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Walk 205 [7.0 miles] - Hope Bowdler Hill & Caer Caradoc

OS217 OS137 garmin

7 walkers set off from Church Stretton with new recruit Catherine. The walk started off in foggy conditions, it didn't look too promising.

We headed down the lane towards Caer Caradoc and turned right through fields towards Hope Bowdler village. We walked along the B4371 for a short distance through the village and then turned left to start climb up Hope Bowdler Hill.

Partway up we stopped for coffee, to admire great views - not

Looking a but murky at coffee time

Examining cobwebs on gorse bushes

We continued to climb over Hope Bowdler Hill and the sun came out, the layers started coming off.

The peak of Brown Clee showing in the distance

Looking across to the Long Mynd

We really LOVE stiles!

We climbed down to Cwms Plantation, over track and up to flank of Caer Caradoc eventually climbing to the top for spot of sunbathing and lunch.

The climb up Cael Caradoc...

...with Mike in the lead as usual

Sunbathing on the summit of Cael Caradoc
all photos courtesy Bob

Having finished lunch we came down off the summit and back into the fog; passing New House Farm and returning to the cars the way we started. A brilliant walk all agreed, and the views........!

[Blog entry : Bob]

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Walk 204 [9.01 miles] - Beguildy Cefyn Pawl & Black Mountain

OS216 OS137 garmin

A magnificent turnout on a day which promised to be sunny, and in the event remained cool and overcast.

We parked in the car park to the Randonshire Arms in Beguildy and set off in fine style up the hill towards Cefyn Pawl. It was good to catch up with everyone and a lot of chatting went on as we made our first ascent. Once there we were able to identify Black Mountain and Beacon Hill as we headed west then south round Blaenyr-ysgwydd eventually stop for a quick coffee adjacent to a lonely post collection box.
We continued south to Bwlch where a moment of distraction took us off track. Fortunately Duncan realised the error and we were soon back on track heading along Warren Bank and picking up Glyndwr's Way flanking the east side of Black Mountain, then turning right around the side of Stankey Hill eventually crossing the road and starting to head back to our starting point on the western side of Black Mountain. It was time for our lunch, and we stopped on a convenient bank alongside a brook and sheltered from the cool breeze which began to make its present felt.

We returned along Warren Bank; passing a herd of cattle who were far more intend on feeding than chasing Ros. Our final leg took us along Birches and down to the B4355 to Beguildy.

Slightly longer than the advertised 7 miles, at a smidge over 9 miles, an enjoyable walk nonetheless. Our thanks to Duncan (always at the front) and Eleanor for taking this walk today.

The final (almost) climb of the day
Bob complaining about the humps!

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Walk 203 [8.6 miles] - Craven Arms, Hopesay Hill, Cheney Longville & Wistanstow

OS201 OS137 garmin

Todays walk lead by Mike (in the rain) accompanied by Val, Sue, Bob and Ros started from the Discovery Centre in Craven Arms and climbed gradually up to the west side of Hopesay Hill in light drizzle.
We sheltered in the woods for morning tea break before stepping out onto Hopesay Hill taking care to shield Ros from the cows!
The weather then cleared to give misty views across the Onny Valley to Flounders Folly and Wenlock Edge.

Ros getting used to the cows
was completely unfazed by a large bull

Our route descended into woods and meadows to take us into Cheney Longville where we admired someone's magnificent kitchen garden.
After that we crossed the Onny Trail and passed through Wistanstow and crossed the A49 to climb up steeply into Berrymill Wood.

Bob, wishing for a pint!

Before dropping back down into Craven Arms we ate our lunch and drank in the view.

Lunch with a view
all ohotos courtesy Mike

By this time the weather was fine and sunny to end the walk which was 8.6 miles on the map, more likely it was closer to 9 miles on the ground and took 4 hours.

[Blog entry : Mike]

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Walk 202 [7½ miles] - Whimble & Radnor Forest

OS201 OS137 garmin

6 walkers began the walk from New Radnor, the sun was shining and there was a promise of some excellent views. We began our steady climb up Mutton Dingle through woodland and then forestry, shedding layers as the sun became hotter.

steady climb up Mutton Dingle

looking back towards New Radnor

At last at the top, we had wonderful views for coffee time

We made our way along an undulating track towards the southern edge of the Radnor forest before another steady climb up the side of Bache Hill. The heather was magnificent along Bache Hill, Judy lost the lens cap for her camera but Colin very kindly ran back and found it near some bee hives at the bottom of the hill!

The heather was magnificent along Bache Hill

Whinberries and cranberries

Plenty of whinberries and cranberries were picked by Mike and eaten by all!

We began the decent down the steep valley,
again with fabulous views

The white of the sheep made great patterns
against the background of the purple heather

Something for lunch?

Heading towards our lunch stop
at the western side of the Whimble

Mike having a zizzz
all photos courtesy Colin

Some walkers decided to climb to the top of the Whimble for the ultimate 360 degree view before having a well deserved rest at lunchtime. The walk then took us steeply downhill with great views towards the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains and back to the cars in New Radnor.

Thanks to Judy for leading us round today and to Colin for retrieving Judy's lens cap.

[Blog entry: Judy]

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