Stapeley Hill to Bishop's Castle 1st August 2009

Group Photo by Richard. Who's the happy one then?

The first stone circle, but who knows which way to go? Heading across Stapeley Hill towards Mitchel's Fold Stone Circle.


Mitchell's Fold Stone Circle, time to put on the waterproofs.

Lunch on Roundont.

Walk stats: Distance:12.6 miles; Climb:1585'.

Time: 6 hours 15 minutes; On the move walking average:2.5 m.p.h.; Overall walk average:2.0 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Richard, Roger, Sylvia and Dave J., Tito. Catherine, Celia and Laurence.

This was the much anticipated walk led by Catherine on her local patch. For the second week running it was a linear walk, but this time we caught the local bus from Bishop's Castle to the start at Shelve Old Post Office, the start of the walk. We started the walk in that very light rain that you can hardly feel and seemed unworthy of demanding that you put on your waterproofs. By the time we reached Mitchell's Fold Stone Circle there was no doubt. The rain became intermittent for the rest of the morning, but at least we had lunch on Roundon in the dry and with the distant views towards Stipperstons and the Long Mynd just appearing from their earlier blanket of cloud. Throughout the walk Catherine kept us well informed of interesting local tales and identified many of the flowers seen on route. The final stages of the walk was done in glorious sunshine, enough to distract many of us from our very wet feet!

Birds seen or heard today included:Kestrel, Buzzard, Goldfinch, Carrion crow, Raven, Great tit, Swallow, Swift, Woodpigeon and Redstart (undoubtedly the bird of the day and seen on several occasions by all of the group).

After walk drinks were enjoyed at Catherine's recommended local where Big Nev's brew was downed with approval.

All enjoyed the walk so much that Catherine has agreed to lead us on a similar walk, possibly including the Stipperstones.