Still walking!

We've caught the bug properly now and just can't stop walking. We've set up a new blog to cover our walks in Shropshire and other interesting places here - and may return to the Long Mynd Madness the same time next year!

If someone says walking 50 miles can be fun, they might just be right ...

6-7 October 2012

The day finally arrived and what glorious weather for the Long Mynd Hike. We had some lovely texts and emails wishing us luck which got us off to a good start.

 After a hearty porridge breakfast we got the final bits of kit ready, including making the sandwiches and night-time snacks, and set off for kit check at the school. Although it’s a bit frustrating having to jump through the hoops of the prescribed kit list - I reckon there were enough dressings and triangular bandages in the Hikers’ backpacks to patch up half of Shropshire - it does at least mean that someone else takes responsibility for making sure you have everything you need.

My kit checker was a lot more forensic than Sue’s but we both passed it OK and were presented with a ticket to exchange for our Tally at the start. Then a final adjustment to kit, including a finely balanced decision about whether to take two half-bottles of water or one full and one half - you can get very obsessed with the weight of your pack at times like this - we had an early lunch of pasta to get us on our way.

We set off for the start at Old Cardington Lane just after midday and at the end of the road met up with a fellow Hiker, more accurately a Runner, who was staying in the Arden B&B (very nice, he says). A visitor from the Peak District, it was his first time as well and he’d wisely set himself separate gold, silver and bronze targets for finishing times depending on how his day went.

Sue ready for the off. 

At Old Cardington Lane.

Gathering for the start at Old Cardington Lane.

Sue’s mum and dad were waiting for us at the entrance to the field to get a photograph and wave us off. After picking up our Tally we all assembled half way up the field until the hooter signalled the start. And we’re off!

The mud was evident immediately and was a sign of things to come during the day/night. We saw quite a few familiar faces including Rob on the way up to Caradoc, which proved to be as tough a summit as we’d expected. It was a different experience walking in a procession though, and there was no opportunity to take a breather so we got to the first checkpoint in just over 30 minutes. On the way down the other side we quickened the pace and followed the long line of Hikers bypassing Little Caradoc, just as the first fell runners could be seen going up The Lawley. The route went to the right of the one we had used before and emerged closer to The Lawley, shaving a few valuable minutes.

We realised that we were being sucked along a good deal faster than our training walks; obviously we hadn’t allowed for the competitive spirit of the event. As a consequence we got to The Lawley checkpoint at 2.11pm and back down by 2.24, over half an hour ahead of our previous times. (Sent off the first of a number of 'tweets' around here; glad to know that some were following our progress on twitter, although we couldn't even see if messages were sent because of the patchy mobile signal.) The route down to Gogbatch had a couple of muddy stretches - although there was much worse to come - and we passed the 2-hour mark on the lane out of the valley and arrived at the checkpoint at High Park just after 3.15. We were now an hour ahead of what we’d expected. 

Although we didn’t feel particularly hungry, we thought we should eat something here, and that proved to be a good decision as we hadn’t realised until we set off again that we had started to flag a bit. On the trek up towards Pole Bank we were being overtaken a lot and after the third or fourth group went past, I decided to try and keep pace and not let them get further away. The food then kicked in and we managed to maintain contact with the group in front and then go past two groups by the time we got to the Shooting Box. The brilliant weather helped us along and it was really noticeable how every passer-by took time to wish us luck and say ‘well done’ to all the Hikers. The only thing that was missing was the Mynd ponies who clearly had advance warning of the Hike and decided to take themselves of to a hidden valley somewhere to avoid all those noisy walkers and runners.

We reached Pole Bank at 4.20pm and did a sharp about-turn to get back to the path down to Coates. We passed Rob again here and chatted for a while before hitting the downhill part where we stretched our legs and broke into a jog for some of the way down to Bridges. A lot of well-wishers had gathered at the pub, which we hit at 5.05pm. We got a welcome mug of tea at the drinks station outside and Sue joined the queue for the Ladies inside. 

After some more food, we set off for Stiperstones with the objective of getting there before the grouping started, which we had been told could be from 6pm. We managed to get past the checkpoint at 6.10, probably only a few minutes before grouping, which also ensured that we were negotiating the infamous stony track at Stiperstones in the light which we had really hoped for, but not believed we could manage. A beautiful sunset added to our warm feeling on the ridge as we headed towards Habberley and Earl’s Hill. 

Stiperstones at sunset.

Sun setting as we went over Stiperstones.

The light was fading fast by the time we got to Eastridge Woods and the final stretch of road into Habberley where we stopped outside the pub, again full with well-wishers, some of whom had obviously travelled from Bridges - perhaps there is a parallel pub crawl on Hike day for non-walkers? While having a quick bite of Sue’s special pasty, we met Ali and Ruth who asked if we could team up for the Earl’s Hill section as they had not had a chance to do that on their recces.

We found out that whilst they hadn’t done the Long Mynd Hike before, they were experienced at long distances with at least one 100-miler under their belts and we seemed to quickly find a comfortable pace between us as we sloshed up the mudbath on the lane up to Earl’s Hill. The final climb was a real killer and I was passed by dozens of people who seemed to have no difficulty and this was definitely my low point on the Hike. Sue, Ali and Ruth seemed to skip up the hill though and had a good ten minute wait for me at the checkpoint which I reached at 8.15pm.

Descending was much easier though and not quite as slippy as we’d feared and after hacking through the mud we made it up to the Bank Farm checkpoint by 9pm, now frighteningly ahead of schedule. This was the first grouping point after Stiperstones and after tea and a sandwich we agreed to stay together as a group of four, but quickly became six by gathering up the two Lees who had been waiting for a group to join.

More mud on the path back into Eastridge but there was a long line of Hikers ahead, many of whom decided to go on the higher path through the woods but we persuaded our group to stick to the route around the perimeter as it was fairly level and good-going. We emerged at Snailbeach and then picked up the track along the old mine railway but missed the second section of this path and came out on the road still in Snailbeach, although it wasn’t really a problem. The road was thankfully pretty quiet so we made fairly good progress up to Stiperstones where the pub had another soft drinks station outside and welcomed everyone to use their toilets. The group who had taken the higher path through Eastridge arrived just as we were leaving, vindicating our earlier decision. Sue and I donned fleeces for the first time here and we didn’t wear a jacket at all all night.

There were now plenty of stars out with a very clear Plough and the moon emerged over Stiperstones as we continued on the road to Tankerville. We then took a right turn down a path that was new to me and Sue but presumably known to the group in front of us. There’s always a slight niggling doubt that you might be following people who don’t really know the way, but we checked with Ruth and Ali who said they had tried it out so off we went. It was probably slightly shorter across the fields but was pretty muddy and it may not have been any quicker than the road and track past Nant Isa. In fact as we emerged on the road near Shelve, after crossing a curious double stile, we met a couple of groups coming up the lane who had clearly taken the tarmac route. 

The Shelve checkpoint was a bit further than Sue and I expected with both of us flagging a bit and in need of food. It was in the forest layby beyond the village and was a really splendid and welcome sight, decked in fairy lights and with a stock of custard creams which went down very well with the tea. The six of us were still feeling pretty good, so we didn’t hang around long and then set off down another new path for Sue and I. This left the road a bit earlier than we had on our training walks and kept to the left edge of the woods emerging into the next field. It was very muddy indeed and both Ruth and Ali managed to slip in several piles of cow dung on one of the slopes, but to be honest we were all so muddy by this stage that it didn’t matter as much. On the upside, the route did cut off most of the nasty road section on the A488.

At White Grit there was more evidence of the local involvement and support for the Hike with a table outside one of the bungalows sporting a box of glacier mints for hikers. We all gratefully took one and waved to the kind owners inside and set off for what we knew to be one of the toughest bits of the walk, Corndon.

I found the climb really tough again and the other five had a good rest at the top waiting for me since the grouping rules mean you can’t pass a checkpoint without accounting for everyone in the group. Once on the top though, I felt fine as I had convinced myself that if we could get to Corndon, there was no stopping us. It was now half past midnight as we set off at a good pace along the ridge and down to Woodgate Farm, the next checkpoint. We arrived at 1am, 12 hours into the walk. We now realised that we were going to get back to Church Stretton well before our target of the presentations at 11am.

The checkpoint at Woodgate was really welcoming, complete with straw bales and a great cup of tea. Sue and I tucked into our bag of nuts and raisins and some grapes which really picked us up. After following yet another new path beyond Little Cefn, we went into another bogfest in the woods where the pig trough stile lurks. I was the only one who took the higher path and watched as everyone else wallowed through the deep slime just before the stile. We followed the group in front out of the next field on another new route which again cut off some of the A488 stretch, emerging only a short distance from the turn up to Nind. This next road section can be a grind so I decided to target the group in front of us up the hill and picked up the pace, clearly fortified by the nuts and fruit. Ali then kept us going on the steeper parts and we managed to pass three groups on the road section. The two extra checkpoints here were minimal affairs with just two tally clippers, although the pair on the higher one had managed to drape a canopy across the lane and deck it out with lights and disco music from their car stereo to brighten it up.

We got up to the summit checkpoint at Black Rhadley at 2.39am and another quick walk/jog down saw us on our way quickly up on the lane towards The Bog where we kept pace with one of the other groups up to the turn into Nipstone. Then there was a short section of the Shropshire Way onto the lane back to Stiperstones with Ali, Ruth and the two Lees arriving a couple of minutes ahead of Sue and I at around 3.30am. The tea was being served by ‘melodeon’ Terry, who struggled to place me in walking gear, but served a very good cuppa. There was a minibus parked outside which we later discovered was the escape taxi, and in fact one group which arrived around the same time had abandoned the Hike en masse leaving one lone walker, Dave, who then joined us for the final stretch, making what Ruth later dubbed the Magnificent Seven.

The next section was an easy downhill jaunt to Bridges, and Dave seemed to drop into our pace straight away in the same way that the two Lees had earlier. We passed what was now a silent Bridges pub and on the road up to Coates, Ruth thought she could detect the first signs of the sky lightening although we were still a couple of hours from dawn and the sky was full of interest, including Orion ahead of us and a bright planet rising in the east, possibly Venus. From Medlicott, the track through the heather was as boggy as we had feared and although you would have thought that there would be a really clear track given the number of fell runners ahead of us, there were still patches where it simply disappeared only to somehow re-emerge some yards on. 

Another fine group of volunteers awaited at Pole Cottage including a couple of local leaders from Francis’ time in the scouts. It was now 5.30am and we were just eight miles from home, so there really was no stopping us. Fired up by more food and tea we hacked across the track to Minton and caught up a group in front of us just before the checkpoint which is unstaffed so you clip your own tally here. 

The Magnificent Seven head for home.

The final beast conquered - Ragleth.

It was now 6.30am and beginning to get light. Just one more hill to go, although it is a bit of a pig. Ragleth did indeed prove tough for all of us I think, although I was again the last to reach the top, but the view from the top with a fantastic early morning sun to the east and mist below in the valleys was a really magical sight. It was 7.30am and breakfast awaited at the final checkpoint at the school. We didn’t hurry from here though as I think we were all probably basking in the glory of the beauty of the morning and perhaps warmed by the inner glow of satisfaction from knowing we only had to amble downhill to the finish.

Sue urged Ali and Ruth to walk on ahead to get back quicker but they wouldn’t hear of it, and we stayed together to arrive at the school at 8.23am as the Magnificent Seven. Breakfast has never been so welcome!

We brought plenty of Long Mynd mud home with us.

We really hadn’t expected to enjoy the event so much. We knew it would be tough, and it was, but we were so lucky to have brilliant weather and a fantastic group to walk with that it made it such a pleasure. The welcome and good luck wishes from everyone we passed was really heartening, but the extraordinary effort put into the Hike by so many volunteers at all the checkpoints and throughout the route is what makes the event so special. 

Propping each other up back home.

Will we do it again? Well, Sue has already set aside some of the kit for ‘next year’, but the one thing that might make us think hard is the fact that this year was so perfect that it would be difficult to match. Plenty of time to decide.

*We’re waiting for a final total from the Shropshire Wildlife Trust, but it looks as if our fantastic sponsors have raised a sum of around £700. The Trust is absolutely delighted and thanks everyone very much.

Magnificent 7 on the Hike

6-7 October 2012

We did it! Finished in 19 hours 23 minutes, over two and a half hours ahead of our target, largely due to a fantastic group who we walked with. Many thanks to Ali, Ruth, the two Lees and David for their great company. We stayed together right up to the final checkpoint at the school to finish with identical times.

It was certainly boggy underfoot but fantastic weather, a stunning star-filled sky and beautiful morning sun on the final summit at Ragleth. It certainly feels good having achieved the 50 miles but we should pay tribute to the real heroes who are the hundreds of volunteers at the checkpoints who made the whole experience such a delight. 

A few aches and pains but all worth it. 

Full report to follow ...

Helping us on our way

Many thanks to all the wonderfully generous people who have sponsored our Hike. Looks like you have helped raised over £500 for the Shropshire Wildlife Trust so far - still time to donate if you want to! (Just click the SWT logo on panel on right.)

And look out for the tweets from the Hike tomorrow ... @busandcoach_com

Easing back before the big event

30 September 2012

It’s the final weekend before the Hike so we decided to do a shorter walk, around ten mile, just to keep our legs in shape. 

Setting off at 1.11pm, we had thought of going up through Gogbatch and down Minton, two of our favourite places on the Hike, but opted instead to go up through Cardingmill which was surprisingly quiet for a Sunday. The usual funnel effect of the steep-sided valley was evident with a sharp breeze rushing towards us meaning Sue got to try out her new gloves (from www.theoutdoordepot.co.uk) straight away.

The air got distinctly wetter as we went up Motts Road and just past the Shooting Box we donned our jackets as the cloud got lower and lower. We reached Pole Bank at 2.20pm, 5km on pedometer - which I had adjusted slightly in the light of recent under-recording. On the path down to Pole Cottage the squall got much fiercer and visibility dropped considerably. We reached the checkpoint at 2.30pm, 5.9km, and decided to try out our waterproof trousers as we were now getting properly wet.

There were many fewer cars on the Portway today and the weather was certainly autumnal as we took the track over to Minton but the rain eased a bit as we got to the summit at 2.55pm, 7.4km. We were gently jogging down the far side when we were passed by a runner at full pelt who was clearly undeterred by any risk assessments. We continued our gentle jog and got to the checkpoint at 3.31pm, 10.5km, and then after stripping off the waterproofs, trotted down the first section on the lane to Little Stretton, passing the remains of an interesting red and white fungus by the roadside. Not sure how many red mushrooms there are in the UK apart from fly agaric, but needless to say, we did not stop for a nibble.

We got to Little Stretton at 3.50pm, 12.2 km and then headed along the road for home. The runner was just reaching the summit of Ragleth, walking the steep bit rather than running though, so maybe he’s not quite superhuman. We passed the 4-hour mark at 13.7km which was a pretty good pace and then home at 4.29pm, just over 15km.

That’s probably the final walk in preparation, just a trip to the gym this week and a final kit check. And of course, a constant look at the weather forecasts.

We may do some reports from the Hike itself on twitter, assuming we can get a signal - you can follow us @busandcoach_com

The final long one before the long one

23 September 2012

Getting close now. This is the final long walk in the training schedule. We think it's best to avoid very long days in the week or so before the Hike so have opted for another 25-odd miler today.

As we have done the other loop twice recently we returned to the loop around Stiperstones. Set off at 6.51 from what we now know as The Knolls car park and got to the checkpoint at the top by 7.07. Very cold in the early morning light and we're both wearing gloves for the first time. 

We disturbed a couple of red grouse, first time we've spotted this distinctive Mynd bird on our walks so far. We kept up a reasonable pace with the objective of getting to Earls Hill summit in two hours, but discovered that that is quite a tough task. We almost managed it, arriving at the checkpoint at 9.13, and then a quick descent where we met two walkers/runners on the way up. 

Arrived at Bank House at 9.59 and then into the woods at Eastridge where we had first coffee stop, having survived on the hydro water till then. As we approached Snailbeach, we could hear the two walkers approaching. They didn't seem to be running but had caught us up anyway. They took a slightly different route out of the woods and then went across into the Snailbeach mine land so after an early lunch we followed and found a nice track which took us past the village and then continued on to Crows Nest. Need to leave the path as you arrive in Crows Nest though otherwise you'd end up back on top of Stiperstones. 

The pub at Stiperstones village is the Hike half-way marker and we reached there at 11.19, just over 4 hours from Stiperstones summit. Pedometer reading was 16.45km but we have found that it is underestimating now. (That's my story and I am sticking to it.) 

Having missed out the first bit of road walking helped us move on quickly to Pennerley, reaching the turn marked Nant Isa at 11.48. The aim was to reach Shelve checkpoint in 5 hours and we just about made that as the sky turned distinctly grey and raindrops began. 

By the time we had stopped for a snack at White Grit church, our regular stop, it was raining properly and the trudge up Corndon was just that. Somewhat concerned that the grassy slopes here could be very tricky if there's a lot of rain on the Hike. We reached the top at 1.35pm, 24km, or thereabouts. The wind was very strong on top and heads bowed we went along the ridge, avoiding the wrong path we had taken last time in the dark, and we counted 196 steps (my feet) from the corner to the path leading down. The route was much clearer than on previous occasions, which may be down to the number of people now out on training walks. 

Arrived at Woodgate Farm at 2.08pm, 7 hours from Stiperstones. The geese at Little Cefn Farm were taking shelter in the covered barn but still found their voices as we passed through. We were passed here by a runner who seemed familiar from some of the Hike photos and he said "see you in two weeks" before disappearing into the distance. Good job we weren't trying to get route tips from following him as there was no sign at all of him in the next field. 

The path that has been reopened near here is still pretty impossible and by the look of the mud on the barred gate most people are still going through the next field and then down into the really boggy section. Last time we were here it was really wet leading up to the pig trough stile so we took the higher path and there is a straightforward route down to the stile. Rather worryingly though it may be a waterfall if it has rained. 

We got to Welsh Lodge at 2.50 and then Rhadley Cottage on the 8-hour mark. We stopped for a final coffee before the final stretch of road up to Black Rhadley, and made the mistake of not putting on waterproof trousers, something we paid for by the time we got back down from Black Rhadley (having reached summit at 3.56), as we were soaked on the way down. 

The road section from here is a real bore but we were delighted to find a shortcut by following the Shropshire Way from Nipstone Rock which cuts off the corner to The Bog. 

Back to the car park atThe Knolls at 4.41pm, 11.5 hours for the section which gives us some hope that we can get back under 22 hours.

Breaking the 30-mile barrier

15 September 2012

If you can do 30 miles, then you can do 50. That's what we were told on Saturday and we certainly hope it's true having just completed our first 30-miler. 

The walk was almost a repeat of last week with an extra diversion up to the summit of Stiperstones. Got away at 6.20 and  departed Old Cardington Lane checkpoint at 6.45. The start was hampered by problems getting Sue's pack comfortable. The new pack, bought from our friendly local store www.theoutdoordepot.co.uk has an airflow back which seems to hold the weight a bit away from your back. However we found out subsequently that the main problem was too much weight in the pack so we need to minimise that as much as possible for the Hike. 

We got to Caradoc summit a little behind time at 7.28. A large flock of house martins were on the lower slopes, possibly gathering for their big flight. We still managed The Lawley in 1hr 45 and were at the foot in two hours. It's curious that however fast or slow we think we're going, we always seem to take two hours for this section. 

The climb through Gogbatch and up to HIgh Park was a bit easier than last week as it was cooler. After being passed by a runner who seemed oblivious to the incline, we reached the checkpoint in 3hrs 10, which is best yet. 

But we lost that time again on the walk up to Pole Bank as the pack problems became critical. Sue also realised that her worsening headache was probably down to a lack of tea! Having read that tea and coffee can be diuretic she was trying to avoid them on the walk but her body seemed to be complaining about the lack of tea, and after drinking a coffee, the caffeine kick started to work. The lesson is don't try and experiment with dietary intake just before going for a long walk. also remember to pack the paracetamol. 

Pony count of three brown and three white with one gorgeous grey foal asleep. So we now know that the brown stallion is not the only daddy, contrary to last week's post. 

After readjusting the loads between our packs we started to make progress and got to Pole Bank at 11.15. More ponies on the way up - three white, one brown and one grey. Not sure why I have started to count all the different pony colours but there is something special about these creatures who roam around at will on the Mynd. It always lifts our spirits when we see them. In fact I think they deserve a slot on a wildlife documentary one day to show how and where they live throughout the year. 

We passed lots of walkers on the Mynd who seemed to be on a mission and possibly training for the Hike as well.  Good progress down to Coates and then on to Bridges in an hour. No time to stop though and we ploughed straight on up the steep road to Stiperstones. We were a good deal quicker this week reaching the car park in 45 minutes, including a brief stop to chat to neighbour Tony who happened to be en route to help some Hikers to find the paths around Corndon. 

From the car park we hacked straight up the hill for the 20 minute climb. It's always tough on this section because of the rough terrain but the rock outcrops do at least provide good seats near the summit for a lunch stop. 

On the way back down we tried some running and on most downhill sections it was actually easier than walking as you have to hold yourself back when walking which can produce more strain than letting the momentum carry you downhill. 

It still took us 40 minutes to get back to bridges though. As we took advantage of the pub to have a loo break we thought we should buy a quick half, just to support a local business of course. 

We had taken about 7 and three quarter hours and aimed to get home in less than 4 hours from here. Good going all the way through Coates and Medlicott and we are now doing these uphill stretches without any breaks as a result of the training. It's still a tough climb on the final lane up to Medlicott Cottage and then we needed to find a path mentioned by another Hiker and blog-reader (thanks Rob), which leads off the lane marked by a small cairn. The start of the path was certainly easier to identify than the route we'd taken before. It is likely to be very damp if there's much rain though and further up the hill the path splinters into barely visible tracks just like the other one. We approached Pole Cottage a little bit further north but eventually we got onto the path alongside the ponds and reached the checkpoint at 1530. 

After draining the final coffee and last sandwich we set off for Minton. Much colder on the top but it kept us moving well and we did some more jogging down the Minton stretch reaching the checkpoint in just over an hour from Pole Cottage. 

More jogging on the road down to Little Stretton which we made in 25 minutes and then on to the final hill. It does seem a little sadistic of the Hike organisers to make you go up the steep route to Ragleth at this stage of the Hike. Having said that, we did manage it with very few breaks to catch breath and only took 30 minutes from the Green Dragon. Final section home took us to 6.15. Which meant 11 hours 30 min, same time as last week with an extra few miles added. Question now is whether to do another long walk or ease back. As we recovered a lot quicker each time we are minded to do one more long one. 

The second half of the loop

8 September 2012

Our second long walk. This one is the second half of the loop from the first checkpoint at Old Cardington Lane over to Stiperstones and then the final leg back over the Long Mynd to Minton and Ragleth. It should be about 27 miles in total.

Set off from home at 6.15am in the mist, reaching the first checkpoint at 6.35. The climb up Caradoc was tough as usual and we concluded that energy levels are not a their highest at the start of the day and maybe the 1pm start for the Hike may be better following a high-carb lunch. Climbing up the hill, the views back over the valley were quite spectacular. The valley bottom seemed to be covered in a sea of mist and Sue was forced to stop and take some striking photographs.

Sea of mist in the valley.

We reached the summit at 7.19am, and then made it to The Lawley summit at 8.13am, which seems a bit slow for 5.6km. After our first coffee break two hours in and back at the foot of the hill, we headed off across the valley towards High Park and made up a bit of time. The mist had now risen as we passed through Gogbatch which must be one of the most idyllic settings on the Hike. As we climbed the final section towards High Park, a group of ponies meant more photos. There were five white ponies and two brown plus three brown foals, all of which seemed very young with ultra spindly legs. Why are all the foals brown? Clearly there’s a strapping brown stallion somewhere on the Mynd.

Pony and foal near High Park.

Newborn foals - one behind the white mare's legs.

Spindly-legged foal.

High Park checkpoint, 10.9km, was reached at 9.50am. We had hoped to do this in three hours so were running 20 minutes behind. A large flock of birds flitted around the path. Having sacrificed the binoculars to keep weight down we only got a glimpse of those closest but fairly sure it was a flock of goldfinches, as well as swallows and a thrush. More ponies on the route up to Pole Bank; one group of four, two on the brow of the hill, and close to the path, a further group of four - three white and one brown and a brown foal. Another great view of the sea of mist from here across into Corvedale.

Mist looking towards Corvedale.

Approaching the Shooting Box we came across other walkers coming up out of Cardingmill and passed the four-hour mark before heading up to the checkpoint at Pole Bank which we reached at 10.51am, 14.5km. 

On the path down to Coates we saw a few wheatears on the fence. It’s all downhill to Bridges and we made it in an hour from Pole Bank, stopping for an early lunch by the stream before we tackled the uphill trudge on the road to Stiperstones.

Pole Bank trig point.

Setting off from Bridges at 11.58am, it was now very hot and the climb was as tough as expected. The road seems endless up to Stiperstones although the upper section is a bit easier with the option of grass to walk on beside the road. This was our turnaround point and we reached the car park at 12.55, two hours from Pole Bank which was reasonable going. The checkpoint on the outward leg is the summit but we had started from here last week so it was reasonable to turn here and we could add the 20 minutes it would take to the summit, and last week’s 10 hours, to give us a final tally for the 50 miles after today’s walk.

Stiperstones on the horizon.

Back at Bridges in half an hour we granted ourselves a pub stop. Well you can’t pass the pub twice without stopping for the pint and a half, although it’s not something we plan to do on the Hike. A curlew and buzzard spotted from our sedentary position.

The remains of a pint and a half.

On our way again at 1.58pm and back up to Coates before forking right towards Medlicott. We found the path easier this time at Medlicott Cottage and it seemed to be better defined at first. Nearer the ponds the path disappears regularly however and you have to try and keep heading for the reeds and then the stand of trees at Pole Cottage. In wet conditions this part could be exceedingly boggy, so we may need an alternative option to avoid wading knee-deep in water.

On the way to Medlicott.

Pole Cottage checkpoint was reached at 3.12pm with pedometer showing 27.4km although this seems to be under-recording now, possibly by at least 10 per cent, according to the estimates on the Hike website. The turn to Minton was another 20 minutes and shortly after we saw another six ponies, two brown, four white and one foal, you can guess the colour. 

The walk over Minton is another of the Hike’s highpoints in terms of pleasant path, great scenery and, of course, the fact that it’s nearly the final leg. We got to the foot of the hill at 4.09pm, pedometer said 31.2km. We were then overtaken while having final dregs of coffee by a group who we had seen at Stiperstones earlier on. Following them down the road to Little Stretton, we assumed they might be fellow Hikers, and the fact that they took a footpath towards Ragleth seemed to confirm it so we followed what turned out to be a handy shortcut. It only cuts off a few hundred yards but that still feels really good after going this distance.

After a quick stop for water at a shop we didn’t realise existed in Little Stretton, we took the path for the final climb up Ragleth. It was clearly a tough one as the group ahead of us were still on their way up despite the fact we had been to the shop. Sue led the climb up; she seems better going up and me going down. It was a grind but once you reach the summit you find strength in your legs again and we hacked over the summit ridge. It was now 5.12pm and I called Francis, who was able to see us on the ridge from his bedroom, and assured him we’d be home for 6pm, which we just about made.

In all the walk had been 11 hours, taking off the pub stop, so that puts us in contention for getting back in less than 22 hours for the complete Hike, depending of course on the weather and conditions underfoot as well as the unknown impact of what walking 50 miles will make us feel like towards the end.

Probably one more long training walk to go, then we’ll ease up to make sure we are in best shape for the day itself.

Earls Hill - the easier way

4 September 2012

A quick trip up Earl’s Hill to test our idea that the steep path may in fact be easier than the long, slow grind.

Parked in Habberley and set off at 7.46pm.

Answer: yes it is easier, reached the top with much ease at 8.19pm. Surprising as it seemed to us the steeper climb on the loose gravel was a good deal better than that awful ascent around the side. The big difference is made by those kind people who have made all the footholds as it keeps your feet level and reduces the strain on calves enormously.

Still took us just over the hour though as the descent is loose so you have to be careful and it was now fairly dark, very dark when we reached the woods. Managed to eschew the temptations of a beer in the pub, maybe next time …

The first big one

1 September 2012

The first big training walk involved a night walk on the Stiperstones loop. The plan was to walk the circuit from Stiperstones with most of the walk in the dark to match roughly the timings of the Hike. This was also our first real test of whether we can go fast enough to finish in 24 hours! So far our aggregated timings suggest we are on course for 26.5 hours so need to get faster.

Set off from Stiperstones car park at 4.15pm, starting the actual walk section at the summit checkpoint at 4.31pm. A glorious afternoon, definitely one of the days of the year. Not a lot of time to take in the view however, or photographs - you’ll have to just use your imagination for this walk.

We had targeted getting to Earls Hill in two hours, around five miles distance and a lot of decent sections once you get off the rocks on Stiperstones. The walk up Earls Hill was just as difficult as before but we just managed to get to the top for 6.31pm, 8km. We had taken the same route up as last time and although it is not as steep as Caradoc, it does seem to be a relentless slog so we think we might try the other route which we use for the descent one night this week. This route is steeper and a bit loose underfoot, but it is worth trying out.

Quick coffee and flapjack on the top although the wind made the coffee pour horizontally. We worked out that Shelve was probably the rough half way point on this walk so thought we need to get there in three hours which was going to be quite tough.

Next checkpoint is Bank House Farm which we reached at 7.25pm.  The section through Eastridge Woods is nice although it took longer than we remembered and we emerged at Snailbeach at 8pm, 13.6km and found a handy bench to have some food, home made rolls and salad from the garden. We then donned headlights as the next part was on the road. 

Shortly after setting off we had a brief chat with a man who was very interested in the various routes Long Mynd Hikers take through Eastridge and suggested an alternative to going through Snailbeach village which we located after leaving him.

The road section involves some gradual and not-so-gradual climbs up towards Pennerley. After passing Crow’s Nest we reached Tankerville at 9pm, 16.9km and then just a short uphill section before the turn off towards Shelve. It was a relief to get off the road as there was a surprising amount of traffic we had to stand aside for on the road from Snailbeach. Some drivers gave us more room than others and quite a few seemed to be a bit dazzled by our lights which on balance is probably a good thing as they could’t miss us, or rather they could miss us.

The walk to Shelve was punctuated by encounters with various scurrying animals, their bright eyes lit up with our torches. Arrived at Shelve with the moon now full, just outside the targeted 3 hours from Earl’s Hill at 9.33pm. No time to stop though so we hacked on through the forest section and out onto the A488 for a short stretch which was very quiet and only one car passed. After passing the Powys sign we slogged up the track from White Grit and made the foot of Corndon at 10.30pm, 22.7km. We needed some sustenance before we tackled the climb so we had a brief coffee and flapjack stop. The climb up Corndon was as tough as expected after the distance we had travelled and it is clearly going to take a lot of mental energy to make this on the Hike with 30 miles under our belts. Reached the summit at 11pm, 23.6km. It was very windy at the top but very exhilarating at night.

From the top you can see the glow of what we assumed was Shrewsbury. Invisible during daylight, it is a very obvious at night. The moon was now enveloped in cloud and the resulting gloom meant that we struggled to find the path from the summit and managed to go wrong for the first time here. After going through a gate that we couldn’t remember we eventually realised that was because we weren’t meant to go that way so had to retrace our steps losing about 10 minutes and then follow the hill boundary until we found our bearings again. We remembered heading towards the hill south of Black Rhadley and that line kept us on the right track.

The path down off Corndon was another that seemed to have lengthened in the dark and there were lots of eyes lit up in the dark as sheep scurried away. But having done this section twice we got to Woodgate Lodge Farm at 11.48pm, 26.4km without a hitch although the sheep were probably a bit grumpy having to move for these two brightly lit walkers.

We kept very quiet going through Little Cefn Farm as the footpath goes right across their property and then found the route across the hill, partly thanks to a neatly-placed square of fluorescent material. The final part of this was previously through a gate and down a field and we took that again but at the track at the bottom, realised that the landowner has now cleared the footpath which goes along a sunken track between the fields so that should be fine for the Hike.

It was very dark here so we just plumped for what we thought was the right direction and eventually found the single section of unattached fence which marks the route to the gate into the wood. On the other side the path was very, very boggy. Our new boots are well and truly christened now and this short stretch to the pig-trough stile is likely to be impossible when there are 500 Hikers on it so we will have to find a route on the higher ground and drop down at right angles to the stile. On the other side there was more bog but we were soon free of the clag and on the open hillside and found the route down to the A488 pretty easily. 

Arrived at the Nind road by Welsh Lodge at 12.35pm, and had another brief stop for coffee, flapjack and fruit. (In case you’re wondering, there’s a lot of details about food on the blog because it becomes very important when you are doing these distances.)

The road section up to Black Rhadley is just a slog and it has taken us well over an hour in the past but we managed it in 45 minutes and then marched up to the summit in just ten minutes to arrive at 1.37am. We now had just 50 minutes to walk back to Stiperstones car park via The Bog which we managed by the skin of our teeth, arriving at 2.31am, exactly 10 hours from the start. 

We made it! Our longest ever walk and the tough night section of the Hike. More night walks to follow next weekend.

It’s for real!

30 August 2012

OK, now it’s the real thing. We’ve told everyone we’re doing it, linked up with Shropshire Wildlife Trust to raise money to mark their 50th anniversary, and completed our initial recce of the 50 miles; there’s no turning back now.

All the training walks from now on will be on full sections of the walk. First off is the section from Caradoc to High Park, one that we can easily do straight from home and should take us around 4 hours.

Set of from home at 7.16pm and reached the official starting point at Old Cardington Lane at 7.26 where we set the pedometer going. Caradoc is the first objective and we toyed with the idea of taking a track up past Three Fingers Rock, but decided to stay on the main track through the woods and then left through the gate on the first steep section up to the summit. It was back in June when we last did this section and though it was a bit easier this time it was still a tough climb. A full moon shone in the eastern sky and we did stop for one photograph at the first rock outcrop.

Full moon from Caradoc.

The summit was reached at 8.07, 2.3km, where the remains of the Jubilee Beacon could still be seen. We then hacked over the ridge and down the other side, aided by new boots (expertly fitted by The Outdoor Depot) which reminded me what it felt like having a sole which actually gripped. We actually jogged a bit downhill; the grazing sheep seemed unimpressed and carried on munching. The foot of the hill was reached at 8.27, 3.7km and then a brief stop to retighten Sue’s new boots.

As we emerged from the woods it was getting dark but we thought we could continue without torches until Lawley. The second hill on the Hike is a good deal easier than the first although the summit is further than you think with a constant climb seeming particularly endless in the half-light. Eventually we made the summit post with bird on top at 9.04pm, 7.75km. The moon was still shining brightly but after a very quick coffee we decided it might be safer to don headtorches for the descent which actually went very quickly. Our first encounter with another walker was at the foot of Lawley with a local walking her dog. She guessed we were training for the Long Mynd Hike, probably after being blinded by our head torches, and very kindly suggested we knock on her door if we there were any emergencies during the event itself.

After another coffee and brioche to fortify ourselves, we set off for Comley Farm, expecting to find the bullocks but the first field was empty, although we spotted a number of bright light points in the second one which turned out to be the bullocks’ eyes shining back at us. We had walked this section just a week ago which was fortunate as we could remember the rough orientation of the paths and where the exits were. At least we thought we could, until we got to the section after the lane where two very nosy horses put us off our stride and we took a while to find the stile in the far corner of the field. The horses were really very friendly and not put off too much by our bright lights.

Arrived at the A49 crossing at 10.10, 9.0km and then headed off on the paths towards Gogbatch. More horses encountered here although they didn’t get quite as close. We found most of the route fairly easily but actually took a different path without knowing it that ended up alongside the stream in Gogbatch that is in fact better than the scramble up through the gorse bushes we used last time. 

After the very steep final climb out of the lane in Gogbatch we got to the junction at 10.45, 10.7km. More climbing on the lane up to High Park where we reached the crossroads at 11.04, 11.7km. No need for lights here as the moon was so strong. We need to check the map reference again but think the checkpoint is at this crossroads, although it could be a bit further uphill where the path forks. Anyway our time wasn’t too bad; just over three and a half hours for the 7 mile section, and in the dark too. 

We decided to bail out here and get back before Francis alerted the police and mountain rescue, and took the lane down past Jinlye and then the footpath fork to the right past the farms and into All Stretton. Looking north before Jinlye you could see the glow of Shrewsbury’s lights which is far more noticeable at night, and there was also a glow to the east which was presumably the various parts of Telford. Over on the other side of the Long Mynd which will be the actual night walking section, we may find more of a sense of wilderness.

Home at 11.55 after walking our planned 10 miles. Next up is a longer night walk with a 24 mile circuit starting at Stiperstones.

Sponsor us and support the Shropshire Wildlife Trust

As the Hike is 50 miles it seems very appropriate to support the Shropshire Wildilfe Trust which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The Trust has a number of reserves along the route - Earl's Hill, Brook Vessons, The Hollies and Nipstone and does great work in protecting wild places around the county.

We have now set up a fundraising page with Shropshire Wildlife Trust, so if you would like to sponsor our mad quest, please click this link and visit their page where you can make a secure online donation.

We hope you will give generously!

50 miles - in the bag!

22 August

Final missing section to complete in our third consecutive night of walking. This had to be a linear walk from Bridges to Little Stretton with the plan to leave one car there and return later to pick it up. Set off at 17.15 and made good progress up to Coates 1.0km, 17.32, through three gates and on to Medlicott (2.1km, 17.51) where we headed straight up towards Medlicott Cottage. Spotted our first glider of the evening here.

Between Coates and Medlicott.

Reached Medlicott Cottage and the boundary to the National Trust land at 2.7km, 18.06. Full of enthusiasm we set off with confidence - up the wrong track. Realised after a while that we were following the NT boundary when we should have been going at 45 degrees from the entrance gate towards Pole Cottage.

The wrong path!

The right path - looking back to Medlicott Cottage

After retracing our steps, we set off again from Medlicott Cottage at 3.2km, 18.21. The path was difficult to see but we could make out a faint track in roughly the right direction which eventually became a path through the blooming heather. (Don’t worry I’m not about to break into song …) JP had warned us that this could be a wet walk through the heather, not on this occasion but he is right if it had been raining heavily before. Further up the hill the path kept disappearing and when we studied the OS map carefully we realised there should be some ponds nearby.

Among the blooming heather...

On the horizon we spotted some rushes/sedges which we thought could indicate ponds, and we were right. The path skirted to the left of the ponds and then headed for a clump of trees which marked the site of the former Pole Cottage. This is now just an enclosure where the cottage once stood and is used as a group camp site, 4.3km, 18.44. An easy walk along The Portway followed and the track to Minton was nicely signposted, although we couldn’t identify all the paths shown on the OS map. After a brief coffee break we set off at 19.03, 5.5km. 

The ponds near Pole Cottage.

Good track over Minton Hill and on past the Packet Stone into a charming valley resplendent in purple heather. Reached the NT sign at the foot of the hill at 8.1km, 19.51, and into hamlet of Minton where there is a fine example of a cruck-framed house being renovated.

The route to Minton.

Just past the Packet Stone.

The next section is a slog along the lane to Little Stretton which took longer than anticipated and we even tried a bit of jogging along here. Arrived at the Green Dragon at 9.7km, 20.16 then back home along the road before setting out to collect the car, and of course have a pint in The Bridges - well we did make use of their car park so it’s only fair. 

Hurrah, that’s the 50 miles completed; just have to do it in 24 hours now. I feel some more night walking coming our way.

The last hill on the Hike

21 August 2012

Another short evening walk to fill in the missing sections. Set off at 7.06pm to Little Stretton to pick up the final part of the Hike over Ragleth. Arrived at Ragleth Inn at 7.45 then a few minutes later turned down Crown Lane opposite the Green Dragon pub at 2.7km. Turned right onto the A49 then left up a lane to a house which becomes a footpath past Knoll Cottage. Lots of turkeys milling around and a very peaceful grave of a young man who died in 2002.

Looking across to the Long Mynd.

Ragleth Hill information sign

The path climbs up the hill and we reached the Ragleth Hill sign at 8.11pm, 3.6km. Then a steeper climb up to the summit via some helpfully-provided footholds. England flag flying at summit reached at 8.25pm, 4.1km. Very breezy on top and after a couple of quick photos headed along ridge and found the path that veers left towards the town.

Path from summit along the ridge.

The darkness in the woods meant we had to get the head torches out and it was a very slippery descent, fortunately on the Hike it will be light when we reach here. Tawny owl heard in the woods but he went quiet when the bright lights went on.

At the summit of Ragleth.

Reached the foot of the hill and alleyway to Poplar Drive at 9.03pm, 5.8km, then home at 9.25, 7.5km. Just the Bridges to Minton stretch to complete now.

Evening ramble

20 August 2012

Short evening walk to test out new head torch and sort out route from The Lawley. Set off at 7.05pm. First wildlife was slow worm on path near Cwm Dale. Through All Stretton then lane off to right and across railway and A49.

Never seen any of these properties before, good-looking barn conversions at Botvyle Farm.

Reached the point where the path down from Caradoc meets the lane just after Caradoc Cottages at white picket fence at 8.03pm, 3.65km. Then down the lane past Comley Farm where the path goes up to The Lawley. Met Mr Farmer at 3.9km, nice chap who said no problem with cows in field although one of the mothers seemed a bit too interested in me and then they all stampeded across to the other side. 

Spotted a fox running in next field, much more wildlife around early and late in the day. Arrived at the house with the tin man at 8.29pm, 4.9km. Last time we had turned right here but the correct way is to go left and then take first footpath on right just before Heath House. Horses in field very interested in us and escorted us through two fields to the stile. More farmers out and about here moving sheep, then just couple more fairly straight paths to A49 reached at 8.40pm, 5.4km.

After crossing onto the All Stretton lane, took footpath immediately to right and first use of torch to see the map. Tawny owl heard and shadowy form seen in next field which was also full of horses that were keen to come and see us. The path then crosses the lane and continues past a cottage and through bracken all the way up to lane at Gogbatch. Reached lane at 9.03pm, 6.3km and decided to head for home. Properly dark now so good chance to test torch which was pretty impressive. Reached home at 9.45pm.

OS website calculated the walk at 7.8km to Gogbatch, 10.9km to home which meant we had made better pace than we had thought. Still going to be tough going to make the Hike in 24 hours though …

The missing bits behind Stiperstones

Heather in bloom on Stiperstones.

19 August 2012

An early start saw us at Stiperstones car park at 7.55am. The road up from Bridges was busy with birds including a flock of wheatears, lots of skylarks, pied wagtails and meadow pipits.

This marks the route to Habberley!

The path over Stiperstones didn’t feel quite so tough having suffered many hours on the rocky paths at Scafell Pike but it is still slow-going. Early morning sunshine was very warm but as we went over the top it began to cloud over. We reached the Shropshire Wildlife Trust reserve at 9.14am, 3.9km. We found the right path direct to Upper Vessons Farm this time and had coffee break at the cyclist’s entrance to Eastridge Woods at 9.45am, 5.4km.

Arriving in Habberley at 10.09, 6.6km, we decided to include Earl’s Hill, having originally planned to turn left to Bank House.

Heather on Stiperstones.

We have done Earl’s Hill before, but as we had gone a bit off-piste, decided to do it again and get it right this time. The final climb up to the summit is surprisingly tough and sure it will be tougher after having done 20 miles on the Hike. Reached the summit at 10.47am, 8.6km. We had been hoping for an hour to get to and from here from Habberley, but it was looking more like an hour and a quarter.

Snailbeach mine.

Arrived back in Habberley at 11.25am, having seen our first real rain on training walks. We lost a few minutes talking to a couple whose dog showed rather more intelligence that the rest of us, as he sheltered under a tree while we chatted out in the rain.

As we headed towards Bank House Farm we had to check the map for the first time on the walk. (Now missed our waterproof map cover which we had lost somewhere by the car at Seathwaite.) The crossroads with the Shropshire Way was clear just before we reached the farm and we turned left towards Eastridge woods at 11.44am, 11.5km. Once in the woods there was a very clear forest track which leads around the edge of the woods all the way to Snailbeach. The Shropshire Way turns left which we could take but it looks like involving much more climbing. 

The Eastridge cycle routes cross the path and we braved one of these to find a sheltered spot for lunch at 12.10pm, 12.75km. The path was so easy through the woods that we arrived at Snailbeach surprisingly quickly  at 12.57, 14.2km and then set off on the road section towards Tankerville and Pennerley. 

Stiperstones Inn - can't believe it's only half way on Hike!

Shop at Stiperstones Inn.

Crows Nest buildings.

 The settlements on this side of Stiperstones are very interesting with the mining heritage very evident everywhere. Passing through Snailbeach and Crow’s Nest we got to Tankerville Pottery at 14.00, 17.4km, where a neatly-position bench gave us a final coffee stop. The pottery shop was open, despite the sign and being unstaffed and it is certainly worth a look.

Post in the wall at the Old Cross Guns.

The former Cross Guns inn at Crows Nest.

Tankerville Pottery.

Old mine at Tankerville

For the benefit of a commenter who thought there were a bit too many pints of
beer on our blog, this shows we drink copious amounts of coffee too

Continuing uphill we arrived at Pennerley with its viewpoint back across the side of Stiperstones. The path left towards Shelve, marked by a Nant Isa B&B sign at 17.7km,  is a good one, being used by vehicles for access to a number of houses along the lane. Arrived as planned on the Shelve road close to the The Firs at 14.25, 18.3km. Then just a short hike back to the car park, reached at 15.10, 20.8km.

Only one more section to complete the hike route - Bridges - Ragleth, and sort out the best path down from The Lawley, and then we’ll be ready to do some serious endurance training!

View from Pennerley.

Well, you can't go past The Bridges without a swift pint can you?