A walk from The Bog around The Stiperstones, Linley Hill and The Knolls. Start 10:15 The Bog Car Park ( SO357978 )

Wed 11 Aug

Thu 12 Aug

Sun 15 Aug

Tue 17 Aug Neville Hubbard (07774 675348/01743352658) 9 miles Moderate Lee Brockhurst area. From Lee Brockhurst a walk via Lee Hill Farm, Weston Heath, Old Coppice, Moston Grange, The Woodlands, Stanton Upon Hine, Harcourt Mill, Papermill Bank 926ft ascent. Start 10:00 Lee Brockhurst pull in – limited parking

Wed 18 Aug

Thu 19 Aug

Sun 22 Aug Darren Hall (07837021138 – between 17:00 & 19:00) 12 miles Mod/Stren Over the top of the Long Mynd to Bridges. Through Rectory Wood, Carding Mill Valley, Lightspout Waterfall, over The Long Mynd, via Belmore Ring and to Bridges Public House for a hot or cold drink, then back over The Long Mynd, via Adstone Hill, Priory Cottage and Town Brook Valley. Tea and cake in a tearoom garden, optional, if available, after the walk. Maximum number 10. Start 10:15 Easthope Road CP, Church Stretton SY6 6BL (SO453936)

Tue 24 Aug Anne Nairn (07367093351/01743243021) 8.5 miles Moderate Longmynd area. Starting from High Park and visiting Wildmoor, Ratlinghope, Darnford Brook, Thresholds and the Betchcott Hills. Start 10:14 On the Port Way; over the cattle grid past High Park SO435967

Wed 25 Aug

Thu 26 Aug David Simpson & Susan Tonge (07528 900554) 3.7 miles Easy Over The Cliffe to Ruyton XI Towns. Footpaths through woods, lanes, over the Cliffe and into Ruyton and back. Good show of heather and great views- weather permitting Start 10.00am The Pines car park (free) SJ3891989

Sun 29 Aug

Tue 31 Aug Sue Turner (07984 117704/ 01743 243754) 9.4 miles Moderate Brown Clee Circular. A walk through the Burwarton Estate, round Brown Clee, Fair View, Abdon Manor House, Cockshutford, Pole Gutter. Great views, walking through woods, hill paths and fields. 2009 ft ascent. Start 10.00am at Burwarton Village. Location tbc.

WALKS CO-ORDINATORS

Sunday Michael Lillistone Tel: 01743 344811 Email: [email protected]

Tuesday Anne Nairn Tel: 01743 243021/07367093351 Email: [email protected]

Wednesday Sue Roberts & Tel: 01743 873039 Evening Shirley Konieczny Tel: 01743 873968 Email: [email protected]

Thursday Tessa Conway Holland Tel: 07875575267 Email: [email protected]

Saturday Phil Barnes Tel: 07983 459531 Bus Rambles Email: [email protected]

GENERAL INFORMATION

1. MEMBERSHIP - Anyone is welcome on any of the Group walks. Membership of the Ramblers’ Association is not essential but regular walkers would be expected to join the Association. Membership application forms are available from the Membership Secretary. It is helpful to the Group if all new members would quote “SHREWSBURY” as the preferred Group on Membership application forms. It should also be quoted when renewing your annual membership as our funding is based on these numbers.

2. RAIL RAMBLES - For details of a 6 monthly programme of short and long distance walks starting and finishing with a rail journey from Shrewsbury station go to www.railrambles.org. Hard copies of the programme may be available at Shrewsbury station or at the TIC in the Music Hall.

3. DOGS - Registered Assistance Dogs Only.

4. DISCOUNTS are available on production of your RA membership card from Cotswold, Millets, Rohan and Go Outdoors stores as well as Ramblers Holidays and Cicerone books. Make use of these establishments and save your membership fee! NOTE: Discounts shown in the Shrewsbury Ramblers Programme are wholly at the discretion of the retailer and are not an entitlement to RA members.

5. UNDER 30’s WALKING GROUP - Details of walks for this group can be found at : www.syr.org.uk

6. PACE OF WALKS - Members can assist the Leader who has the responsibility of setting the pace to suit all walkers, by not getting ahead of the Leader or by unnecessarily lengthening the “tail”. Slower walkers should be able to maintain a comfortable pace.

7. REPORTING INCIDENTS – Any accident or incident when on a walk should be reported to Sue Turner (01743 243754, or [email protected]) and a Ramblers Incident Report Form completed.

8. MINORS and VULNERABLE ADULTS - Young people under 18 and vulnerable adults must be accompanied by a responsible adult if they wish to join a group walk.

Footnote Though walking is inherently one of the safest outdoor activities, no activity is completely without risk and we all need to exercise a degree of individual responsibility in order to minimise the potential for accidents.