We are the South Shropshire Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Alan D.
Join our welcoming and friendly Group for some pleasant, relaxing, easy-paced walk and chat in the attractive scenic countryside above and around the historically significant border town of Montgomery. We will be treated to marvellous views of rolling landscapes and rich arable farming land in all directions with panoramas of the Shropshire Hills, Welsh Marches and the distant Cambrian Mountain ranges.
The walk will initially pass through the centre of Montgomery (Trefaldwyn) with its mediaeval street layout, imposing Town Hall and mix of quirky Georgian, Victorian and timber-framed buildings. We will then ascend via the steepest section of the walk to arrive atop the County War Memorial at Town Hill. The 360-degree views from this point are breathtaking and far-reaching with small villages nestling amongst the broad arable pastureland framed by the ring of hills which form the distant horizon.
We then take a gradual descent through farmland to link up with and walk along a section of the historic Offa's Dyke which forms the second component of today's journey. This ancient earthwork formation, straight and flat on this section, formed part of the defensive workings established by the Welsh kingdoms in the Early Middle Ages. The final section of the walk is through the lush, green Vale of Montgomery, which takes us back to our start.
On our outing we will also become acquainted with the plethora of birds and wildlife which reside here and which can be seen hunkering down to survive the hardships of the winter season.
The majority of the route is well established trails and field paths but, to join up the Hill and Dyke sections, there are some small sections along quiet roads. There are steeper sections early in the walk from the town up to the County War Memorial atop of Town Hill but we will take these at an easy pace. I have included an elevation diagram (see above) to illustrate the relative gradients in the walk.
We are a very gregarious lot and welcome and encourage walkers from outside our Group (if so please contact me by the email link). As always, we will have an 'elevenses' break as well as a lunch stop so bring your packed lunches (there are no shopping facilities en route).
Toilet facilities are available in Montgomery (Trefaldwyn) (behind the Town Hall) a five minute walk from the start / end point.
Unfortunately, we have a Group policy of no dogs (except for Guide and Assistance dogs).
Any late changes, including weather-related or similar, will be communicated via the group WhatsApp or via the submitted email.
Parking on free Maldwyn Way Car Park (20 places) just off the B4385 as you enter Montgomery (Trefaldwyn) from the South. This can sometimes get busy, so additional roadside parking is available along Maldwyn Way itself. The walk will commence at 10.00 promptly with a brief welcome talk immediately prior to the departure. Also, please allow additional time for any personal preparations.
