Stiperstones. C Walk (BOOKING ESSENTIAL)

C WALK DESCRIPTION: Leader: Eva Hyde. 8 miles, overall downhill, only short ascents, 800 ft overall climb. Starting at Holly Bank on the A488 (height 1017 ft), we walk a short way up a lane before turning onto a track through woodland.  Our route turns right onto a grassy path across two gentle hills with views ahead to the ridge of the Stiperstones. On reaching Tankerville we turn left a short distance along a lane, then join a footpath that skirts the Stiperstones National Nature Reserve, around Green Hill to the Stiperstones Inn (3.25 miles). From here, we climb steeply for a short distance then contour around Oak Hill to Crowsnest. We cross the valley on a tree-lined track, turning north beside Hogstow Hall, to cross the A488 (5.2 miles). A short climb through a wood and fields follows, crossing a minor road, through further fields, circling back towards the A488 near Ploxgreen Bridge (7.3 miles). All along there are view of the Stiperstones and other hills.  From Ploxgreen a track leads to Minsterley, past Minsterley Hall (a Grade II* listed house built in 1581) and the Holy Trinity church (also Grade II* listed, built in 1689) to finish at the Crown and Sceptre pub (height 338 ft).  The fare is £15.