The Burway Loop - a walk to the top of the Long Mynd
This walk takes you to the head of Carding Mill Valley and up to the highest point of the Long Mynd. From the top you can take in fantastic views across Shropshire and beyond.
Map
Start:
Carding Mill Valley, grid ref: SO445945
1
If you are starting from the Chalet Pavilion, follow the stream up hill to the top car park. Continue straight ahead, on the stony track alongside the stream to the head of Carding Mill Valley.
2
Where the valley forks, go right. Follow Mott's Road up hill.
Dr Mott
The path is named after a local doctor who improved it to visit outlying patients in the 1850s.
3
As you make your way along the path Calf Ridge will be high up on your left. Soon you'll emerge on the top of the hill.
4
The path runs on across the moor to join a broader stony track. Go left and, almost immediately, left again, onto the ancient Portway.
The Portway
This 5,000 year old Ridgway once carried Neolithic traders high and dry above the wet wooded valleys.
5
When the main track bends left, 440yd (400m) later, turn off to the right, and go straight ahead on a narrower continuation of the Portway.
Shooting box
440yd (400m) on, beside the road to Ratlinghope, a rare bell barrow survives at the Shooting Box. This Neolithic monument was converted to a shooting box during the Victorian period.
6
Cross the road and take the path straight ahead, up hill, through the rolling heather. ½ mile (1km) on, beyond side paths to Priory Cottage and Medlicott is Pole Bank.
Pole Bank
517 metres above sea level, this is the Long Mynd's highest point. On a clear day you can see as far as the Brecon Beacons and the Malverns.
7
From Pole Bank, retrace the path for 275yd (250m) to its junction with the Medlicott track, and turn right, to join the tarmaced Burway Road below, beside the spring at Boiling Well.
8
Go straight on along the path road. Within 110yd (100m), on the right, is a way-marked path to 'Townbrook'. Turn right here, on a grassy path, running roughly parallel with The Burway.
9
Continue down hill around a low ridge, to the lip of the dramatic Townbrook Hollow.
10
Follow the narrow path down the valley. Beyond the Victorian reservoir at the foot of the valley, bear left along the top of Old Rectory Wood to emerge on the Burway. Cross the road and descend the 'Burway Track' back into Carding Mill Valley.
End:
Carding Mill Valley, grid ref: SO445945
