The Stiperstones area is one of Shropshire’s most distinctive and striking landscapes. The long ridge – which is the westernmost of the five main ranges of the Shropshire Hills – is noted for its jagged tors, the remnants of a quartzite ridge, which can be spotted on the skyline from afar. On a fine day the views are superb. Much of this walk follows the well marked Shropshire Way, a super route around the Shropshire Hills AONB, which also provides an excellent set of day walks. From Bishop’s Castle, a ‘Walkers are Welcome Town’, catch the bus to the start and enjoy this splendid walk back.
Having alighted at Plox Green, there should be a connecting bus to Snailbeach. But if not, it’s just a mile up the road.
[1] Follow the path alongside the lane signed for Lordshill, which is opposite the parking area by the village hall. You’ll rejoin the lane a little further up.
(A) Here you’ll see the very obvious remains of the Snailbeach lead mine, which was the largest and most successful of the mines in the Stiperstones and Hope Valley area. It was a hive of activity at the peak of production in the 19th century, with over 500 men employed and up to 3,000 tonnes of lead ore mined each year from depths of up to 500m.
Continue up the lane. Having emerged from the trees, follow it as it curves right and heads down towards a chapel on the right.
[2] Go through a gate to enter an area known as The Hollies on account of the ancient holly trees around here. Now on a bridleway continue ahead, keeping right at the first fork. Further on keep to the main track, ignoring two bridleways off to the left. The way is now straightforward as you follow a wide track along the broad open ridge, with fine views in all directions. An information panel marks the point where you enter the Stiperstones National Nature Reserve. On the left a couple of old cottages are being restored by Natural England. Climbing gently up you’ll soon spot the tors in the distance.
The most notable of them is the Devil’s Chair; while the highest, topped by a trig point, is Manstone Rock (536m/1,760ft).
Beyond here continue along the ridge on a narrower path through the heather, past other tors, and descend to meet a lane.
[3] You’re now on the Shropshire Way and only need to follow the waymarks from here onwards back to Bishop’s Castle. Cross the road and continue ahead.
It’s a short (signed) detour down to the Bog Visitor Centre on your right – well worth a visit.
Having passed Nipstone Rock, The Way descends to cross a small valley and then climbs up again onto Linley Hill, passing a fine avenue of beeches on the descent and then heading along the lane to Linley.
[4] The last stage of the walk from Linley takes you past a Norman motte and bailey near the hamlet of More, to then pass through Lydham, along a small section of the A488 and then up and over the hill down to Bishop’s Castle, following the Shropshire Way all the while.