The Burway Loop: a walk to the top of the Long Mynd
This challenging circular 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 impressive views across Shropshire and beyond.
Start point
Carding Mill Valley, grid ref: SO445945Trail information
Total stages: 10
Total stages: 10
Start point
Carding Mill Valley, grid ref: SO445945
Stage 1
If you're starting from the Chalet Pavilion, follow the stream uphill to the former top car park. Continue straight ahead, on the stony track alongside the stream to the head of Carding Mill Valley.
Stage 2
Where the valley forks, go right. Follow Mott's Road uphill.
Stage 3
As you make your way along the path, Calf Ridge will be high up on your left. Soon you'll emerge onto the top of the hill.
Stage 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.
Stage 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.
Stage 6
Cross the road and take the path straight ahead, uphill, through the rolling heather. Half a mile on, beyond side paths to Priory Cottage and Medlicott, is Pole Bank.
Heather on the Long Mynd | © National Trust Images/PJ Howsam Stage 7
From Pole Bank, retrace the path for 275yd (250m) to its junction with the Medlicott track and turn right, to join the tarmacked Burway Road below, beside the spring at Boiling Well.
Stage 8
Go straight on along the path road. Within 110yd (100m), on the right, is a wayarked path to 'Townbrook'. Turn right here, on a grassy path, running roughly parallel with The Burway.
Stage 9
Continue downhill around a low ridge, to the lip of the dramatic Townbrook Hollow.
Stage 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 point
Carding Mill Valley, grid ref: SO445945
Trail map
Map of the Burway Loop | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
More near here
The Pipe Walk at Carding Mill Valley
This walk is a great way to see some beautiful views and also to really get to the heart of 'those blue remembered hills', as mentioned in the poem by A E Housman.
The Long Mynd and Ratlinghope walk
A challenging 10-mile circular walk taking in both sides of the Long Mynd, with impressive views over Shropshire and a halfway stop at the pub for refreshments.
Lightspout Waterfall walk
Starting at Carding Mill Valley at the heart of the Long Mynd enjoy a sometimes challenging walk along a stream to the 4-metre cascade at the picturesque Lightspout Waterfall, taking in impressive geology and wildlife along the way.
Reservoir walk
This shorter walk through the valley ends with beautiful views of the reservoir and beyond.
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