Two Walks in the Shadow of Former Industry
A positive weather forecast gave us the impetus to head back to our Static in Shropshire for a week and the bonus of managing to fit in two new walks that took us through landscapes shaped by industry.
Lyth Hill Country Park
On Tuesday we headed to Lyth Hill Country Park near Shrewsbury for a relatively short walk along an escarpment, giving great views of the hills of South Shropshire.
Parking was easy at the end of a long straight lane south of the village of Bayston. The lane, known as the Rope Walk, was used in the 19th Century to lay out hemp in long lines to be stretched and twisted into rope. There are some spectacular houses with fantastic views and one contains what’s left of the windmill that used to be used in the rope making industry.
The walk itself follows the escarpment – Ralf was in his element as there’s no livestock and it’s seems to be a Mecca for dog walkers, so he made lots of new friends. The air was full of the coconut scent of flowering gorse and we could see for miles through the hazy sunshine.
Llanymynech Rock
After a day lazing at the van, we set off on Thursday to Llanymynech, a village we’ve driven through loads of times on our way from Lancashire to Bow House. We’d found a walk that was dog friendly and that explored the old limestone quarries and tramway that supplied the nearby Hoffman Kiln.
It was a glorious day to be out walking, on a route that meant that Ralf could be off the lead for almost all the way. There was quite a bit of uphill though, which tested my arthritic joints, but brought rewards with great views across the countryside.
We got lost on the golf course once, but eventually managed to pick up the path to the Offa’s Dyke Way.
The walk takes you through the old limestone quarries with spectacular cliff faces and some of the old machinery left behind when working ceased.
Hoffman Kiln
We had a great week, particularly because we found these new walks. The sunshine helps of course, but, to be honest, Shropshire is beautiful in any weather. How lucky are we to live in God’s Own County and to have a place to holiday in South Shropshire?
It looks fabulous – in no small way due to your fabulous photos, Martin. URGHGGHAIN! How do you do that? It certainly like you are winning over that Arthritis thing. And long may it continue. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Pete. For once, most of the photos are courtesy of Mrs B. Hope you’re all well. X