Church Stretton - Caer Caradoc - Hope Bowdler Hill

Sam Roebuck

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The walk starts in the picturesque town of Church Stretton, nestling deep in the Shropshire Hills below the Long Mynd. On the opposite side of the valley from the Long Mynd are a row of hills, the highest and most distinctive of which is Caer Caradoc.

Once home to an Iron Age hill-fort, Caer Caradoc is a popular destination for walkers, but you will find that most take the gentler route, up the back of the hill. No such luxury for us, though. We take the harder option and climb steeply up to the ridge from the Church Stretton end of the hill. Whilst this is undeniably much tougher, it has a number of advantages. Firstly, we avoid the crowds. Secondly, we walk the full length of the hill, so the views are with us all the way. Lastly, it gives us the opportunity to visit the unusual rock formation Three Fingers Rock.

Once at the very summit of Caer Caradoc, look across the opposite valley and you will see our next destination - the triple peak of Hope Bowdler Hill. After a relatively easy descent of Caer Caradoc, we cross the valley to start a straightforward ascent of Hope Bowdler Hill.

Hope Bowdler Hill is a real pleasure to walk and at its end is the impressive Gaer Stone, marking the start of our descent into Church Stretton.

Walk 3692 is a shorter version of this one, leaving out Hope Bowdler Hill.

Dog-walkers please note the possible presence of sheep and many a dog-unfriendly stile.

England - Central England - Shropshire - Shropshire Hills

Features

Birds, Cafe, Food Shop, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Public Transport

9/5/2024 - Sarah Green

What a lovely walk! We were in the mist on top of Caer Caradoc but this added to the mysterious feel of the fort! There seemed to be plenty of paths up to the Three Fingers Rock but the directions were clear and well waymarked. Worth a left turn at point 22 to see the Battle Stones on Hope Bowdler Hill. Loved the 3 ridges and the Gaer rock with stunning views all the way round. Thoroughly enjoyed this walk despite the howling wind and low cloud! Thank-you.