Church Stretton - Pole Bank - Carding Mill Valley

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. After walking through the town we enter the green area known as Rectory Fields. We drop through this lovely wooded area to the bottom of the Town Brook Valley, which is one of the more moderate ascents of the Long Mynd and also one of the most picturesque.

Once atop the Long Mynd, we cross the moorland to meet the Shropshire Way at the highest point, Pole Bank. As you can imagine, the views from here make the climb worthwhile. After walking a short distance along the Long Mynd (using the Shropshire Way), our descent to Carding Mill Valley is by the lesser-used route which takes in the little waterfall of Light Spout. This can either be an impressive torrent, or a disappointing trickle - depending on recent rainfall.

Carding Mill Valley is owned by the National Trust and you will find a pleasant café at the bottom, before crossing back to Church Stretton.

Dog-walkers will be pleased to note the absence of stiles. The route is, on the whole, quite dog-friendly.

England - Central England - Shropshire - Shropshire Hills

Features

Birds, Cafe, Church, Food Shop, Gift Shop, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Moor, National Trust, Pub, Public Transport

9/27/2019 - Amanda Delaney

We did this lovely walk in late September. There was a little confusion regarding waypoint 5 - when you get to the wood, there are two gates - one into the woods and one to the left ( which looks as though it is always open) go through this into a field and then keeping the woods to your right walk up and around them until you get to the gate at waypoint 6. The views at Pole Bank are worth the short diversion even on a cloudy day - absolutely stunning The footpath in Carding valley is a little difficult if you are a little less steady on your feet - rocky! If the cafe in Carding Valley is busy, then there are plenty of places to eat in Church Stretton. We ate in the Hollybush Cafe which you pass as you come into the village at waypoint 21 - doggy friendly, lovely staff and a chip butty to die for (just what you need after a long walk!)

7/6/2014 - Steve Moore

Great walk, easy to follow and some great views

8/14/2012 - Michael Corfield

Thoroughly enjoyed this walk on a rare sunny August day (2012). Instructions are very clear and easy to follow. Lovely valleys and great views. If you don't want to use the Station car park, there is an excellent one, with toilets, on Lutwyche Road - it is small but hardly used (£3 per full day). Best picnic place - anywhere between waypoints 14 and 17 (Pole Bank gets very busy). The stone steps at waypoint 16 do look very steep, but in fact are quite easy when you start to descend them.

9/30/2010 - Robert Corden

A very nice walk, reminded me of the Lake District at times, although I was shocked at the 'sight' that greeted me when I arrived at the steps by Light Spout Waterfall ( A long way down).I did find the instructions confusing at WP1, as I continued to the end of the service rd, and turned right I arrived at 'the' junction, it was the wrong one. It should say 'continue to the end of the service rd, bear left and continue for 250m to a crossroads.

2/10/2008 - Kevin Mulligan

Great walk & spectacular views.