Walk 2745 - Betchcott Hills & Pole Bank from Bridges

      
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This walk explores the valleys and hills on the western flanks of the Long Mynd. Quieter than the other side of this range of rounded hills, all the paths are easily followed and, except when low cloud is lying on the high ground, there should be no problems with navigation. The start is the hamlet of Bridges (Grid ref SO393964) where there is limited parking on the road to Overs. The Horseshoe Inn has a parking area for customers and you are requested not to abuse this.

      
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After parking follow the lane eastwards past the Youth Hostel. After a short way take the first signed path on your left. This is the Shropshire Way and it proceeds through woodland with Darnford Brook on your right. The way ahead is clear and easy to follow. Reaching a track at Ratlinghope (Grid ref. SO401970), go straight across the track and follow the path through a landscaped garden. You soon enter open fields and ahead you can see the main ridge that will shortly be followed towards Pole Bank.

Nearing Lower Darnford care is needed to keep on route. Follow the Shropshire Way as it trends away from the farm. Then go right at the next signpost still following the Shropshire Way. This leads you along a clear path to climb a short ridge before heading up Golden Valley to reach the main ridge track (Grid ref SO420985). Turn right here and stay with the main track (The Port Way) as it undulates along the ridge crossing near the summit of Betchcott Hill and then crossing the flank of Henley Nap to reach a road (Grid ref. SO435966).

Turn right along this road. When the road bears right continue straight ahead on a clear, wide path. Ignore paths going left and right, and follow the main path to reach a road near a small parking area (Grid ref SO420952). Go straight across and follow the well maintained path all the way to the summit of Pole Bank (grid ref. SO415944). At 516 metres above sea level this is the highest point on the Long Mynd. As might be expected the views are good especially to the west and there is an orientation table pointing out the highlights.

After enjoying the view retrace your steps. Ignore the first wide track going left and continue a short way further on and locate the path junction signed “Priory Cottage” (SO418948). Turn left down this with the fence on your left. The views ahead to the Stiperstones are good and you can make good progress downhill. Joining a track continue ahead passing through a gate just before Priory Cottage (Grid ref. SO403954). Continue down the track descending to Coates Farm where you turn right on the lane. Follow this quiet lane down through the hamlet of Overs to reach the start.

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 Explorer	1:25,000	Sheet 217
	OS Landranger	1:50,000	Sheet 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.

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