The Skirrid; walk a mountain of myths and legends
This energetic walk takes you through woodland and out onto open mountainside, before a steep climb to the summit which offers splendid views of the surrounding countryside and St Michael's Church on the summit of the Skirrid.
Map
Start:
Car park on the B4521, grid ref: SO328164
1
From the welcome board in the car park, take the footpath to a gravel track leading into the woodlands through a kissing gate at the top of the slope. Follow the obvious path uphill until you reach a wooden gate in a dry-stone wall at the top of the woodland. Turn left and follow the footpath contouring around the hillside.
Local legend
Ysgyryd Fawr, or the Skirrid, is also known as the Holy Mountain or the Sacred Hill. Ysgyryd is a word describing the hill's shape, meaning something that has shivered or been shattered. According to legend, part of the mountain is said to have been broken off at the moment of the crucifixion of Jesus.
2
Once you reach the end of the hill take the waymarked footpath on the eastern side of the Skirrid opposite a stile up a short climb to the top and the trig point.
St Michael's church
The church on the summit dates back to medieval times. The Roman Catholic church was used during the 17th century as a secret location for mass during the period of persecution.
3
From the trig point head south down the ridge until you reach the waymarking post.
4
From the post follow the path that sends you down into the woodland and the return back to the car park.
Forest schools
On the left as you walk back down through the woodland you will see the forest schools site, where pupils from local schools come to learn about the outdoors and have some fun.
End:
Car park on the B4521, grid ref: SO328164
