*CANCELLED* Stiperstones & Snailbeach Mine
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The rugged ridge of the Stiperstones runs for 6 miles through south Shropshire. The hills are steeped in legend and rich in human history with cairns and a bronze age burial chamber as well as a history of lead mining running from Roman times right up until the 1950s. Now, though, the area is mostly given over to nature reserve in an effort to preserve the range of important habitats and in late summer the tors will contrast dramatically with the sea of purple heather surrounding them.
From our meeting point we'll walk up to the ridge and the rocky outcrops of Manstone Rock and the Devil's Chair. From here, at over 500m above sea level, there are fantastic views of much of Shropshire, down to Worcestershire and across into Wales.
We'll continue on to the small village of Snailbeach, once home to one of the largest lead mines in the country. Many of the former mine buildings have been preserved and there's a visitors centre with information. The mine shafts themselves are not open on the Saturday however we can explore the site on foot. Afterwards the walk takes us lower down the hillside to return to our start point for tea and homemade cake at the delightfully named Bog.
Getting there & parking
Parking at our meeting point is free (or rather donations are voluntary). If you're driving please consider offering others a lift so we don't swamp the car park.
You can, amazingly, also get there by public transport and it's a wonderfully scenic ride well worth a look; take the train to Church Stretton then the Shropshire Hills Shuttle bus to The Bog, arriving 10.27. We will wait for you if you're coming by bus.
Image Credits:
Compressor House and Boiler House Chimney, Snailbeach cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Stephen Richards - geograph.org.uk/p/6033321
What to bring
Due to the rocky path, I'd recommend sturdy walking boots with ankle support. Please also bring along a waterproof jacket, whatever the forecast, as the weather can change quickly.
Water: bring at least two litres
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking, trainers are OK if the ground is dry and there’s little chance of rain
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: bring a packed lunch unless otherwise stated
Food & drink
You'll need a packed lunch plus plenty to drink for the day. There are no shops here.
After the walk we'll go for home-baked cakes and tea in the former Victorian schoolhouse.