My brother-in-law, Andy and I were able to escape for the weekend and our destination was to be the Shropshire Hills. I had never been there before or even driven in the area. The “Navigator” had confirmed we should enjoy the walking and I had also been in touch with Andy Howell of the blog “Must be this Way” for ideas.
We had considered a backpacking weekend but the weather, especially for Sunday was not looking good and so we decided to book a base camp and have two separate walks. Our first choice for a camp site was a small one in Little Stretton but was fully booked. The second choice which turned out to be a winner was Brook House Farm a few miles east of Church Stretton on the B4371.
Saturday’s walk was pinched from Walking Britain route 3048 and would take in The Lawley and Caer Caradog.
We parked in Carding Mill Valley and then walked through the town of Church Stretton crossing the A49 to find a path which skirted Caer Caradog which led up onto The Wilderness.
We kept on the ridge and then onto Enchmarsh where we took a by way up to and along Hoars Edge which led to a minor road and the north side of The Lawley. We stopped for lunch here before climbing steadily to the top of the hill which gave extensive views of the Shropshire countryside.
Looking toward the summit of The Lawley
Views north and west
Looking west
Caer Caradog the next hill
Summit sculpture on the The Lawley
Our next objective was Caer Caradog which meant a descent of the The Lawley and then a climb up to the summit of Caer Caradog. Again good views of the countryside. Following a coffee break we made our last descent and walked back to the car in Carding Mill.
The start of Caer Caradog
Outcrops on Caer Caradog
Three Fingers Rock (?)
We found the camp site which was nice and flat and with just a few tents and camping vans in situ.
Glamping
With our tents soon pitched we ate a hearty meal before retiring to the local pub for a few glasses of very tasty beer.
During the night the forecast rain poured down. We had already decided that we would walk on Sunday no matter what the weather.
Sunday’s walk follows.
bobsoutdoors 