The Stiperstones Ridge rises up from the Shropshire landscape, characterized by its rugged terrain and dramatic outcrops of quartzite. Formed around 480 million years ago, this geological wonder is a sight to behold and one of my favourite walks.
The highest point, known as manstone Rock, reaches an elevation of about 536 meters, is only one of many prominent features, providing stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Walk Details
This circular walk of The Stiperstones not only takes in the ridge with the famous rock formations but also follows in the footsteps of witches, legends and abandoned cottages taken over by nature.
It is not a big climb but is extremely rocky underfoot so good footwear is required.
Walk Route Info
Distance: 5.2 miles (8.4 km)
Total Ascent: 780 ft (238 m)
Difficulty: Easy (rocky underfoot)
Time: 2-3 hours
Parking
The car park for this Stiperstones walk is easy to find. Knolls Car Park is on an unnamed B road between the villages of Bridges and the remains of The Bog, an old mining village. As soon as you park up you get wonderful views across the Shropshire landscape.
Postcode SY5 0NL
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History of the Stiperstones
The geological history of the Stiperstones is fascinating and complex. The quartzite rock was formed during the Ordovician period, around 480 million years ago. When the land you tread upon was white sand, tropical and with shallow waters. Over a long time this sand was compressed and fused densely together to form quartzite.
During the last ice age this quartzite rock froze heavily and shattered, leaving these unique and jagged rock formations rising up from the hill.
These mysterious and dramatic looking stones have created myths, legends and stories over the years, many of which we shall talk about during the walk.
Starting The Walk
From the car park you can see the Stiperstone Ridge up the slope. There is a gate and info board in the middle of the car park area to go through and follow the path up. It is not too steep and not a massive climb as you have already parked at a height.
Once on the top the path follows the ridge along the famous rocky outcrops. It is actually not long before you come to the first landmark, and the summit, Manstone Rock.
Manstone Rock
The first dramatic rock formation you come across on this Stiperstones Walk is Manstone Rock. It s also the summit, the highest point. The trig point is sat atop the natural rocky structure and to get to the trig point itself you can have some fun with a little scramble.
Not everyone climbs up the rock but on a clear day, when you can see for miles it is lovely to sit up there and view all around you.
The views up here are amazing all along. You can clearly see the Long Mynd across the valley as well as the unmistakable Wrekin on the horizon.
For any gamers out there who know the video game Assassins Creed Valhalla. Stiperstones actually features in it as a location, called ‘Stiperstanas’ in this case. In the game a defeated King is taken up to Manstone Rock.
Devil’s Chair
Further along the ridge you come to a rocky landmark called the Devil’s Chair. Even though it is not the top it is more famous as a landmark I would think.
This rocky outcrop, as the name suggests, is connected to the Devil himself. With many a story attached.
The first story tells of how the Devil wanted to fill up the valley between the Stiperstones and Long Mynd with rocks. A valley known as ‘Hell’s Gutter’. He gathered huge rocks in is apron and when he sat for a rest on the hill his apron strings snapped and all the rocks fell out forming the unique rocky formations.
Now, this rock became the devil’s chair/throne where he looked out over the land. And every year, on the longest night he sits on this rock, the Devil’s Chair, surrounded by his evil followers, witches, evile spirits, warlocks etc. They are all here to choose the new King of Evil for the next year.
Shepherd’s Rock
You will eventually come to a junction of paths and you take the one straight on past Shepherd’s Stone where you get a glorious gradual downward path with big views northward. You will pass Shepherd’s rock nearby on the way back too.
The path gradually makes its way downhill as you march stright on. The views continue to be massive.
Remember to keep looking back to the views along the ridge you have come.
The path will eventually start to bear right as you make your way around the bottom ready for the variety filled return journey.
Brook Vessons Nature Reserve
You will suddenly come to a woodland that feel far away from it all. Brook Vessons Nature Reserve has plenty of huge trees and in fact has some of the widest rowan trees in Europe.
As you walk through this lovely nature filled woodland take a closer look around you. You will see ruins and foundations of old houses, walls, plus the track, that is being taken over by nature.
This is the remains of cottages that were part of the old mining community here. It was all abandoned in the early 20th century.
Back To Shepherd’s Rock
From the nature reserve area the path turns right and gradually goes back uphill. Almost to Shepher’d Rock once more before heading back downhill to your left.
The Hollies Farm
At the bottom you have choices of path but take straight ahead, through the gate, towards the farm. I find there is often livestock in this field so be aware of that especially if you have a dog. Walking through cow fields is not for everybody I know but there is plenty of room to go round.
You will come out before The Hollies Farm where you ignore the sign for the Shropshire Way that heads left towards the farm itself and instead you will turn right.
Path To The End
Fist you have another lovely little woodland to pass through and then a nice level and open path that takes you straight back to the car park.
Take the time again to admire thise massive views of Shropshire as you walk along. The Wrekin looking inviting as ever in the view.
Wild Edric
Before we depart there is time for me to tell you of one more legend with ghostly sightings on Stiperstones. The figure of Wild Edric. This time however we know there was a man of this name in Saxon times.
After the Norman invasion of 1066, Edric defied William the Conqueror and for many years kept the Normans off his land, where he became a legend of the Welsh Marches. For this he was apparently cursed and imprisoned into one of the lead mines at Stiperstones. In the history of the mines there were reports of knocking where there should’nt be.
His ghost is said to appear on the Stiperstones Ridge whenever the Nation is in danger. There are sightings reported during the Napoleonic Wars, before the Crimean War and at the start of the 2 World Wars.
Nearby Places and Attractions
You can Make your Shropshire experience complete by combing the Stiperstones with exploring the nearby villages, towns and landmarks.
I have spoken about a few other great walks and hills in the area already in this article but it does not stop there. If you want to carry on discovering unique history then why not check out Bury Ditches or a the mysterious Mitchell’s Fold Stone Circle.
Church Stretton, often referred to as the Shropshire Gateway, is a charming market town with various shops, cafes, and historical sites. Or a lovely little village close by, Minsterley, offers a glimpse into local life and is home to quaint pubs and restaurants.
Conclusion
The Stiperstones ridge and circuit is one of my favourite walks that I have come back to again and again. It is a captivating destination that combines unique landscapes, natural beauty, rich history, and massive views.
If you are in the Shropshire Hills then amongst a whole plethora of options you should make sure you have time for Stiperstones.
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