Walk 3395 - The Stiperstones Ridge from the Knolls

      
Click thumbnails for larger images.

This walk includes the majority of the main path that runs the length of Stiperstones Ridge. Rising to 536 metres, the quartzite outcrops that are characteristic of this Shropshire hill offer excellent vantage points for views across the surrounding countryside including the Long Mynd, Corndon Hill and mid-Wales. The rugged nature of this the second highest hill in Shropshire adds scenic interest to upland heather moors that cover the high ground of the ridge. The Stiperstones Ridge is a National Nature Reserve and lies within the Shropshire Hill AONB.

      
Click thumbnails for larger images.

The start for this walk is the Knolls Car Park (grid ref SO369976). Here an information board illustrates the geology and wildlife of the Stiperstones. Do not go through the gate leading directly to the Stiperstones but instead exit the car park at its northern end and follow the bridleway. This leads through Gatten Plantation to reach a junction of tracks above the Hollies (grid ref SO376991). Go straight across here and ignore the left fork a few metres further on. At the next junction (Grid ref. SO378994) bear left and then continue ahead following a path (not marked as a right of way on OS maps) that rises slowly across the hillside. Some route finding may be necessary on this section although the path was generally clear on the ground when this walk was researched.

Joining a bridleway (Grid ref. SJ379001), follow this north with pleasant views opening up ahead as it contours around the northern end of the Stiperstones Ridge. At a junction of tracks (Grid ref. SJ380011) bear left and start to climb above Blakemore Gate. At the next junction bear left and start to climb more energetically. This path climbs steadily towards the Shepherd’s Rock and continues on the main ridge path climbing gently towards the Devil’s Chair and Manstone Rock.

The views are now superb. On your right you are able to see the deep steep-sided valleys that cut into the ridge. Further afield the views extend into mid-Wales. The path becomes quite rocky underfoot and progress slows. However you soon arrive at Manstone Rock with its concrete trig column. This is the highest point on the ridge (536 m). Staying with the main ridge path you start to descend with the option of making a short diversion to the Cranberry Rock. Soon the path reaches the Knolls car park and the end of the walk.

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 216
	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.

Shuttocks Wood, Norbury, Bishops Castle
Bed & Breakfast - 3.3 miles / 5.3 km away

Secret Hills Walking, Church Stretton
Walking Tours - 5.8 miles / 9.3 km away

Lyth Hill House, Lyth Hill, Shrewsbury
Bed & Breakfast - 8.5 miles / 13.6 km away

The White Horse Inn, Clun
Hotel - 11.3 miles / 18.1 km away

The Cross Keys, Llanymynech
Where to Stay Directory - 16.0 miles / 25.5 km away

Broome Park Farm B & B, Cleobury Mortimer
Bed & Breakfast - 22.6 miles / 36.1 km away

Walkherefordshire.com, Herefordshire
Walking Tours - 25.9 miles / 41.5 km away

LLangollen Steam Railway, Llangollen
Steam Railway - 29.5 miles / 47.3 km away

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

NOTE - all distances are "as the crow flies"