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Burway Long Mynd Shropshire Rick Greswell
Take in the views across Shropshire and beyond from the Burway | © National Trust Rick Greswell
Shropshire & Staffordshire

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.

Total steps: 10

Total steps: 10

Start point

Carding Mill Valley, grid ref: SO445945

Step 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.

Step 2

Where the valley forks, go right. Follow Mott's Road uphill.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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.

View of Long Mynd from Haddon Hill at Carding Mill Valley, Shropshire
Heather on the Long Mynd | © National Trust Images/PJ Howsam

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 9

Continue downhill around a low ridge, to the lip of the dramatic Townbrook Hollow.

Step 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 walking trail, Shropshire
Map of the Burway Loop | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

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