07/01/17 - Caer Caradoc and the Green Dragon

Distance - 6 Miles
Geocaches - 3
Walk Inspiration - Country Walking Magazine - Walk 11, May 2016
Pub - The Green Dragon, Little Stretton, Ludlow Gold

Much debate was had on the drive up to Church Stretton about how its best to tackle the hills.  Mrs Mappiman prefers a quick steep ascent.  I think she is mental - slow and steady is my mantra.

I've walked Caer Caradoc before.  I know who's going to going to get the most satisfaction from today's walking - its a real lung burster of a hill.

We start by lane walking along the Roman Road of North Watling Street, delivering us into the countryside and the first of three Geocaches - hidden in a little dell.  The Southern Flanks of Caer Caradoc await... Mrs Mappiman sets the pace, losing layers as she climbs.  Is it possible to be hill walking in January with no Jacket?

I'm bringing up the rear... not lagging behind, you understand, just taking many photographs and ensuring we are heading in the right direction.

Halfway Up to Three Fingers Rock

Caer Caradoc is a real roller coaster of a hill, with ups and downs aplenty.  The first summit is Three Fingers Rock and home to the 2nd Cache of the day.

Geocache 2 of the day - looking over most of the Shtopshire Hills

A drop and then a climb to the true summit, with its iron age ramparts.  Wonderful views over most of Northern Shropshire and if anything, an even steeper descent down to Little Caradoc.

Views over Northern Shropshire

Looking Down on Little Caradoc - white blobs, sheep.

The Gradient

Its a shame to lose the height - especially when we have an ascent of Hope Bowdler to come.  I take point, walking much faster than my partner on the flat.  I get to test the ground first, determining its on the wrong side of boggy and having the dilemma of passing on a warning.  Its always more fun just to wait, catching the swearing on the breeze.

Hope Bowdler is a doddle in comparison and provides some views over the Southern Shropshire hills and the mist shrouded Titterstone Clee Hill.  We drop down into the village, in the vain hope of finding a cafe.   A sign for bed and breakfast is even misread as just "Breakfast".  No need to panic, Hazler Lane takes us back to the car in less than 10 minutes.

South Shropshire Hills from Bowdler Hill

Just time for the "Welcome to Church Stretton" Cache, where I get talking with an elderly rambler in Plus Fours tucked into knee length socks and a flat cap.

I ask "are you on your way out?"

He laughs that hard he has to hold on to me to stop himself from collapsing.  When he regains his composure he states "I'm 94, I think I am on my bloody way out"!

This makes my day and I hope to be doing the same at that age.  We are slightly concerned he is going the way we went and hope he knows what he's in for.  Still, maybe the way to live to 94 is to regularly climb big steep hills.

All that remains is post walk refreshment.  The Good Beer Guide has one entry in the area - a couple of miles away in Little Stretton.   The Green Dragon is an example of how pubs can be a success, even in the most remote of locations.

It's packed at 12:30pm, but they squeeze us in.  Perfect service, superb sandwiches and the Ludlow Gold is Pint of the Year.

Right to be proud of their GBG Status

Ludlow Gold - Early contender in Pint of the Year