04/02/17 - Richards Castle

Distance - 7.1 Miles
Geocaches - 3
Walk Inspiration - CW Magazine, June 05 Walk 15

Mortimer Forest is an ancient hunting ground on the Herefordshire/Shropshire border. Perfect weather contributed to a fantastic walk to Richards Castle, somewhere I've been planning on visiting for some time.

We park up at Black Pool Picnic Area and boot up in the company of the Ludlow Dog Walkers Society.

The tall trees interfere with Satellite Reception but we head off on the obvious trail, picking up height on the Mortimer Trail before dropping down to Mary Knoll Valley.

Tall trees = GPS Bounce

Its easy walking on broad forest tracks, grabbing the first cache of the day at Sunny Dingle Wood.

All the hard work is the ascent to High Vinnalls. 1230ft on a beautifully crisp winter's morning leads to some stunning views over the Clee Hills and most of Shropshire.

Views North from High Vinnalls

Mr and Mrs Mappiman getting in the way of the Views

Muddy walking until we enter a field system called Vallets on the map.  No trees to block the views and superb walking amongst the sheep.  This time in a few weeks and the new borns will be out.

Views to Clee Hills

Not sure what to expect at Richards Castle.  The map shows the ruins clearly marked but from the path, its not too obvious what remains.  An investigation through the churchyard shows there are bits left, all guarded by the world's most friendly goat.

Castle Ruins - Built in 1051

Richards Castle Goat admiring the views

An unfortunate bit of road walking brings us back to the Black Pool car park and a decision on where to go for post walk refreshment.

We stick with the ancient architecture theme and head for the Peacock, a C14th Coaching house around 10 miles away on the outskirts of Tenbury Wells.  Its a pub that I have driven past 100s of times and today marks the first actual visit.

Its all low beamed loveliness, with a wood burner in a fireplace under some decorative heraldic iron work showing a date of 1664.

Got to love old England.

C14th Coaching House

A fine Wye Valley HPA