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Home , Afon Tanat, Berwyn range, Glyn Ceiriog, Gobowen, Llanarmon Mynydd Mawr, Llangedwyn

More favourite walks around and the Borders

Oswestry Ramblers More favourite walks around Oswestry and the Borders First Published 2011 by Area Ramblers Introduction © Oswestry Group of the Ramblers Tre Tylluan, Dolybont, Llanrhaeadr Ym Mochnant, Oswestry SY10 0LJ When we published our first volume of walks ‘Favourite Walks around All rights reserved. No reproduction permitted without the prior permission Oswestry and the Borders’ little did we realise just how popular it was going to of the Oswestry Group of the Ramblers be. It was received with enthusiasm by both visitors and residents to the extent ISBN 9780-9569021-0-8 that we had sold out in six months. We have been faced with constant requests to publish a second book of similar walks; the result is this new book.

Design, maps and production by Jane and Ray Hadlow Covering the same range of countryside as book 1, this book has sixteen walks which will introduce users to the very varied countryside we have on our Edited by Peter Carr doorstep. Cover photographs of Old Oswestry by Ray Hadlow The Walks in the Tanat Valley whilst relatively strenuous provide spectacular Typeset in Minion and Frutiger views of the Berwyn Mountains, the Tanat Valley and the Shropshire Plain. Printed by WPG Ltd, The walks down in the south introduce the countryside around the confluence of the Rivers Severn and Vyrnwy. We have included four walks of different Great care has been taken in the compilation of this publication to ensure lengths and grades from Oswestry town centre to introduce the lovely accuracy. However, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for any errors countryside literally on the doorstep. In the north we have two walks in the that may appear, changes post publication to the footpaths used, or the lovely but steep sided and over to the east we introduce walkers consequences of errors or changes. If you are in any doubt about access, check before you proceed. to Overton and the river Dee. The Oswestry Group acknowledges with grateful thanks the efforts of all We love to walk in this area of unspoilt countryside, and are pleased to members who have checked, walked and re-checked these walks to ensure that introduce it to you and believe that you will come to enjoy it as we do. they are as accurate as possible. Nothing pleases us more than to meet people on our walks enjoying this area we call our Oswestry Ramblers’ area for the first time. The Ramblers’ Association is a company limited by guarantee, registered in Good walking and . Company registration number: 4458492. Registered Charity in England and Wales number 1093577, registered charity number in Scotland, Peter Carr number SC039799. Editor and Chairman of the Oswestry Group of Ramblers Registered Office: 2nd floor, Camelford House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, SE1 7TW Location of walks Summary of walks

Walk Brief Description Start Point & Grid Ref Distance Grade Number (Approx) 1 Oswald’s Well and Offa’s Cae Glas Park in Oswestry 5.9 miles Moderate (page 1) Dyke – SJ 289294 2 Oswestry to Hengoed and Gatacre CP, Oswestry – 3.75 miles Leisurely (page 4) back SJ 324368

A5 3 A circular walk from Central CP, Oswestry – 6.2 miles Leisurely (page 7) Oswestry including SJ 291295 Ellesmere Brogyntyn Park

Ruyton XI Towns Oswestry to and back Central CP, Oswestry – 3.8 miles Leisurely

Walk 8 Walk 4 (page 9) through Broomhall SJ 291295 5 A short walk from Glyn The Cross in 3.1 miles Moderate (page 11) Ceiriog – river and hill – SJ 202378 Overton Walk 9 Walk 6 The The Cross in Glyn Ceiriog 5.5 miles Moderate Whittington Walk 11 Walk (page 14) and Llwyr Ceiriog Trail – SJ 202378 Knockin

Walk 10 Walk 7 Both sides of the border CP off B4579 from Selattyn 4 miles Leisurely St Martins Gobowen

Walk 12 Walk (page 16) from Craignant to Glyn Ceiriog – SJ 255350 A483 Oswestry

Walk 4 Walk A circuit from Overton Overton, behind St Mary’s 5.6 miles Leisurely Walk 2 Walk 8 A5 Church – SJ 374418 A483 (page 18)

A5 Queen’s Head and CP opposite the Queen’s 4.25 miles Leisurely

Chirk 9 A483 (page 21 Head – SJ 339268 Walk 1 Walk Walk 17 Walk Walk 3 Walk Walk 7 Walk 10 The ‘Monty’ – Canal Central café, 4.6 miles Leisurely

Walk 13 Walk (page 23) Marsh, Crickheath and Maesbury Marsh –

Trefonen Morton SJ 310249

Llangollen 11 Bausley Hill and the Layby at Melverley Bridge 4.8 miles Moderate

Walk 6 Walk (page 26) – SJ 331158 Walk 16 Walk 12 A stroll around Melverley Layby at Melverley Bridge 5.6 miles Leisurely (page 28) – SJ 331158 Walk 5 Walk 13 Blodwel Rock and CP at end of Underhill 3.7 miles Leisurely (page 30) Llanymynech Quarry Lane, Pant – SJ 271219 Glyn Ceiriog CP in Llanrhaeadr Ym 5.5 miles Moderate

Llanfyllin 14 (page 33) Mochnant – SJ 125261 Walk 15 Walk 15 Moel Hen-fache circuit CP in Llanrhaeadr Ym 5.9 miles Moderate (page 36) Mochnant – SJ 125261

Llanarmon DC 16 and Briw CP at Craft Centre, 5.4 miles Moderate

Walk 14 Walk (page 39) Llangedwyn – SJ 185241 Llanrhaeadr-ym- Mochnant 17 to Craig Sychtyn Chapel Green CP, Trefonen 6 miles Moderate (page 41) Nature Reserve and back via – SJ 260267 the Mynydd Myfyr Walk Grades Oswald’s Well and Offa’s Dyke 1 • Leisurely Walks for reasonably fit people with at least a little country walking experience. Chris Jenkins May include unsurfaced rural paths and fields. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are recommended. Grade Moderate once extensive gardens and parklands around Moderate Walks for people with country walking experience and a good level of fitness. May • Map OS Explorer™ Sheet 240 the hall. The last of several buildings on the site include some steep paths and open country. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing was demolished in 1949. are essential. Start point Cae Glas Park in Church Street, Oswestry Offa’s Dyke, which is crossed by the walk, is an Strenuous Walks for experienced country walkers with an above average fitness level. May • – Grid Ref SJ 289294 earthworks embankment which is thought to include hills and rough country. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential. have been a political boundary between Saxon Distance 5.9 miles (9.5 km) and Wales built during the reign of King Maps Total ascent 700 ft (213 m) approx Offa of Mercia (757-796 AD). The Offa’s Dyke Duration 3.25 hours Path runs for 177 miles from Sedbury Cliffs on Note: maps are sketches only and are not necessarily to scale Terrain Good paths, fields and woods the Severn Estuary near Chepstow to the resort of on Liverpool Bay. For This walk leaves Oswestry and goes to the The Countryside code about 70 miles it follows the course of the Offa’s west of the town via Oswald’s Well then over Be safe – plan ahead and follow any signs Dyke earthwork. • fields via the remains of the walled gardens Leave gates and property as you find them • of Llanforda Hall to the Offa’s Dyke Path. Protect plants and animals, and take your litter home • Then climbs up through woods and returns Directions Keep dogs under close control • to Oswestry via fields and lanes. Good views Consider other people Starting from the gates of Cae Glas Park • of the Shropshire Plain are afforded. 1 in Church Street go past the artillery Useful Information memorial and across to the opposite side Legend has it that after the Battle of Maserfield of the park and into Welsh Walls. Cross Footpath problems in Shropshire (642 AD) an eagle carried the severed arm of the Contact Countryside Service – defeated Oswald of Northumbria to the location the road (carefully) and turn left in front Tel: 01743 255061 of Oswald’s Well and a spring then appeared. of the Walls restaurant, cross Brynhafod Email: [email protected] Though the Christian Oswald was defeated Road and enter the playing field. The row by the pagan Penda of Mercia, Oswald is Footpath problems in the Ceiriog Valley of trees on the right are a war memorial to remembered as a saint and the name Oswestry Contact the Rights of Way and Access Team – County Borough Council ex-pupils from the old Grammar School derives from ‘Oswald’s Tree’ (in Welsh Croes Tel: 01978 292057 Oswallt literally Oswald’s Cross). (now the Magistrates Court) on the left. Email: [email protected] During the walk, the ruins and the walled Walk across the field to a gate on the left- Footpath problems in garden, all that is left of Llanforda Hall, will be hand side beyond the buildings. Turn right Contact Countryside Services – encountered. This was home of the Lloyd family and on the left side of the road look out for Tel: 01597 827500 from the seventeenth century, and associated Oswald’s Well (see notes above). Continue Email: [email protected] with the naturalist Edward Lhuyd. There were up Maserfield Road and bear left along a Buses from Oswestry Route profile Traveline Tel: 0871 200 22 33 1000 www.travelinemidlands.co.uk

The Ramblers 500 Membership and any other enquiries:

2nd floor, Camelford House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TW Height in feet Tel: 020 7339 8500 0 1 2 3 4 5 5.9 www.ramblers.org.uk Length in miles  tree-lined road to an iron gate into with two waymarks – follow the right- road junction. Cross the road to a gate and Broomhall Lane (GR 281290). hand path to a gate at the back of Keeper’s take the right-hand path to a projecting Turn right just past Rose Cottage Cottage. In a few yards bear right up a slope hedge corner and then continuing to a 2 then take a stile on the left into a field. into the woods and forward to an area gate near the opposite corner of the field. The next stile is a little way right of the far with young trees and slightly right to join Go through the gate and look for a water corner of this field. Be careful crossing a a track. Go left then right at a junction and trough in the hedge on the right, cross at damp area below a spring. Over the stile then left by a marker post to the right. You this point into the next field. Go diagonally go forward and slightly left to join a track then join the Offa’s Dyke Path coming up across this field to another stile then follow leading to a gate and stile. Cross the road from the Candy Brook. (The Offa’s Dyke the hedge on the left crossing two more to ladder stile and follow the track beyond Path is a long distance path signposted with stiles ignoring a path on the left. Follow the leading up to a patch of woodland. Cross an acorn throughout its length) hedge round the field to the right, over two a stile into the wood and go forward about (GR 255286). more stiles then go left through a gate into TheThe TontineTontine InnInn a green lane (GR 276298). 70 m to a junction of paths (GR 266290). 4 Turn right to follow the Offa’s Dyke MelverleyMelverley Take the path to left above a bank with Path below the dyke until it passes Follow the lane downhill crossing 3 a show of snowdrops in season to a back over the dyke, through an old stone 6 other roads until it becomes tarmac Family run country pub b & b with en-suite stile and cross a field to a gate and stile. wall to the English side. Here leave the and then joins Brynhafod Road. Continue Offa’s Dyke Path and continue ahead down Real ales and home cooked food Look back on the right to see the walled down until you find a gate on the right OAP lunches garden of Llanforda Hall (see notes above). a track to (GR 257297). into the playing field crossed at the start of Closed Tue & Wed until 5.00pm Go forward just left of some trees and look Go straight along a minor road, round the walk and then return to the start of the Sunday lunches 01691 682258 for a square of fencing protecting a tree 5 a corner to the left and forward to a walk via the outward route.

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4 Photo: New bridge by Cross Lanes farm, see Walk 2 / Ray Hadlow Lanes farm, see Walk Photo: New bridge by Cross   Carry straight on across the field to the hedge ahead and onto the lane. Turn Oswestry to Hengoed and back 3 cross a stile and head for the electicity left along the lane to the crossroads. Turn Jane Hadlow 2 power pole, half left from the gate. A hedge right and walk 300 m down the lane to a (more a clump of thorns) appears on the gate on the right just past Brymeg Cottage, Directions left – keep to the right of this to a stile in standing alone (GR 295328). Grade Leisurely Map OS Explorer™ Sheet 240 2 Leave the car park at the top left-hand Start point Gatacre car park corner and after 20 m cross a stile. – Grid Ref SJ 291305 From the stile walk to the field edge and Distance 3.75 miles (6 km) follow the hedge on the left until it turns 4 Total ascent 275 ft (84 m) approx away to the left. At this point keep straight

Duration 2 hours on across the open field to a stile in the

Terrain Field paths and quiet lanes with corner. Cross the stile through the hedge a short gentle climb. The walk and carry straight on across two more fields 3 can be quite muddy in places and stiles. After the second stile head to the 5 This is a gentle walk across fields of crops left of the highest point of the hill to a gate and grass with a bit of lane walking and with a stile beside it. Cross the stile and go includes part of Wat’s Dyke and passes Old straight down following the fence on the Oswestry Hillf ort. right to a stile onto a track (GR 289319). Turn left along on the track for 80 m Old Oswestry Hillfort is one of the best preserved 2 2 passing a house on the right and cross in Britain. This very impressive Iron Age hillfort covers 40 acres and has multiple ramparts the stile (iron bars in a wall) on the right built at different times. People used the hillfort into a short enclosed path. Cross the next from the Neolithic through to Roman times but stile and turn right to follow the hedge on mostly from 1000BC (before any ramparts were the right until it drops away to the right, built) to AD43. then carry straight on across the field to a After the hillfort fell into disuse it became stile. Go right, through a gate on the right. incorporated into Wat’s Dyke. This is a linear Turn left and cross the open field to a kink earthwork of 40 miles running parallel to Offa’s in the hedge on the left. Follow the hedge to Dyke but built at an earlier date. This runs along the border between the Welsh hills and the the far corner where there is a stream and a Shropshire/ lowlands. new bridge. Cross the bridge into the next field (GR 291324).

Route profile 600 400 1 200 Height in feet 0 1 2 3 3.75 Length in miles

  Go through the gate and follow the into the field. Follow the wall on the right, 4 house fence and then the hedge for then the hedge and where it turns to the Brogyntyn Park 50 m and then go diagonally across to the right continue on to a gate and stile. Go Clive La-Garde 3 far left-hand corner. Cross the stile and over the stile and then head straight on with then in a few metres turn right across a the hedge on the left (Wat’s Dyke again). irections Grade Leisurely D footbridge to emerge by Yewtree Cottage. Keep the hedge on your left as the Hillfort Map OS Explorer™ Sheet 240 Leave from top right corner of the car Keep the house on your left as you pass now looms ahead. Cross another stile into 1 park on to the road ‘English Walls’ and onto the track and then cross over the stile the next field. The path continues along the Start point Central car park, Oswestry – Grid Ref SJ 291295 go right to mini roundabout and then left on the left into the field. Head across the hedge line for another 150 m and then Distance 6.2 miles (10 km) into Leg Street to the traffic lights, cross field to a few standing trees in the middle crosses diagonally to the far right-hand over and follow road around into Beatrice and carry on to meet the fence on the corner, through a gate into the lane. Turn Total ascent 550 ft (167 m) approx Street and continue on through traffic opposite side. This is the line of Wat’s Dyke. left along the lane to the entrance to the Duration 3.5 hours lights to Gitten Street opposite Morrison’s Turn right to follow this hedge line through Hillfort (there are good views from the Terrain Lanes, tracks, fields and roads (2.25 miles of this walk is on supermarket. Walk up Gitten Street, over the gate and along the edge of the next top!). Go through the gap in the hedge lanes and roads) two crossroads, passing a junior school field to a stile onto a lane (GR 299323). opposite the entrance and follow the path on the right to the junction with Gatacre diagonally across the field to a kissing gate Go straight ahead along the lane to Brogyntyn or Porkington as it was sometimes Road, bear right to the sport’s centre 5 in the far corner which joins the outward Pentre Clawdd farmhouse. Go over called is built on the site of the medieval hall parking area at 100 m (GR 291305). the stile to the left of the entrance wall, path. of Madog ap Maredudd, the last king of Powys. The original Castell Brogyntyn was sited 2 With the hedge on the left walk up about 400 m north west of the present hall. 50 m to find a gap in the hedge, go left Owain Brogyntyn, illegitimate son of Maddog through the gap and follow the path to a succeeded him as prince of Lower Powys kissing gate into a field. Ignore the path on plus various other lordships. He was a very the right; keep the hedge on the left for distinguished leader and was responsible for the defeat of the English at the Battle of Grogen in 150 m, then go ahead to the corner of the 1165. Brogyntyn is one of the few Shropshire field to a hidden stile. Cross this stile and the estates surviving from the middle ages. next at 100 m, walk up the hill to a gate and The pedigree of the Ormsby-Gore family goes on down the field keeping the fence to the back to 1559, when Robert ap John married right up to a gate/stile on to a track. Turn left Gwenhwyfar, daughter of William ap Meredith on the track and walk down to the B4579 ap Rhys. Members of the family have been prominent in public life as MPs for Irish – Oswestry to Selattyn road (GR 283316). constituencies and later for North Shropshire. Cross the road half left to a gate The estate has been continuously occupied for 3 leading into Brogyntyn Park and eight hundred and fifty years through to the follow the road passing the main building middle of the 20th century.

Route profile 750 500 250 Height in feet 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Length in miles Photo: George Swift   on the left. The road continues past the connected to the water works further down stables and through the walled garden area the road. Ignore the footpath on the left Oswestry to Morda and back into open parkland through an avenue of just after the bend and continue past the through Broomhall 4 trees eventually arriving at the home farm. junction with Broomhall Lane to find a Continue on the track to reach a minor footpath on the left (GR 274289). Clive La-Garde road where you take a left turn and walk Take this path for 200 m, then bear the 2nd turn right into Queens Road. to the B4580 – Oswestry to the Racecourse 6 Grade Leisurely left to a corner of a fence on your Go along Queens Road for 25 m, then road (GR 269308). Map OS Explorer™ Sheet 240 right. [There may or not be a stile here, go through the kissing gate on the left Start point Central car park, Oswestry Cross the road onto a track, passing the hedge has recently been cut down]. to a footpath running parallel to a new 4 Grid Ref SJ 291295 houses on the left to a gate. There are Continue along the fence line to a stile housing development. At the bottom of Distance 3.8 miles (6.1 km) two further gates, after the second gate take onto Broomhall Lane. Turn right and go the footpath, go through a kissing gate Total ascent 260 ft (80 m) approx the footpath on the left, through the gate down Broomhall Lane to a T junction, into a field and turn right to walk along Duration 2 hours and walk half right towards the corner of a turn left and go down the road to the the field edge. At the end of the field, turn Terrain Lanes, tracks, fields and roads small copse. Continue to a stile in a hedge traffic lights. Turn left into the town to a left to take a footpath between a hedge approximately 50 m from the right-hand mini-roundabout, then turn right and go and the cemetery fence (this path can be This walk starts at the Central car park in fence line and follow the fence line ahead diagonally across the square to the main muddy in wet weather). At the end of the Oswestry, goes past the town cemetery to crossing two further stiles to reach a minor car park to finish. path, go right through a kissing gate and road (GR 263298). Weston Lane, then turns west towards Morda, once an area of coal mining and brick works. across the field to another kissing gate. Go 5 Turn left on this road and walk down From Morda the walk turns north towards through the gate and slightly left down for 1.5 km passing Oerley Hall on the 3 Llanforda then east towards Broomhall and to, and through, another kissing gate into left, also on the left a reservoir presumably Oswestry. As you leave Love Lane, ahead you an enclosed path. Go along the path and will see Penylan Mill. The mill was built for grinding corn and in the 1860’s a boiler and where another path comes in from the left chimney were added, but these were never via a kissing gate, bear right to continue used because imported grain was then being along the enclosed path for 400 m to a processed at the port of entry. The mill is now 4 further kissing gate onto Weston Lane a private residence. (GR 294282). 2 Turn right and in just a few metres, Directions 2 take the stile on the left into a field. From the Central car park in Oswestry, Head down to the bottom of the field and 1 take the vehicle exit into Roft Street the edge of a stream. Go through the hedge and continue straight ahead from the car line and head to the right of the buildings 5 park exit. At the junction with Victoria just ahead. Go through the gate and turn Road, turn left in and 200 m the take right onto a wide track (leads to a small

Route profile 600 1 400 200 Height in feet 0 1 2 3 3.8 6 Length in miles

  industrial site just to the left). Go along cross the road to the pavement opposite, Glyn Ceiriog – river and hill the track to the Morda Road (B5096). turn left and in 20 m, turn right into a Cross the road to a stile opposite and go minor road (GR 275285). George Swift 5 up a wide track, passing a house, and go Continue along the road for 350 m straight ahead to a stile. Cross the stile into 4 and at a footpath crossing, take the Grade Moderate ran through the valley in 1935 – the news had Love Lane. Turn left and continue on to a stile on the right. Go along the path for Map OS Explorer™ Sheet 255 gone round, and scores of locals turned out at junction with a road. Turn left along the Glyn to see the ‘tram’ go by, never to return. 200 m, then bear left to a corner of a fence Start point The Cross in Glyn Ceiriog – road and in 100 m, just as the road swings There is now an active tramway preservation on your right. [There may or not be a Grid Ref SJ 202378. Parking in left, take the stile on the right into a field society that aims to re-open at least part of the stile here, the hedge has recently been cut Glyn Ceiriog is limited. There is (GR 281282). tramway. down]. Continue along to the left of the a small car park at the back of Attractive woodland, achieved by a combination Go up the field to a stile onto Penylan fence line to a stile onto Broomhall Lane. the Glyn Valley Hotel. If this is of sensitive planting and natural regeneration, 3 full park sensibly on the road Lane. Turn left and continue to a stile Turn right and go down Broomhall Lane have almost eliminated the scars left by industry. on the right, just past the house on the to a T junction, turn left and go down the Distance 3.1 miles (5 km) Had Lloyd George not spoken so passionately right. Go diagonally left across the field road to the traffic lights. Turn left into the Total ascent 860 ft (263 m) approx in its defence, we may never have known of the to a gate in the middle of the hedge, then town to a mini-roundabout, then turn Duration 2 hours beauty of the Ceiriog Valley; in 1923 Parliament was asked to grant statutory powers to impound continue diagonally left to a stile onto the right and go diagonally across the square to Terrain Lanes, tracks, fields and roads the upper waters of the and to Oswestry–Trefonen Road. Taking care, – steep in places the main car park to finish. evict the local population living within an area of 13,600 acres. With such an eloquent advocate, ‘A little bit of heaven on Earth’ was how the proposal was defeated. Lloyd George described the Ceiriog Valley. 1 This beautiful valley has remained relatively undiscovered. Only a few miles from the busy A5, it has retained its cultural heritage and Directions lovely countryside. However, much of the now From the Village Cross take the B4579 idyllic Ceiriog Valley was once a grim, grey 1 Selattyn Road and walk past the Post place, with industries based on its rock and Office which will be on the right. Follow mineral deposits. All around Glyn Ceiriog was a bleak landscape of spoil heaps. In 1873 a narrow the road around to the right and across gauge railway was built, the mineral industry the bridge over the River Ceiriog. After created the tramway and because the tramway crossing the bridge turn immediately right existed it in turn gave birth to other industries up a lane, the river is to the right. Go 100 m – from out of the valley slate and over the years up the lane to the Upper Mills Trout Farm were added granite, china stone, tar macadam down on the right. After the Trout Farm 4 and even gunpowder. From the mills came cloth and from the valley’s trout fishery live trout; a the lane climbs steadily and then quite passenger service was also added. The last train steeply. After approximately 1 mile you

Route profile 3 2 1200 800 400 Height in feet 0 1 2 3 Length in miles

10 11 will arrive at Pant Farm on the left hand bushes (GR 207366). Before reaching this Head east following a stone wall and the bungalow and step down onto the road, side (GR 205365). stile, sit and rest a while and enjoy the view 5 gorse bushes for about 150 m to arrive the B4579 (GR 212373). Immediately after Pant Farm, bear left of the beautiful Ceiriog Valley. at a way marker post on the left with way Go straight across this road and down 2 along a track. After about 500 m you After crossing the stile turn right markers pointing in all directions! Carry 6 some steps by the side of a house will reach some farm buildings 4 through some gorse bushes and head straight on here down a clearly defined called Hillside. Turn left at the bottom (GR 210364). for the way marker post. After the way track and keep to the left at the ‘Y’ junction. of the steps and go over the stile. Carry marker post bear slightly left to another Carry on down between the line of trees straight on and follow the path along the Go over the stile immediately on the and over the stile into a field then straight 3 left before the farm buildings (this way marker post and then head for the gap side of the field until you arrive at a Pony in a low stone wall. Carry straight on down on keeping the fence to the right. The path Trekking Centre (GR 211375). stile is not visible until you are right up to a little further on is slippery in the wet and it). Follow the hedge line up the field and the field to the far corner near some pine Go straight ahead here up a steep lane trees (GR 206370). From this corner you is very stony underfoot – walk this section 7 through a gate to another stile. Cross this with great care! Cross over the stile on the keeping the buildings on the right to stile and bear left up the footpath to reach can look down onto the Trout Farm that you reach the B4579. Turn right and walk back passed earlier. right and turn immediately left and over the fence on the right. Follow this fence another stile in front of you. Go down the down into the village of Glyn Ceiriog and line to arrive at another stile in some gorse stone steps and turn left passing in front of return to the start of the walk.

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2 3 Photo: George Swift 12 13 on the seat on the left and enjoy the view. At this point continue down the Glyn Valley Tramway and Continue up the track and through a gate 5 lane and turn left at the bottom at Llwyr Ceiriog Trail 6 then bear left to go through another gate a T junction to return to Glyn Ceiriog. and onto a lane (GR 211345). Alternatively, the walk can be extended George Swift Turn left and follow the lane past by approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) by 4 continuing with Walk 5 from point 2. Valley Hotel on the right and passing Springhill Pony Trekking Centre on Grade Moderate a public toilet on the left. Continue for the right. Continue along the lane passing a Map OS Explorer™ Sheet 255 approximately 0.8 miles (1.29 km) to lane on the right to Pant Farm Start point The Cross in Glyn Ceiriog – arrive at Ddol Hir Caravan Park on the left (GR 205365). 1 Grid Ref SJ 202378. Parking in hand side. Keep on the main road past the Glyn Ceiriog is limited. There is a small car park at the back of caravan park and up a slight incline to a the Glyn Valley Hotel. If this is National Trust sign on the left saying ‘Glyn full park sensibly on the road. Valley Tramway’ (GR 199364). Distance 5.5 miles (8.85 km) 2 Go through the gate by the sign and Total ascent 1110 ft (338 m) approx down an incline to a path at the Duration 3.25 hours bottom of the slope by the river. Carry Terrain Minor roads, lanes and disused straight on keeping the river on your tramway left. This path is the old track bed of the 2 Glyn Valley Tramway. Keep on this path This walk takes in part of the Glyn Valley passing over the river on an old iron bridge Tramway route (see walk 5 – page 11) and part and passing a sewage works on the left. 5 of the Llwybr Ceiriog Trail. The Llwybr Ceiriog After approximately 0.5 mile (0.8 km) Trail is a circular route of about 18 miles based on Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog which passes to go through a gate onto a lane at Pont y the west of Pandy, it was developed primarily Meibion (GR196351). for horse riders, but the part included in this Turn and continue up the lane which walk is equally suitable for walkers and provides 3 stunning views of the Ceiriog Valley. goes round to the right and through a gate at which point the tarmac ends. Continue up the track and over a cattle Directions grid. Bear left at the second ‘Y’ junction and From Glyn Ceiriog walk south continue to climb. Approximately 0.33 mile 1 along the B4500 keeping the Glyn (0.53 km) after the ‘Y’ junction sit a while 3 Route profile 1600 1200 800 400 Height in feet 0 1 2 3 4 5 5.5 4 Length in miles

14 15 Cross the lane, climb over another stile the undulating lane for 1.3 ml (2.1 km) Craignant – both sides of the border 3 on to the next section of the Offa’s (crossing the outward route (2) again after Bob Kimber 7 Dyke Path which is along the top of a very the first 500 m) to arrive at the junction well-preserved section of the actual dyke. with another lane (GR 265348). Along Walk 500 m along the dyke before dropping this lane there are superb views across the Grade Leisurely the bank top. The Offa’s Dyke Path follows roughly the line of the Dyke and this is one of down over a stile onto a bridleway running Shropshire plain towards the Wrekin and Map OS Explorer™ Sheet 240 the sections where the path and Dyke actually at right angles to the dyke (GR 255362). southwards to the Stiperstones, the Long Start point Car Park in disused quarry off coincide. Notice the deep ditch on the Welsh side of the Mynd and the south Shropshire hills. If you the B4579 from Selattyn to dyke and the magnificent views to the north- wish to shorten the walk then cut back Glyn Ceiriog. The car park is on Directions east towards Wrexham, across north Cheshire down the lane where you cross it at 2 and the left just before the Welsh and over the Mersey. On a very clear day, the reverse the outward journey to return to Border (marked by a sign for Turn right on leaving the car park 1 Pennines can be seen to the east. the car park. ) – and walk about 200 m back towards Grid Ref SJ 255350 Selattyn; at the junction with two lanes 4 Turn right to leave the Offa’s Dyke Path 7 At the junction, turn right and Distance 4.0 miles (6.5 km) coming from the left, turn sharp left (150˚) and walk in an easterly direction along continue for just over 0.6 mls (1 km).

Total ascent 620 ft (190 m) approx to join the Offa’s Dyke Path route, which the bridleway (signposted with a blue arrow After a short incline, the lane drops steadily

Duration 2.5 hours is marked by acorns on the finger posts and a yellow disc indicating a circular walk down the tree-lined side of the valley to

Terrain Paths, wood, and lanes. There is and stiles. Drop down the lane and, at the from Offa’s Dyke Path) for 500 m to reach a bridge over a stream. It then rises quite one short steep section near the bottom, go round to the right (the remains another lane (GR 259361). If you have not steeply to meet the B4579 at the point start of the walk of two lime kilns can be seen on the left spotted it earlier from the top of the dyke, where you left it to join the Offa’s Dyke In late spring, bluebells abound on sections as you round the corner) and walk up the there is a wonderful view from the bridleway Path at the beginning of the walk. It’s now of this walk. With much of the walk on good lane as it bends to the left; continue uphill looking over to Castle. just 200 m up the road back to the car park. lanes, this is also an ideal winter walk to blow passing directly in front of a house. Go From now on the walk is easy-going away those cobwebs. through a gate and up a short rather steep 5 on surfaced lanes. As you leave 4 path to reach a lane. Turn left along the the bridleway, turn right and, passing This walk takes you on to both sides of the border lane; after 100 m, turn right over the stile in the devastation that was Mount Wood 5 between England and Wales with a little bit of the the hedge (GR 252353). ancient boundary of Offa’s Dyke thrown in. and crossing your outward route at (3), Walk north up the field, over two stiles continue towards the south-west along Offa’s Dyke is a linear earthwork which roughly 2 and after 550 m you reach another follows the Welsh/English boundary. It consists the fairly straight lane for 0.95mls of a ditch and rampart constructed with the stile onto a lane (GR 2533575). The western (1.5 km) to reach the junction with the ditch on the Welsh-facing side. It is believed boundary of this English field is Offa’s Dyke Selattyn to Glyn Ceiriog road; 3 that work to build it started in about 785 AD. As and the next field is in Wales; as it was when the B4579 (GR 247352). originally constructed, it must have been about the dyke was built to divide Mercia from 27 m wide and 8 m from the ditch bottom to Wales. 2

Route profile 6

1200 800 At the junction, turn into 1 7 400 6 the lane coming in sharply Height in feet 0 1 2 3 4 from the left to the same junction (do Length in miles not go onto the B4579). Continue along 16 17 Overton Circuit down the hill following the marked path. ignore the footpath waymarked on the left. Cross the footbridge and bear left following Where a track appears on the left, look for Alison Parker 8 the line of the fence to your left. You are a waymark on the right, nearly opposite, now walking along the flood plain of the and cross the road with care to a footpath River Dee, locally known as ‘the Bottoms’, which skirts the edge of a cottage garden Grade Leisurely y-pys estate, and in the nineteenth century and following the Way. Keep close to (GR 359405). Map OS Explorer™ Sheets 256 & 257 the owner wielded considerable political influence, as being the landlord of most of the the river toward some woodland. Looking Start point Overton; car park off school The path leads to a paddock where surrounding property was virtually guaranteed to the left you may see Overton village 6 lane, behind St Mary’s Church there is an electric fence on the right of a place in Parliament. overlooking the river plain (GR 362412). – Grid Ref SJ 374418 of the path. Look for a path ahead which is The ‘Cocoa and Reading Rooms’ (now the Cross the plank bridge into the woods secreted behind some bushes. Go over the Distance 5.6 miles (9.0 km) library), a terracotta building of 1890 located on 3 Total ascent 550 ft (167 m) approx the main road just off the end of school lane is to your right and ignore paths to the stile and turn left along the field edge. Turn Duration 3.0 hours an interesting building. It was built to promote left. In wet weather this path can be very right at the field corner and cross the stile temperance. Other constructions of interest are Terrain River side, woods, tracks and muddy and slippery. Continue into a field on the left. Walk ahead through two fields the alms houses and a Victorian village pump. lanes. There are magnificent of rough pasture before more woodland, to a lane (GR 363402). This walk takes in part of the Maelor Way, a long- views from Overton towards which in the spring is full of wild garlic. distance footpath which passes through Overton. Go right for a short distance and over and the Welsh hills Whilst still following the river the path 7 There is a picnic area adjacent to the church. the stile on the left to a field edge path Warning – DO NOT attempt this walk if the wriggles its way up and down the hills with to another stile and walk ahead to exit onto River Dee is in flood. several small plank bridges crossing small another lane. Turn left and after a short Directions streams. On the other side of the river you distance look out for two gates on the right. Overton-on-Dee locally known as Overton, Exit from the car park to the left will shortly see the church at and Go through the first gate where there is formally part of Flintshire is now part of the 1 and turn again to the left along the soon after the Boat Inn. Within a few metres a waymarker on the left-hand post. Walk borough of Wrexham and is about 8 miles from look carefully down the bank to see the Oswestry. churchyard wall. Turn right along the High with the hedge to the left and go through remains of the once landing place of the ferry The churchyard of St Mary the Virgin (at the Street and cross the junction of Bangor second gateway. Continue with the hedge start/end of the walk) contains a number of Road. Go past the Roman Catholic Church (GR 356413). on the left to meet the main road (A528) very ancient yew trees and is one of the Seven and the recreation ground. Look for a The path continues up and down and (GR 371402). Wonders of Wales. The earliest part of the church finger post on the other side of the road. 4 side to side as it nears the junction of Turn right and then immediately left is possibly of Norman construction, so the yew Take care in crossing the road (GR 369421). 8 trees at 1500-2000 years old predate the church. Shell Brook with the edge. Do not follow across the road to a hard track leading In 1992 Overton celebrated the 700th anniversary 2 Go through the gate. Looking right the path down the long staircase leading to Queens Bridge. Follow the track and of the granting of a Royal Charter to Overton there is a lych-gate leading to a small to the recently installed bridge over Shell at the right-hand bend bear left by the by Edward I in 1292 with a royal visit from the cemetery and the preserved remains of the Brook, which has replaced a series of telegraph pole, through some trees and present queen who planted a new yew tree. Chapel, which is part of the Bryn-y-pys wooden bridges which were regularly Most of the town was once owned by the Bryn- after crossing the stile bear left and head estate. Return to the path and continue washed away when the Dee flooded. for a gateway. Go straight on through the Instead leave the Maelor way and take the field to a stile to the left of a power line path on the left just before the staircase post. Cross the stile and bear left to a gate Route profile (GR 351411). and track. Go over the stile immediately 225 Walk along the footpath now following on your right and turn left. Follow the 150 5 the Shell Brook until it reaches the hedgerow to the corner of the field and 75 road at Bartons bank. Turn left. With care, over the stile to exit abruptly into Musley Height in feet 0 1 2 3 4 5 5.6 in single file walk left up the hill keeping Lane (GR378406). Length in miles left passing the drive to Knolton Hall and

18 19 Go left and follow the lane to return to 9 the main road. Turn right to return to Queens Head and Overton village and the car park. Montgomery Canal 9 2 Pat La-Garde

1 irections Grade Leisurely D Map OS Explorer™ Sheet 240 1 From the car park turn left and go Start point Car park opposite the Queens 50 m along the road to then take a road Head Public House – on the right for approximately 100 m to a Grid Ref SJ 339268 stile in the right hand hedge. Go diagonally 4 3 Distance 4.25 miles (6.84 km) left across the field to a stile in the corner

5 Total ascent 170 ft (52 m) approx then diagonally right across this next large

Duration 2.25 hours field towards a telegraph pole. Continue on

Terrain Good paths, fields, lanes and to reach a stile in the hedge on to a minor 9 canal towpath road. Turn left and continue for 50 m, then 6 Note: In wet weather, parts of this walk can take the road on the right beside a white be very muddy and dirty. cottage, this leads into a green lane further 7 on, continue to the end of the green lane This area sandwiched, as it is, between the and take a stile by small stream. Keeping the 8 Montgomery Canal and the Shrewsbury to hedge on the left go along the field edge to Wrexham railway line is characterised by farms, two further stiles either side of a ditch. Cross small villages and hamlets. It is a quiet area to get the next field slightly right to a stile at the away from the rush and turmoil of modern life. The Montgomery Canal has been unused and railway embankment (GR 345284). derelict for many years but is now being restored Taking extreme care, cross over the for cruising with around half of its 35 miles 2 railway line into a small copse, then now in water. Starting from its junction with the follow the path through to another stile and at Welsh Frankton, it meanders through the Welsh Marches to Newtown. The proceed along the field edge to a gate and section from Welsh Frankton to Maesbury Marsh stile. Turn immediately right over the stile is fully restored and open to cruising. on to the canal towpath. Follow the canal The canal is a true haven for wildlife and path south for approx 1 km until reaching tranquillity with a number of Sites of Special Bridge 74 over the canal with two properties Scientific Interest (SSSI) along the way. on the right-hand side (GR 351276).

Route profile

300 200 100 Height in feet 0 1 2 3 4 Length in miles Photo: Bridge over the Montgomery Canal / Ray Hadlow 20 21 Cross the bridge and road and take junction bear right and then at the white 3 a tarmac road straight ahead until house go up a small bank on the left to The ‘Monty’ – Maesbury Marsh, reaching Station Farm on the right-hand find a small gate and a stile. Cross the field Crickheath and Morton 10 side. After the end of the buildings take with the hedge on the right to a stile in the a stile alongside the gate on the right. corner. Go over and half left heading to a Bob Kimber Keeping the hedge on the right continue large tree and building at a large gate (this to a bridge in the corner of the field. Now field is often ploughed, just walk across to Grade Leisurely This walk is partly intended to show how go half left across the next field to a stile, the gate). Go through the gate onto a lane the ‘Monty’ (or, to give its official name, the Map OS Explorer™ Sheet 240 then straight on over to the next stile. Cross (GR 345263). , Start point Canal Central café – Grid Ref a small field to a bridge and double gates, Branch) is gradually being restored to Turn right and then follow the lane SJ 310249. On quiet days, and navigation. As you walk westwards, the first again go in a diagonal direction to two 5 350 m down to a junction. Turn right provided that you have the part of the canal is fully navigable; then there stiles in the far left-hand corner. Continue and follow the road back to the Queen’s prior agreement of the owners, is a section which is restored but not yet open up the next field with the hedge on the left Head. you may well be able to park to traffic. From Redwith Bridge almost to to find a stile in the hedge. From here go at Canal Central, otherwise, it Crickheath Wharf restoration is in progress and slightly left to a stile leading to concrete is a case of finding somewhere thereafter, if you follow the optional extended farm road (GR 349264). safe as near as possible to the walk, you can see the canal in its unrestored start. state. There are some information panels giving Continue straight on for 100 m to a 2 historical details about the canal and its use. Distance 4.6 miles (6.85 km) 4 gate and stile in to a farmyard. Turn With optional extension right up an enclosed farm track. At the 5.8 miles (8.8 km) Directions Total ascent 120 ft (37 m) approx, with 1 Access to the canal towpath is either optional extension 160 ft (50 m) through a gate from the café or via a

Duration 2.15 hours path dropping down from the lane beside

Terrain A canal-side walk, followed by the adjacent bridge over the canal, Bridge 3 lanes and field paths. The whole 80. Walk westwards along the towpath for of the towpath section of the 1 ml (1.6 km), passing Crofts Mill Bridge walk forms part of the Wat’s and then walk along the newly restored, Dyke Way. An optional extension but unopened, section to Redwith Bridge is described after the main route. (under the B4396) which is Bridge 83 Very level with few stiles (GR 301241). Note: Parking can be a problem and it is therefore suggested that this walk in not 2 To the south is the stark outline of the really suitable for large groups. Breidden Hills and, to the west, the southern end of the Oswestry Uplands from 1 Route profile

300 5 4 150 Height in feet 0 1 2 3 4 Length in miles

22 23 Llanymynech Rocks to Sweeney Mountain right of the farm buildings (poultry sheds) forms a prominent ridge. In addition to through a gate. Cut across the corner of the the two lifting bridges, those interested in yard, through another gate and turn right canals will have noted a couple of ‘winding onto the lane (GR 286236). holes’ (turning areas), one of which is in use. Follow the lane to the crossroads Continue along the towpath for 0.7 ml 4 with the B4396 (about 400 m) and (1.1 km), passing the restoration works, go straight over. Care is needed as this is until the bridge just before Crickheath a busy stretch of road. Continue straight Wharf (GR 292235). ahead through Morton until you reach the 3 Leave the towpath and go up the track next crossroads, about 0.6 m (GR 292246). on the left, through the gate, then turn Turn right down the lane towards Photo: Old Oswestry Hillfort / Ray Hadlow right and cross over the bridge to take the 5 Redwith. After 600 m a stile on the footpath going westwards through a gap left gives access to a short field path across at the farm end. Turn left to follow the pot of tea, with a tea cosy, and home-made in the hedge directly in front of you. Go to Morton Farm, there are two more stiles lane for almost 0.6 ml (1.0 km), passing scone or cake might be on the menu). through a small area of newly-planted trees Maesbury Hall. Shortly after the Hall, Optional extension at Point 3: and then across the field, where there could turn right into a small industrial estate Instead of leaving the towpath at (3), be sheep and hens, heading for the new – Maesbury Mill Industrial Park continue under the bridge and along the farm buildings – there are two gates in the (GR 303252). path beside the completely unrestored electric fences. The path comes out to the 6 The footpath follows the access road canal for about 0.75 km to reach a lane 6 towards the buildings and then turns at (7) – there are a couple of stiles on this off left alongside a wharf by a boat yard section. Turn left along the lane and take (which is on a private arm of the canal) the next turning on the left (signposted: 1 to join another lane through a gap in the Crickheath). Making sure you don’t miss 5 hedge. Turn right onto the lane, continue the very interesting old house at East Farm past the wharf, cross the canal at Croft Mill and bearing left at the junction just after Bridge and continue straight ahead until you the farm, follow this lane for about 0.7 ml reach a ford. Cross the River Morda via the (1.15 km) through Crickheath and back to 2 footbridge and walk along the road to reach the bridge at (3). Now follow the main Canal Central again (where a well-earned walk route from this point.

4 Make Canal Central your stop for: 3 • Tearoom • Shop • Broadplace • Accommodation Canal Central is located alongside the Montgomery canal in Maesbury Marsh, 2 miles 7 from Oswestry and 15 miles from Shrewsbury Maesbury Marsh, Oswestry SY10 8JG Tel 01691 652168 www.canalcentral.co.uk

24 25 is also a wooden electricity pole in the just Turn right here then in approximately Bausley Hill and the River Severn hedge ahead left (GR 315144). 50 m, take the first lane on the left (Little Dawn Milner and Graham Dean 11 Walk down the slope to the remnants Belan Lane). Just before the house at the 4 of a hedge that once edged a track bottom of the lane, at a gate, cross a stile on T junction with the B4393. Cross over the the left then keep straight ahead from the Grade Moderate and then up the field a wooden wicket gate road, turn left and walk for a few metres gate to pass the house just to the right and Map OS Explorer™ Sheet 240 approximately 18 m to the left of the top to a lane just before the Fir Tree pub. right-hand corner of the field. Through skirt round the old quarry. Pass through Start point The layby at Melverley Bridge some gated sheep pens (waymarked Severn – Grid Ref SJ 331158 Continue up the lane, round a right-hand the gate and turn left to follow the path bend and then a further 300 m to a stile by Way) (GR 319519). Distance 4.8 miles (7.7 km) by the fence at the top of the wood. The a metal gate on the left (GR 325153). Total ascent 670 ft (205 m) approx path gradually curves down through the Wander down to the river bank. Turn wood eventually arriving at a gate into an 6 right and follow waymarkers back to Duration 2.45 hours Go over the stile – Bausley Hill is now 2 old scrap yard. Leave the scrap yard by a the Melverley Bridge. Go under the bridge Terrain Paths, wood and riverside ahead. Go straight on and over two walk with hill top views, the stiles to a shallow brook with stiles either gate into a lane which leads to the Admiral and turn sharply right to gain the road and confluence of the Severn and side. Cross the stiles and brook, then climb Rodney pub (GR 311151). cross the bridge to the layby. the Vyrnwy and two pubs. up the steep field ahead to a bridleway Turn right into the road and continue waymark on the right at the entrance to a 5 back to Crew Green and the B4396. This walk takes you past the confluence of wood (GR 327149). the Severn, the longest river in Great Britain, and one of its tributaries, the Vyrnwy. On Go through the gate into the wood and Bausley Hill is a Roman encampment, and 3 turn immediately left to take the track barrows are scattered about the parish. to a grassy area at the top of Bausley Hill. Whilst in the area it’s worth diverting to take 6 This is marked with a bridleway waymark a look at the oldest church in Shropshire: St Peter’s Church, Melverley. This was founded post, there is also a telephone pole just to 1 in 1406 after the chieftain Owain Glyndwr the right. Good views here of Rodney’s burnt down the wooden chapel on the river Pillar and place for a coffee break. Now walk bank site in 1401. The church is a timber diagonally right for a few metres towards framed, wattle and daub, black and white Rodney’s Pillar to a small un-metalled construction and is pegged together without 2 a nail in the building. road. Continue along this road which skirts Kempster’s Hill for 0.85 miles (1350 m) until 5 a T junction with a bigger road. Turn right Directions and follow the road for just over 0.33 mile 3 Cross over Melverley Bridge and into (0.5 km) to a gate on the left. A finger post 1 Wales, continue along the road to the (without the finger) marks this path, there

Route profile 800 600 400 4 200 Height in feet 0 1 2 3 4 4.8 Length in miles

26 27 Cross over the lane and the path then Turn right along the road and then A Stroll around Melverley 4 go straight through five fields to reach 7 almost immediately left down a tarmac Dave Arden 12 the road (GR 325186). lane. A short way down take the stile on the Turn right and follow the road to a stile right, marked Severn Way, keeping close to 5 the left-hand hedge and after crossing the Grade Leisurely Directions on the right by a grey bungalow (Glen next stile, follow the signs over two more Map OS Explorer™ Sheet 240 Cross over the road from the car park Vista). Go straight across two fields to reach a 1 stiles and go left diagonally across the last Start point The layby at Melverley Bridge and follow the Severn Way along the road. Turn left and then right to pass Meadow field to reach the road by the Tontine Inn – Grid Ref SJ 330158 argae towards Melverley. At the far end of Farm, then a short way further to a wide (GR 334166). Distance 5.6 miles (9.0 km) the path turn left, enter the churchyard and bridleway on the left (GR 330178). Go straight ahead towards the Church Total ascent 136 ft (42 m) approx immediately turn right and exit through Follow the bridleway, turning left at 6 8 to pick up the path back to the car park. Duration 3 hours the small wicket gate (GR 333166). the bottom and continue to a stile Terrain Field paths, country lane, The path now goes along the top of on the right. After crossing this keep close bridleway 2 the argae to follow the meanders of to the left-hand hedge, cross over the the through gates or over 5 The walk starts by the River Severn but soon stiles. From this path there are good views of follows its tributary, the River Vyrnwy. The Rodney’s Pillar to the left and Llanymynech bridge over the River Severn was originally a railway bridge, rebuilt in 1948 to carry dolerite Hill and the Berwyns straight ahead. You 4 from Quarry and was used until may also see various water birds, buzzards 1959, when it became a road bridge. Melverley and perhaps a fox, as well as signs of badgers. 3 Church is an attractive and interesting old After about 2 miles you will reach a ruin 6 building as it is Shropshire’s only timber-framed called ‘The Shores’ (GR 317178). Parish Church, reputed to have been built at the beginning of the fifteenth century. The 3 Just before ‘The Shores’, cross the first first part of the walk is along argaes which are stile on the right and go straight across raised flood defences as the Severn and Vyrnwy the field towards the elbow of the hedge occasionally flood in Winter. Rodney’s Pillar where there is a clump of large trees. Cross is an obelisk on the Breidden Hills dedicated the stile, head diagonally across the field to to Admiral Rodney who fought at the Battle of Trafalgar with Lord Nelson. Llanymynech the gate and stile, then almost immediately Hill has a spectacular golf course, a Nature turn right through another gate and head 7 Reserve and also two quarries which are for the stile on the left. Cross the next field part of a restored Limeworks Heritage area heading towards two small white posts at Llanymynech and well worth a visit (see and the stile is located in the middle of the Blodwell Rock and Llanymynech Quarry walk). 2 hedge, just behind a clump of bushes. Cross footbridge and keep close to the hedge on 8 the field to a stile into a lane (GR 322122). the right to the stile in the corner. After crossing the stile keep straight ahead, Route profile 225 over the next footbridge, turning left 150 immediately, over the next stile and then turning right. Keeping close to the left- 75 hand hedge through two gateways, bear left Height in feet 0 1 2 3 4 5 5.6 after the second gateway to a stile by the 1 Length in miles road (GR 335170). 28 29 Rose Mount Drive, which is sharp left) and Turn right and go down the lane for Blodwel Rock and continue for 2 minutes until road swings 3 100 m and then take the lane on the Llanymynech Quarry 13 right and Primrose Lane comes in from the left (marked with a bridleway finger post). left. Take the track straight ahead up to and Continue along the track for 0.65 km Peter Carr through the kissing gate (GR 271225). (0.4 ml) to a confluence of lanes by a house From the kissing gate, turn hard right on the right. Head diagonally left through Grade Leisurely expand rapidly. The main uses of Llanymynech 2 and take the track through the trees the bushes to a gate into a field. Go through Map OS Explorer™ Sheet 240 limestone were in agriculture, building, making to follow the line of the back gardens to the gate and go down the field and then iron and steel and possibly lime-based ‘paints’. Start point Car park at end of Underhill bear left to skirt a fenced pond (there are Quarrying ended at Llanymynech in 1914, with arrive at a stile. Go over the stile and cross Lane (off the A483 at Pant) great crested newts in the pond). Just after Portland cement spelling the end for the lime the fields diagonally left to a hedge, then and signposted Nature Reserve industry. turn left and follow the hedge to a field the pond turn right and take the left-hand – Grid Ref SJ 271219 Many different orchids can be seen on the on the right enclosed by a barbed wire kissing gate into the woods. Go slightly left Distance 3.7 miles (5.95 km) quarry site and there is a pair of peregrine fence. Turn right and go through the hedge and follow the waymarked path through Total ascent 690 ft (210 m) approx falcons that nest on the quarry face. At least 34 line and continue up the field with the species of bird can be found on the heritage site Duration 2.15 hours barbed wire on the left. In 50 m go through including buzzards finches, goldcrest, nuthatch, Terrain Paths, wood, ridge and quarry 4 warblers, and woodpeckers. another hedge line, then in a further 50 m walk with extensive views over A diversion from the route during step 6 allows go through a third hedge line. Continue both the Tanat Valley and the the quarry workings to be explored. for another 50 m to a stile. Go over the Shropshire Plain stile and continue straight on to pick up a This walk takes in the ridge overlooking the muddy farm track, go along the track to a Tanat Valley then circles round to return via Directions Llanymynech Quarry. gate and stile. Cross the stile into a Go out of the top of the car park, and lane (GR 272229). 1 in a few metres, just before a gate, go Llanymynech has been an important settlement since a hill fort was established in the 10th right over a stream to pick up a distinct 3 Century BC. Offa’s Dyke passes through the bridleway. Keep straight on along the path village and mining in the area dates back to and continue on where the path turns into Roman times. Most of the industrial remains a private road going past modern houses. At 5 today are from 19th and 20th Century the end of the road turn left and head uphill 2 Limeworks. Much of the local rock outcrop on the hill above the village is the result of for approximately 5 minutes (going past a quarrying over the centuries. Canal and later small estate road on the left (The Meadows) rail transport allowed limestone quarrying until the road bears right with another and burning – to produce quicklime – to road forking left. Take the left fork (but not

Route profile 6 1 800 600 400 200 Height in feet 0 1 2 3 3.7 Length in miles

30 31 the woods (do not go down the bank). At a re-enter the woods and continue up the crossroad of paths, marked with waymarks, Offa’s Dyke Path to come out at the top end Llanarmon Mynydd Mawr turn right and follow the path as it weaves of the golf course (GR 261219). Peter Carr 14 through the woods to come out at some Go ahead 75 m round the edge of concrete steps – known locally as Jacob’s 6 the golf course and then turn right Grade Moderate origin, but was ‘restored’ to a 19th century design Ladder (GR 270237). to go though a gate to follow the Offa’s Map OS Explorer™ Sheet 255 by W.H Spaull of Oswestry in 1886. The church is still in use serving the scattered and sparsely Go up the steps and follow a clear path Dyke Path down though the woods. At the Start point Llanrhaeadr Ym Mochnant 4 populated with services twice a along the top of the bank (there are a kissing gates (Wales/England border) go – car parking area across and month. number of lookout points giving marvellous through and straight on to pass a restored just up from the Hand public 1st Sunday in the month – 11.15 am Morning house – Grid Ref SJ 125261 views over the Tanat Valley) until the path winding house and some of the quarry Prayer drops down steeply for a short distance into workings. There are wild orchids in the Distance 5.5 miles (8.85 km) 3rd Sunday in the month – 11.15am Holy a dip to join Offa’s Dyke Path (signposted grass below the quarry face and peregrine Total ascent 1330 ft (406 m) approx Communion with a finger post with an acorn on it) f alcons nest on the quarry wall. The path Duration 3.5 hours All are welcome. coming in from the right (GR 266227). passes along the top of some abandoned Terrain Good paths, fields, lanes and The church is normally open, but if not, the key can be obtained from the address advertised Go straight on up the other side of the lime kilns on the right. (50 m past the kilns rough tracks. A long ascent in the church porch. If you visit, please leave a 5 dip to follow the Offa’s Dyke Path to there is a path back to the right that allows followed by a descent and then lanes donation in the collecting box. come out on the edge of Llanymynech golf the bottom of the kilns to be viewed.) course. Turn right and continue to follow Continue past the top of the path to the This walk leaves from Llanrhaeadr on the waterfall road and very quickly takes to Directions the Offa’s Dyke Path skirting round the kilns to return to the gate at the start of the hills to the north to circle round to From the car park, head down the edge of the golf course. After 150 m, the walk. Llanarmon Mynydd Mawr and St Garmon’s 1 road past the Hand public house Church, before returning to Llanrhaeadr via and in a few metres, turn right up a small tracks, moorland and fields. road past the old school to intersect with the road to the waterfall. Turn right and The highlight of this walk is undoubtedly the continue on the road for approximately small church of St Garmon’s at Llanarmon Mynydd Mawr. Nestling among trees in its 3 minutes to the steep uphill driveway to quiet and remote location with a backdrop of Arllwyn on your right (there is a finger post hills, it is a place to sit and contemplate the in the hedge on the left marking the drive- surrounding views of the Tanat Valley, the way as a public footpath). Go up the drive circling buzzards (and if you are lucky, the red and through the gate into the woods, then kites), and in spring the gambolling lambs. continue on up the path through the wood The Church is thought to be of early medieval to the stile at the top (GR 122265).

Route profile 1600 1200 800 400 Height in feet 0 1 2 3 4 5 5.5 Length in miles Photo: Melverley Bridge / Ray Hadlow 32 33 Go over the stile and head slightly The church is normally open and is worth a a short way and then head across the field to a stile on the left (just before a bend in the 2 diagonally left over the rise in the field, visit – see notes above. to a stile in the hedge. Go straight ahead lane with farm buildings ahead right). Go then as you cross the rise, head for the stile From the church, continue to the across the field to a line of trees and then over the stile and keeping the fence/hedge just to the right of the gate. Cross the stile 5 gate ahead marked with a bridleway head diagonally right to a stile just ahead of to the right, go down through three fields and in approx 10 m cross a second stile into sign and go up the field keeping the a drive to a house (GR 123275). (crossing two stiles) to arrive at a stile on the another field. Head up the field with the rough boggy area just to your left to reach Cross the stile onto a tarmac lane right into woods (point 2 on the outward leg hedge on your left to the top of the field an informal stile (Note that the official 8 and turn left. Go along the lane for of the walk). Go down the track through (Hen Fache farm is to the right). Take the footpath is along the boggy area, but this approximately 250 m to a junction, 6 the woods reversing the outward route gate on the left and continue to head up the is virtually unusable). Cross the stile and then take the lane on the right. Go to the waterfall road. Turn left and go field, now with the hedge on the right, to a continue up the field with the track in a along the lane for along the road to return to the start stile onto a road (GR 124271). of the walk. dip just below. When the terrain permits, approximately 300 m ight Cross the stile (steep descent onto the regain the track and continue uphill to a 3 road), cross the road diagonally left to metal gate onto a moorland track. Keep on go over another stile up a steep bank into the track as it circles round the hill (to the a field. Go down the field with the hedge right) to another gate. Go through the gate on your right and at the bottom of the and keep along the track until you reach a field, turn left and continue along the field metal feed cage. Continue for a few more metres to a fence and turn left and go boundary to a stile in the corner. Cross the 7 stile and head steeply down the field with 20 m down to a gate. Do NOT go through 5 the trees on your left. At the bottom of the the gate, turn left onto a bridleway and field head left into the trees to a substantial continue downhill for 20 m to intersect a footbridge over the stream (GR 127275). substantial lane (GR 125288). 8 4 Go over the footbridge and up the 6 Turn left onto the lane and go down 4 field with the fence on the right for hill for approximately 10 minutes to approximately 50 m. Take the stile on the a gate with a small abandoned quarry on right and immediately cross the small the left. Go through the gate and continue 3 stream. Head diagonally left up the field downhill for approximately a further 10 to a stile in the top corner of the field. minutes to another gate by a small barn Cross the stile and another small stream, (converted to a dwelling) (GR 128279). then with the hedge on the left continue Go through the gate and after a few along the field edge to a gate. Go over the 7 metres, take the stile on the right. stile and continue along the field edge to Head diagonally left down the field and another gate ahead. Go through the gate go through the hedge line to continue 2 and follow a farm track up to a gate onto diagonally left down hill to reach the a tarmac lane. Turn right and go along substantial bridge crossed at step 4. Go over the lane to a T junction. Turn left and the bridge and then go right, over a stile 1 continue ahead going slightly up hill for and then immediately left to cross a second approximately 0.5 km to a T junction. Take stile. Go steeply uphill, diagonally right to the left turn and continue for a few metres a stile at the top. Cross the stile and skirt to the church (St Garmon’s) (GR 135279). the edge of the field round to the right for

34 35 road past the old school to intersect with to a gate which exits onto a broad track. Moel Hen-fache circuit the road to the waterfall. Turn right and Keep on the track for 0.75 miles Peter Carr 15 continue on the road for approximately (1.21 km), crossing stiles and going 3 minutes to the steep uphill driveway to through a number of gates on the way until Arllwyn on your right (there is a finger post you see a wood just ahead and to the right Grade Moderate of the River Disgynfa cascade 240 ft down a in the hedge on the left marking the drive where you will find a gateway (no gate) Map OS Explorer™ Sheet 255 mossy tree-flanked cliff and through a natural arch into a deep pool. There is a tea room way as a public footpath). Go up the drive with a way marker on the right-hand post. Start point Llanrhaeadr Ym Mochnant below the waterfall where one can sit and and through the gate into the woods, then Go through the gateway and keep the fence – car parking area across and enjoy the spectacular falls whilst partaking of continue on up the path through the wood on your right to reach a stile. Cross the stile just up from the Hand public refreshments. house – Grid Ref SJ 125261 to the stile at the top (GR 122265). and go along the field edge with a wood on St Dognan’s Church is in the centre of the the right and go past sheep pens to reach Distance 5.9 miles (9.49 km) village and is where, in the 16th century, the Go over the stile and turn left, keeping 2 a gate with an Access Land marker on the Total ascent 1275 ft (389 m) approx Reverend William Morgan completed the first the hedge on the left, cross three fields left-hand post (GR 109295). Duration 3.5 hours translation of the Bible into Welsh and in so and three stiles to exit onto a lane opposite doing did much to ensure the survival of the Terrain Good paths, fields, lanes, access farm buildings. Turn right and go along the Go through the gate and follow the language. William Morgan later went on to 5 land (moorland) and rough lane for 5 minutes to a T Junction, turn left broad track for approximately 10 become Bishop of and the Bishop of St minutes to a small bridleway marker located tracks. A long ascent followed Asaph. The church itself has had many changes and continue for 50 m to a path and stile by a descent and then lanes. and additions, the oldest part dating from the through the hedge on the left (GR 122274). to the left of the track. (If you go past a This walk leaves from Llanrhaeadr on the 13th century, is the nave and the north transept, (This may be slightly obscured by vegetation small and old quarry, you have gone too far, waterfall road and then does a circuit of the south transept was added in the 14th century. – look for the drain grid on the left of the the bridleway is about 200 m before this). Moel Hen-fache taking in access land at the The lower section of the tower is believed to be lane and the path is just by it). Take the bridleway across the moor heading top. The walk affords wonderful views of the Augustinian, with the upper section dating to th approximately south until the fence that Tanat Valley and the Berwyn Mountains the 18 century. The north porch and vestry Go over the stile and follow the hedge were added in the 19th century. 3 comes in from the right intersects with a Note: It is advised that this walk should round to the right to go through a In 1995, Llanraeadr was the location for the film fence ahead at a gate in the corner not be undertaken if visibility is poor or the gate (at the time of writing, this was very ‘An Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came (GR 106286). weather is bad as it takes in exposed open dilapidated and laying back against the Down a Mountain’ starring Hugh Grant. The hedge). Cross the field heading for a gate Go through the gate and follow moorland where navigation can be difficult. Plough Inn was one of the main locations and 6 the faint bridleway over the moor, today is a busy local pub offering meals and B&B. ahead and exit onto a lane. Turn right and This walk starts from the picturesque village after a few metres turn left up a driveway trending left and gradually downhill until of Llanrhaeadr Ym Mochnant in the heart of to Ty-Draw (there is a finger post marking you see a fence ahead and a fence coming Directions the Tanat Valley. Whilst essentially agricultural, this as a right of way). Follow the waymarks in from the left with a gate in the corner. the village attracts many visitors, being the From the car park, head down the through the grounds of Ty-Draw, keeping Head for the gate (GR 105283). gateway to Pistyll Rhaeadr, the highest waterfall 1 road passing the Hand public house in Wales (3 miles from the village). The waters the house to the right, to arrive at a stile Go through the gate onto a broad but and in a few metres, turn right up a small (GR 119275). 7 rough track and continue for 1.2 miles (1.93 km) to intersect a road (GR 114273). Route profile 4 Go over the stile and turn right to 1600 follow the hedge (hedge on right), 8 At the road turn left, then almost 1200 cross another stile and continue to follow immediately take the stile on the right 800 the hedge to reach a farm on the right. Go (marked with a finger post). Go down the 400 through the gate on the right immediately field with the fence to your left to a gate past the farm buildings, then immediately at the bottom of the field. Go through the Height in feet 0 1 2 3 4 5 5.63 go left through another gate. Turn right gate and down the field now with the hedge Length in miles and follow the hedge (hedge on the right) on your right, continue round the field

36 37 boundary to a stile in the bottom left-hand a small footbridge and go down the field corner of the field. Cross the stile and then with the hedge to the right to a stile at the Llangedwyn and Briw bottom (GR 116287). Pat La-Garde 16 Cross the stile onto the road (the road 9 irections to the waterfall) and turn left to follow Grade Moderate D 6 the road back to Llanrhaeadr and the start 5 Map OS Explorer™ Sheet 239 1 Leave the car park at Llangedwyn Mill of the walk. Start point Car park next to Llangedwyn and go right on the road for a few Mill (Craft Centre) – Grid Ref metres. Look for gate in the hedge near the SJ 185241 bridge and take the path diagonally left (the Distance 5.4 miles (8.7 km) figure post points wrongly, head directly Total ascent 990 ft (302 m) approx towards Llangedwyn Hall) through a gate

Duration 3.25 hours and across another field to Llangedwyn

Terrain Good paths, fields and woods village. Cross the road and take the 7 This walk leaves Llangedwyn and goes over driveway just right of the bus shelter fields to Llangedwyn Hall then up through leading to the rear of Llangedwyn Hall. woods and tracks to the small hamlet of Turn right behind the stable block and up Briw and then returns via lanes and fields to an incline for 100 m, then turn left into Llangedwyn. woodland and follow the bridleway (there There are spectacular views of the Tanat are a number of small jumps which are easy Valley and the Berwyn mountains. to get over) to the end of the woodland. Go through a dilapidated gate and straight The walk starts from Llangedwyn Mill, a group across the field to join a well defined path of buildings beside the which were going left into woodland (GR 193251). 4 formerly a pub, shop, mill and farm and have now been converted into a craft centre and a 2 Stay on the path and bear right at the 8 post office by the Antur Tanat Cain charity. junction, then go up the hill to another 3 The small parish of Llangedwyn centres on the path and bear left. Continue to where this Williams-Wynn estate of Llangedwyn Hall, a path turns left to go straight over the stile in listed building which has an important 18th the fence and keeping the hedge or fence on century formal terraced garden. The gardens are your right, go across the field to an opening occasionally open to the public via the National 9 Garden Scheme (Yellow Book). in the hedge and a stream. Continue up the field to large gate in the far corner

Route profile

1000 2 750 1 500 250 Height in feet 0 1 2 3 4 5 Length in miles

38 39 and almost immediately another gate on in front of you. After taking pictures, walk your left. Now head up to a gate into the on following the hedge on your right to a Trefonen to Craig Sychtyn Nature farmyard. Go through the farmyard to gate and on to pass a water trough. Turn reserve and back via the Mynydd Myfyr 17 exit onto a minor road (GR 178257). Note right again and head through another gate that occasionally there is a bull in the field on the skyline. Now go straight across the Helen Hunter-Hayes just below the farm, in these circumstances field to a gate and track, passing a property the farmer has no objection to a route being on the left-hand side. This will meet a Grade Moderate runs through the village and traces the route of the Dyke. taken below the farm (a field below where the minor road and the small hamlet of Briw Map OS Explorer™ Sheet 240 The walk also passes through Craig Sychtyn bull is) to exit via a gate onto the road below – continue on to the crossroad (GR 178265). Start point Chapel Green car park Nature Reserve, a carboniferous limestone rock. (opposite the church in the farm buildings. Go straight over and, on passing a lake Wildlife includes, green woodpecker, great Trefonen) – Grid Ref SJ 260267 Turn right onto the road and after 4 on the right, in 1.5 km turn right onto spotted woodpecker, buzzards, and rare plants Distance 6.0 miles (9.66 km) 3 200 m turn left onto another road that a track at the end of a double bend in the include the stinking iris (roast beef plant) and Total ascent 997 ft (295 m) approx the nettle leaved bellflower. will become a track leading to a gate and road. Follow this track into woodland and Duration 3 hours WOW!!!! the whole of the is after a short distance turn right onto a path Terrain Lanes, Offa’s Dyke Path, field and follow it downhill (GR 185254). Directions 4 tracks and heath 5 Descend to a larger track and a Warning – in wet weather this walk can be 1 Leave the car park and pass the Barley renovated cottage on the right. Cross a very muddy and slippery. Mow, turn right into Bellan Lane, small stream and look for a gate on the left passing the village shop/post office on the into a field. Keeping the hedge on the right Trefonen is today a small busy country village left, until the lane bends to the right. At continue along to a farm gate into a located approximately 3 miles from Oswestry. this point leave Bellan Lane and carry on paddock. Go ahead through the paddock, There is a pub – the Barley Mow and a shop. straight ahead along a track, over a stile and passing a farm (Pen-y-bryn) and down There are records that showed the village existed into a field (GR 257266). in 1272. The current village largely owes its the farm drive to reach the road. Turn existence to the mineral works in the 18th and You are now on the Offa’s Dyke Path left going downhill back to th 19 Century with the mining of coal and the 2 (marked with the sign of an acorn). Llangedywn, cross the road and 3 quarrying of limestone and associated pottery Go straight on with the hedge on the right return to the start over and brickworks. When mineral extraction and cross another stile. Bear slightly left and the footpath (used ceased, Trefonen returned once again to its go over the stone slab bridge over Trefonen 5 on the outward traditional rural roots of farming. Brook (it may be muddy), and then over leg) opposite. The Offa’s Dyke earthwork ran through the village and it is still visible today, in small the next stile. Continue to follow the Offa’s 2 sections, running adjacent to Chapel Lane. The Dyke Path straight ahead, going uphill walk follows part of the Offa’s Dyke Path which with an old hollow way on the left. You

Route profile

1000 750 500 1 Height in feet 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Length in miles

40 41 will pass two large trees, one of which is a hill to a T junction. Take care on this road Myfyr. Keeping the hedge to the right field. Head slightly right, half way up the small-leaved lime, which is indigenous to as the surface can be slippery in wet and cross the next stile into another field. Bear hedge to another stile, cross this and bear the Welsh border area. Continue to the next cold weather (GR 238255). slightly left and continue ahead, aiming for left heading to a gate and stile onto a lane stile and cross into a lane (GR 250262). At the T junction, ahead you will see the left of a field boundary visible ahead. (GR 244269). 6 You will now see the stile ahead. Cross and Still following Offa’s Dyke Path, leave some steps leading to a stile; cross the Turn right and walk along the lane a enter onto a road (GR 238267). 9 3 the stile, turn left and then almost stile and keeping the hedge on your right, short way to reach a stile on the left, immediately right to Canol farm and continue up the hill until you reach an 8 Cross the road, and cross the stile into take this into a field, and head for the farm continue on through the farmyard and old tree. Where the field boundary bears the field ahead, bear left, cross a plank track ahead. Turn left and continue on this through the gate along the track. Take the off to the right, continue left passing an bridge prior to crossing the stile. Now go track, through New Barns farmyard onto a stile on the right and continue uphill with old oak tree, then continue ahead on this slightly right to a stile in a hedge, continue road (GR 250269). path, which is signposted into the woods. the hedge on the right. At the marker post, to the next stile in a hedge but do not cross Turn right and after 50 m take a You will see a stile ahead – cross this stile 10 turn left and follow the track up to the stile, this stile, but instead turn right and cross a bridle path on the left, down between and enter the woods heading downhill on cross it and turn right. Continue to follow stile and stone slab over a stream. Climb up two hedges. At the bottom, turn left. This a visible trail. You will then reach another the Offa’s Dyke signs to the top of The the bank and continue straight ahead. The lane becomes Little London Road and at trail – turn right and continue up hill on Moelydd (GR245253). next stile in located in trees at the top right the end of this road, turn right into Bellan this larger path to reach a triangular patch, corner of the field. Cross the stile into a Lane. Walk along this road, passing where From the top there are wonderful views with a few very tall trees. Take the path 4 coppice (take care as this path can be wet), your track turned off earlier (point 2), and of Shropshire and the Welsh mountains. on the right heading for a wooden gate over a second stile and out into another re-trace your steps back to the start. Head south-east (140˚), downhill to re-join into the Craig Sychtyn Nature Reserve. the Offa’s Dyke Path after about 100 m, go Continue along the path, through the 8 between two large gateposts to join a wider reserve, keeping the fence on the left and path. At this point the Offa’s Dyke Path at the end of the reserve enter a lane, turn 10 turns left, but our route continues straight right and continue along the path for about 9 1 on downhill, with a hedge on the left. The 280 m to a stone slab with a metal rail over path soon broadens out onto a large track. this. Cross this into the field, and continue 2 Continue until you reach a corner of this ahead to a stile by the gate. Cross the stile field, ignore the stile off to the left and turn into a small lane (GR 233262). Along this sharp right and continue along this lower lane is a disused lime kiln, with a second one 3 path with the hedge on the left. At the end in front of the quarry in the next field. of this hedge you will come to a stile, with 7 Turn left and almost immediately find another stile ahead over a sunken track 7 a stile in the right hand hedge. Cross – cross both stiles. Now head slightly left this stile, turn right and walk north-west and head for a small metal gate by an old in front of some trees. At a clearing of tree. Take care as this crossing can be very 5 the coppice continue to the next coppice wet. Continue ahead with the hedge of this north, heading for a metal gate to the next field on your left and pass the white right of a stone cottage. At the gate, do not 4 house (Bronynant). Take the stile just past 6 go through the gate, but turn right and the house and head for the road continue up the field with the hedge to the (GR 240256). left to another metal gate in the corner of At the road, turn left and walk the field. Take the path straight ahead; you 5 downhill, through a ford and then up now have excellent views of the Mynydd 42 43 Join the Ramblers The Barley Mow Inn and Offa’s Dyke Brewery

Chapel Lane, Trefonen, Oswestry Telephone 01691 656889 [email protected] Limited Camping available Real ales Sky sports Pub opens Monday Tuesday 5pm 11pm Wednesday to Friday 12pm to 9pm Saturday 12pm to 2pm 5pm to 9pm Sunday 12pm to 4pm Food available Wednesday to Sunday For booking camping and food outside above times please By joining you will receive: call number above Photo: Ray Hadlow • Our award-winning quarterly magazine walk (rrp. £3.50), with inspiring walking or 07519894000 If you’ve enjoyed using this guide, why not features and information on gear and www.offasdykebrewery.com join the Ramblers? By joining you’ll be events • Fantastic savings on outdoor gear supporting the work of Britain’s biggest • Membership of a local walking group and charity for walkers. Our campaigns work the choice of over 500 free led-walks across town and countryside, protecting around the country each week – as well as Britain’s ancient network of public paths and numerous social activities and weekends championing access to wild and beautiful away; meeting like-minded people who places. We’re also one of Britain’s key love walking and making new friends. organisations promoting walking for health In return, your support will: and well-being. • Fund our campaigns for better access for Our historic campaigns have led to the walkers to the coastline, mountains, moors introduction of national parks and the and hills • Fund our vital work to protect footpaths GB-wide mapping of footpaths. Today we’re from closure as busy as ever standing up for the rights of • Add your voice to ours when we stand up everyone who walks. Please visit our website for walkers’ rights for more information about our campaigns: • Support our projects to help more www.ramblers.org.uk. people get walking for better health and well-being. We’re working on behalf of everyone who walks in England, Scotland & Wales; if you believe in our work, then please join us today and help us do even more. Visit www.ramblers.org.uk/join or call us on 020 7339 8500.

44 45 46 This series of books was born out of an idea to record some of our members’ favourite walks for posterity. The result is the walks described here. They are between 4 and 6 miles long and vary in grade from leisurely/relatively flat walks to moderate/strenuous hill walks. We hope the book is of interest to both residents and visitors.

Peter Carr – Editor Oswestry Group of the Ramblers

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