walkingbritain banner
spacer



Walk 1097 - Caer Caradoc from Church Stretton

  

Region   Shropshire Hills AONB
County/Area   Shropshire
AuthorLou Johnson
Length3.5 miles / 5.7 km
Ascent960 feet / 291 metres
Gradeeasy/moderate
Startgrid reference SO466954

Photo from the walk - Caer Caradoc from Church Stretton Photo from the walk - Caer Caradoc from Church Stretton Photo from the walk - Caer Caradoc from Church Stretton 
Click thumbnails for larger images.

This appears to be a walk without challenge yet the ascent of this hill is steep hence its grading of "easy to moderate". The reward for your efforts is some excellent exercise and wonderful views to the Long Mynd. In addition the hill is full of history with its natural ramparts being used by iron age man and the Romans as an ideal fort.

The start is the lay-by (Grid ref. SO 466954) on the eastern side of the A49 Shrewsbury to Ludlow road about a mile north of the main road junction in the town centre. From this lay-by head north along the grass verge with Caer Caradoc rising steeply on your right to reach a signed footpath going right across a field and into a wood. You are soon through the wood and crossing further pasture you climb steadily to reach a stile. Take note of this spot as you will return here at the end of the route.

Cross this stile and turn left along the footpath that contours north along the flank of caer Caradoc. After approximately half a mile look out for a rising path forking right. Take this and climb more steeply to the col between Caer Caradoc and Little Caradoc. Turn right to climb more steeply onto the summit of Caer Caradoc. The summit provides superb views - west across the valley to the Long Mynd, southeast to Hope Bowder Hill and northeast to the Lawley and the Wrekin.

Leave the summit rocks and follow the ridge south and then southwest to reach Three Fingers Rock, which is well known feature of this hill. Shortly after this outcrop the path drops steeply to reach a stile. Do not clamber over, instead turning right to follow a footpath that contours around Caer Caradoc to reach the point detailed above. Turn left over the stile and descend across pastures and through the wood to regain the starting point.

Suggested Maps

It is recommended you take a map with you when following a walk route. The preferred scale is 1:25000 used by the Explorer series.

OS Explorer1:25,000Sheet 217
OS Landranger1:50,000Sheet 137

Note : If two maps are listed at the same scale then either (a) both are required for full coverage of the route or (b) the route is covered on both maps.

Secret Hills Walking, Church Stretton - Shropshire
Walking Tours - 1 miles / 2 km away

Shuttocks Wood, Norbury, Bishops Castle - Shropshire
Bed & Breakfast - 9 miles / 15 km away

Walkherefordshire.com, Herefordshire - Herefordshire
Walking Tours - 22 miles / 36 km away

Self Catering Directory
A wide range of properties throughout UK & Europe

Walks & Peaks Bedsearcher
Search, choose and book your accommodation online.

Hostelbookers - Hostels in England, Scotland and Wales

 


SITE NEWS

Merrell Chameleon
This gear review puts these Chameleon shoes through their paces. A robust and secure hiking shoe, they offer a lot of protection from uneven terrain and from the elements.
More info.

Merrell Boots
Every walker needs comfortable boots. These new boots from Merrell provide great support and are suitable for both sexes.
More info.


 

spacer
Copyright © 1999 - 2008 Walking Britain. All rights reserved.