Earl's and Pontesford Hills from near Pontesbury

Shropshire Hills Walk

Hill Walk + Great Views

Walk Route Description

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This short but rewarding walk starts near Pontesbury and explores the twin summits of Pontesford and Earl's Hills. Both hills have earthworks of former hill forts, chosen because of the extensive views. To the north lie the Cheshire Plains, to the southwest are the rocky outlines of the Stiperstones, looking southeast the Long Mynd and associated hills fill the skyline whilst to the west the Welsh mountains can be seen with good visibility. Earl's Hill is the highest and southernmost portion of Pontesford Hill. The hill slopes very steeply to east and west, steeply to the north with an easier slope at the extreme south end.

The walk starts from the small parking area for the Earl's Hill Nature Reserve (grid ref. SJ409057). After parking pass between bollards and walk up the main track which curves right. After 350 metres turn left up steps signed to 'the summit'. The steep path heads over Pontesford Hill and continues up to the OS trig column on Earl's Hill. Allow time to enjoy the glorious views.

To continue, maintain direction and descend quite steeply on the clear path heading southwest. Reaching a stile at the bottom (grid ref. SJ406043), turn left and follow a bridleway across the eastern flank of Earl’s Hill. The onward route passes through woodland with a brief section across fields before returning to the start.

Walk GradingMore Shropshire Hills Walks

Other walks nearby

Walk 1832	The Hollies & Poles Coppice from near Habberley	easy/mod	5.0 miles
Walk 3529	Stiperstones from Snailbeach	easy/mod	7.0 miles
Walk 1871	The Stiperstones from Snailbeach	moderate	7.0 miles
Walk 1844	The Portway & Betchcott Hill from Picklescott	easy/mod	5.0 miles
Walk 1072	Stiperstones low level circular from Stiperstones Inn	easy	4.0 miles