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.
Start point
Carding Mill Valley, grid ref: SO445945Trail information
Slippery near waterfall
Closer to the waterfall areas may become slippery due to the water.
Total stages: 9
Total stages: 9
Start point
Carding Mill Valley, grid ref: SO445945
Stage 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).
Stage 2
Continue up the valley (following the green trail markers) on the stony track to the left side of the stream.
Stage 3
When the valley divides 500 metres later, take the left-hand fork, up crude "pitched" stone steps into the narrow Lightspout Hollow.
Stage 4
Rising above the stream, the rocky path snakes uphill around interlocking spurs before opening out, 500 metres on, below Lightspout Waterfall.
Stage 5
Use the steep stone steps to the right of the waterfall, bear left at the top of the steps, and then continue to follow the stream.
Stage 6
As the path splits bear right following the green trail arrows.
Stage 7
As you reach the crest of the hill continue straight until you pick up another main, rocky path to descend.
Stage 8
Follow this path (Mott's Road) as it winds down next to another stream.
Stage 9
Once you have regained the main valley path, retrace your steps to return.
End point
Lightspout Waterfall, grid ref: SO431951
Trail map
Lightspout waterfall walk trail map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
More near here
The Burway Loop: a walk to the top of the Long Mynd
Take a challenging walk from Carding Mill Valley up to the highest point of the Long Mynd, which offers impressive views across Shropshire and beyond.
Reservoir walk
This shorter walk through the valley ends with beautiful views of the reservoir and beyond.
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.
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