I had five days all to myself between visiting relatives in Birmingham and heading to the Snowdonia National Park in Wales for the Annual 1000 Metre Mountain Marathon. No dear readers, I will not be racing in those hills, simply volunteering on the highest mountain with the hikers I met in Nepal. Like so much of our travels in the East, there was no plan for this gap.
Church Stretton – a town of many churches.
Old post and beam buildings carefully renovated in keeping with the old ways.
Colourful old homes on the street edge bringing homes closer into village life.
After pondering the map, quizzing strangers for recommendations and a few google searches, I decided to come to a wee town in the hills of Shropshire, Church Stretton. I didn’t want to travel too far from Birmingham as I will hitch a ride in this area to Snowdonia. I booked the last room in the town in the Victoria House B&B, a very lovely place with a garden view, next to a charming old church that is tolling a symphony on its bells as I write. The decor is filled with antiques, fine curtains and a plushy warm robe, tea, coffee, cookies and a small crystal decanter of liquor in my room and a delicious, generous breakfast! Plus I can come and go as I like and do not have to vacate my room during the day. This way I can get back to work and edit photos.
The trail descends from Long Mynd down the deep valley to Church Stretton.
The breath taking views are in every direction – a true Hobbit Shire.
Shropshire is a series of hills that have been heaved up from under the sea millions of years ago. It is a geological wonder of fossils, and boasts the greatest variety of rock formations in the UK and was once home and travel paths of early Neolithic man and woman. The hills today are home to sheep and Exmoor ponies, an extensive network of walking, equestrian and cycling trails, much of which are protected by the National Trust. Walking these hills is one of Church Stretton’s biggest attractions. The town and area has been declared an official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
How beautiful and peaceful it was to walk up to these gentle beasts.
This bad boy, Number 5 and friend followed my on the trail giving me the look – out of my way!
See, there they are, #5 and his girl, right behind me!
Naturally, I wrapped up my toes in their rubber caps and bandages and donned my hiking shoes for the first time since Nepal and poured over several trail maps and selected the Pole Bank Trail. This trail starts off just out my back door behind the church. It is six miles up and into deep hill country, graded as a moderate excursion taking 3 1/2 hours. I started at noon and came home by six! Obviously the guide did not take excessive photography and lunch into consideration.
Did I wander in Fanghorn Forest? Tree Giants with eyes peering down on me.
Bark so smooth and roots clutching the steep cliff like long toes ready to walk away.
The trail took me through the Rectory Woods with their massive trees and followed a babbling brook leading me on a considerable ascent in deep gullies, cresting on top of a grassy, heather clad moor called Long Mynd (mountain). Alone with sheep, ponies and the wind for the most part, I felt on top of the world and could see for 70 miles in most directions. Walking under the green hills did make me think of JRR Tolkien’s inspiration of the Shire. I am sure he had walked in these hills (I later found out that he actually lived in these hills!). I rewarded myself with chocolate brownie cookies at Pole Bank (altitude 1700 feet), the highest point on the trail. My toes did protest on the rather steep descent into the pretty Carding Mill Valley. My stomach did celebrate with a late lunch of delicious pureed spicy parsnip soup.
Don’t be too hasty to complete this trail too fast – so much beauty to take in.
Church Stretton has been recognized officially as a “Town That Welcomes Walkers”.
Miss Mary at the highest point of Long Mynd (1700 feet) with views for miles around.
My walk returned me to the peaceful Rectory Woods steps away from my cosy room, a cup of herbal tea and dark chocolate with the afternoon sun beaming on my bed. If my delicate toes can stand being imprisoned in my hiking shoes again tomorrow, I will explore yet another hill walk just outside my door. Church Stretton in Shropshire was definitely a great place to land for a few days.
A Hermit’s retreat in the Rectory Wood?
If you’re roaming in Britain, get out your map and find your way here!
Where: Church Stretton, Shopshire (45 km south west of Birmingham)
Accommodation: Victoria House Bed and Breakfast.
Email: victoriahouse@fsmail.net
Phone: 01694 723823
Getting There: Train – Birmingham to Church Stretton, or drive route A49
I am glad to hear that your hike was a lot easier that K2 but by now you have hiked enough that your adventure was little more than a pleasant stroll. 😉
Great pictures. We will have to wander through there some day as it looks so pretty.
Glad to hear everything else is going well.
Bye for now Jim and Maria.
All looks simply idyllic, mind those gentle horse beasts they can bite ! # 5 liked your jumper! oh lovely trees nice photos girl!
x matt
Hi Mary
The shots you have taken of the hills are spectacular – makes me want to get up there and explore them myself! I’m glad you are having a great time.
Diane x