Breidden Hills (Rodney's Pillar) and Middletown Hill

Jim Grindle

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The Breidden Hills rise abruptly out of the Severn Plain and are most often viewed by walkers on Offa's Dyke National Trail. They are very dramatic in form and any ascent is steep, but their isolation make them among the most rewarding viewpoints that you could find. On the other hand the going underfoot is easy with two notable, if short, sections on the route that I have chosen. The nearest town is Welshpool in Powys but the walk wanders happily in and out of south Shropshire. In recent years extensive signposting and footpath work by both authorities has made life much easier for walkers, but the walk is characterised by a number of short, steep climbs.

Wales - Mid Wales - Powys - Countryside

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Butterflies, Church, Flowers, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Pub, Wildlife, Woodland

10/19/2015 - Graham Brookes

5 stars around Rodney's Pillar as area is completely open with good access for dogs. However route from the White House W of Middletown Hill has step stiles that require dogs to be carried in order to cross.

10/19/2015 - Graham Brookes

A pleasant walk with excellent views into Wales and Shropshire. Some overgrown paths to south of Rodney's Pillar and start of Middletown Hill. Careful navigation needed to S of Rodney's Pillar due to this especially as path junctions do not appear to be accurate compared to GPS on Viewranger 1:25,000 OS mapping.

1/28/2012 - Ian Griffiths

An enjoyable walk, quite taxing in places. Be wary aroung WP9 to 11 - when I was there the forestry works had made quite a mess of the paths with their big machinery, which made life a little more difficult. Stick at it though, as the directions will get you there. If (like me) you dawdle too much taking photos on a winter afternoon and sunset starts closing in, you can shorten the route by turning left at WP 19 and follow the footpath steeply down off the hill. From the bottom, you can cross the road to go through a farm (footpath shown on the map) and across the field at the end to the right hand corner until you reach a stream. Head across and through the gate, following the path back up the hill and you will quickly find yourself back at WP4, where you can take an easy walk back down to the car park. Suited me!

6/24/2011 - Ian Cross

Excellent views and a very interesting walk. Be careful between 12 and 13 - the path veers right at one point where another goes straight on. Just choose the one that gets down quickest. Also at 28 the style isn't easy to see - start looking immediately after 27. The owner of the Admiral Rodney is very obliging and will provide packed lunches, or for groups of 10, full breakfast (if booked in advance, of course).