13/03/16 - Major Leap

Walk Inspiration - Walk 27 Feb 2016 Country Walking Magazine
Distance - 4 Miles
Geocaches - 2


The main walk this weekend was a 14 mile monster along the length of the River Wandle in London.

The arrival of Spring prompted my fair weathered walking partner to demand an additional Sunday walk.  Still, it all adds to the Walk1000Miles challenge instigated by Country Walking Magazine and supported by a wonderful facebook community page.

Mrs Mappiman's requirements are simple - local and great views.

Seems fitting that we use the magazine for inspiration - a nice little 4 miler on Wenlock Egde.  Ticks both of her boxes.

Expecting there to be a lot of walkers to be out on such a beautiful day, we head off early and become the first car to park up.

A gentle walk uphill following the Shropshire Way.

Wenlock Edge and the Shropshire Way

The escarpment runs for 14 miles from Much Wenlock to Craven Arms.  Once the height is gained, we have very easy walking with some fine views appearing in gaps in the trees.

One of these views is at Major's Leap - Ground Zero for a classic geocache - and a location of a story of civil war Majors leaping off the hill on his horse to escape Cromwell's army.

Despite the good weather, there is a real haze, so the photos are somewhat less impressive than the ones in the magazine.

No Tripod, so we take turns

Better views than the photo suggests

The route finding is simple enough - to the left we have the quarry that provided the stone for Much Wenlock village and on the way back, we drop down the side to walk back along forestry tracks.

You are the Quarry

Forestry Tracks lead us back to the car

Shropshire has woken up on the return to the now packed car park.

Was it a good idea to leave early?

Well, we had trouble free parking but at 11:23am, it's too early to check out Wenlock's hostelries.