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View of the Lightspout Waterfall in the Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd, Shropshire
Lighspout Waterfall in Carding Mill Valley, Shropshire | © National Trust Images/John Millar
Shropshire & Staffordshire

Lightspout Waterfall walk

This delightful walk starts at Carding Mill Valley at the heart of the Long Mynd and takes you on a sometimes challenging ascent to the picturesque Lightspout Waterfall. While following the stream to the 4-metre cascade, look out for interesting geological features, rare plants and enjoy an abundance of wildlife from stonechats to red kites.

Slippery near waterfall

Closer to the waterfall areas may become slippery due to the water.

Total steps: 9

Total steps: 9

Start point

Carding Mill Valley, grid ref: SO445945

Step 1

If you are starting from the Chalet Pavilion follow the stream uphill to the site of the former top car park (follow the green trail markers).

Step 2

Continue up the valley (following the red trail markers) on the stony track to the left side of the stream.

Step 3

When the valley divides 500 metres later, take the left-hand fork, up crude "pitched" stone steps into the narrow Lightspout Hollow.

Step 4

Rising above the stream, the rocky path snakes uphill around interlocking spurs before opening out, 500 metres on, below Lightspout Waterfall.

Step 5

Use the steep stone steps to the right of the waterfall and then continue to follow the stream.

Step 6

As the path splits bear right following the green trail arrows.

Step 7

As you reach the crest of the hill continue straight until you pick up another main, rocky path to descend.

Step 8

Follow this path (Mott's Road) as it winds down next to another stream.

Step 9

Once you have regained the main valley path, retrace your steps to return.

End point

Lightspout Waterfall, grid ref: SO431951

Trail map

Map showing the route of the Lightspout Waterfall walk at Long Mynd in Shropshire.
Lightspout Waterfall walk trail map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

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