Exploring South Shropshire

The weekend event started in traditional fashion with a get together in a pub for a feast - at The Station Inn at Marshbrook - and the following morning the 30 members and friends gathered again in Carding Mill Valley.

The main group left in perfect walking weather for a 6+ mile walk that was new to everyone. It started with a scramble up the exposed rock of The Pike, and then, by a slightly easier path, up to the Portway via Haddon Hill, with fine views in all directions, including across to Peter's reservoir (Hatchholt) earlier. Mechanical problems with the shuttle bus meant that others couldn't meet up with the main group as planned but the walk continued up to Pole Bank before returning to Carding Mill via Yearlet. Tea in the back room of the Chalet Pavilion was followed by a fascinating talk, 50 Years on the Long Mynd, from Peter Carty of the National Trust, which gave us a very interesting insight into how the NT (and others) look after the Mynd.

We all met again that evening for a good meal at the Green Dragon in Little Stretton. Sunday morning saw us at Forge Bridge ready to meet our two Natural England guides who each led a group along Downton Gorge, giving us a real feel for the locations of The Secret of the Gorge, as well as much information about the history of the area and its natural environment - it's a National Nature Reserve, only open for pre-booked tours at limited times of the year.

Our morning was not without its own adventures, but we finished with a delicious BBQ lunch nearby at the renowned Old Downton Lodge - still in glorious sunshine.