21/1/12 - Nearly in Wales

Distance - 7 Miles
Geocaches - 0
Inspiriatin - Jan 12 CW Magazine
Marilyn Hills - 1

Wapley Hill

When not hunting for Geocaches, I am ticking off local Marilyn Hills.  Its been a while, but I am having to go further afield.  The journey there today possibly highlighted the closest part of Stourport to Wales, as it was just this side of the border and only 36 miles away.

I've spent the week really looking forward to the walk but despite being a Marilyn with the Mortimer trail running along the top, I could not find a route from any of the myriad resources at my disposal.  An unplotted recent copy of Country Walking Magazine came to the rescue and a nice little 7 miler was perfect for my needs.

After a nice drive, parked up at a Picnic Area.  No other cars, but a sign saying shooting in progress.

I'm in the right place

I am half way up the hill, so have a gentle climb up forest path to the summit.  Weather forecasts of a windy day were spot on.  The top of the hill has very well preserved ramparts and an information board.  The ramparts surround a significant settlement area.

They said it would be windy

There are some views over wales from the ramparts, but the best views are on the way down, after navigating the mortimer trail though a tree lined avenue.

Nice walking

Seat for one

Drop down to Stansbatch Farm and pick up a road, which turns into a green lane.  Eventually we meet the road that goes through Horseway Head.  There is no need to put the dog on the lead, there is not a soul about.  Horseway Head turns out to be a collection of around half a dozen houses.  Great views back up to Wapley Hill.

If the first theme of the walk was the hill, the second part of the walk is a river ramble, following the Arrow to Staunton on Arrow.

Weir meet again

The church dominates the area and provides a reference point to aim at.  Quite impressive, with the mound of a Norman motte and bailey castle providing a vantage point to clamber up.

I am Gulliver on the Mound

Through the churchyard (oldest seen tomb 1779) and through the village with lots of black and white buildings and impressive old court and farm.  Still, I wouldn't live there.  They have no pub.

Easy walking northbound through fields and orchards.  Some stunning views as I start to gain height.
Hear the shooting as I get back towards the car.

All this and there is a Jumbo Sausage roll in the car.

The walk ends all too soon.  This was a real blow out, isolated and just what I needed.

Next week, three blokes go up a proper mountain.