The Long Mynd
1 SO455935 Exit the station towards the town centre this time, turning left on Sandford Avenue (B4371). Go straight on at the crossroads and follow the road as it starts climbing gradually at first, then more steeply. When the houses end, take the right-hand fork to stay on the Jack Mytton Way as it contours Burway Hill into Carding Mill Valley with the river on your right.
2 SO442946 Cross the river at a footbridge and continue up Carding Mill Valley, passing the path to the reservoir to reach a fork in the river. Here, cross the main river then turn left to walk up Lightspout Hollow for a chance to see the very pretty 4m Lightspout Waterfall on your left, across the valley. Keep climbing all the way out of the head of the valley, keeping the river on your left, until the gradient shallows and you meet the Shropshire Way.
3 SO421953 Turn left on the Shropshire Way at a shooting box and follow this clear, wide, well-used track along the undulating ridge of the Long Mynd, passing various tumuli (lumps!). Head for the highest point of Pole Bank (516m) whose trig point will stand out for miles if it’s not misty. From the summit, turn around and head back almost the way you came, but not quite, instead taking the smaller path heading east down to the road at Boiling Well Spring.
4 SO421945 Cross the road and start your descent into Ashes Hollow on a beautifully winding path to the left of the river, with steep valley sides and rocky outcrops. This path is wonderfully easy to navigate and brings you out at the road head at Little Stretton. Immediately, take the footpath on the left through the woods and fields.
5 SO444929 At the third fencecrossing this path starts to drop down to Ludlow Road. Avoid losing height by continuing straight on through the woods on a smaller path, contouring around the hill, parallel to the track below, and popping out to reunite with it at Cunnery Road. Walk down this road as it zigzags down to the main street. Turn left at the bottom, then right on Sandwood Ave (B4371) once more to return to the station.