The walk starts in the picturesque town of Church Stretton, nestling deep in the Shropshire Hills below the Long Mynd. After walking through the town we enter the green area known as Rectory Fields. We drop through this lovely wooded area to the bottom of the Town Brook Valley, which is one of the more moderate ascents of the Long Mynd and also one of the most picturesque.

Once atop the Long Mynd, we cross the moorland to meet the Shropshire Way at the highest point, Pole Bank. As you can imagine, the views from here make the climb worthwhile. After walking a short distance along the Long Mynd (using the Shropshire Way), our descent to Carding Mill Valley is by the lesser-used route which takes in the little waterfall of Light Spout. This can either be an impressive torrent, or a disappointing trickle - depending on recent rainfall.

Carding Mill Valley is owned by the National Trust and you will find a pleasant café at the bottom, before crossing back to Church Stretton.

Dog-walkers will be pleased to note the absence of stiles. The route is, on the whole, quite dog-friendly.

England - Shropshire - Shropshire Hills

View a road map to the starting point of this walk.