Walk #6 Stiperstones, Shropshire

Manstone Rock

Walk 14 out of 100

Walk #6 - Stiperstones

Shropshire 

Overall Rating - ✪✪✪✪

Suggested Difficulty - Moderate

My Difficulty Rating - ✪✪

Suggested Time - 3h 30m

Actual Time Taken - 2h 35m

Distance in book - 8.8km
Map my walk Distance - 8.52km

The Bog Centre, start/finish

For walk number 14 I made my way back to Shropshire to take on the Stiperstones, a distinctive ridge of rugged rocks which look a bit like the back of a Stegosaurus! The rocky summit was shaped during the last ice age as the quartzite was shattered by constant freezing and thawing.

A first for the walks, Llamas!

I've given this walk a 4 star rating, there are lots of beautiful views when walking along the ridge line, plenty of great rock formations to scramble around and a variety of terrain.

Nipstone Rock

The route was pretty straight forward to follow and the distance was pretty accurate in the book, but as it took nowhere near the 3 hours 30 minutes target time, it would have been nice if the walk lasted a bit longer. There was a steady climb involved, but nothing too strenuous.

Jiminy chilling on Nipstone Rock

As for the terrain, 'The Bog' lives up to its name so make sure you have proper boots. Once you get up to the Stiperstones ridge, the path becomes very rocky so it probably wasn't the best idea for me to do this walk whilst recovering from a sprained ankle! The latter part of the walk involves crossing farmland and walking along well kept paths.
Nipstone Rock, Manstone Rock and the Devil's Chair all provide some great photo opportunities along the ridge and are also great places to stop for lunch.
Apparently you can see the Devil on his chair during dark stormy nights, instead he just decided to dump a huge hail storm on top of us, another first for the walks!

HAIL!

I would definitely recommend this walk as the views are beautiful along the Stiperstones and it isn't too difficult a climb up there. Take your time to enjoy the views and explore the rocks as the route allows for plenty of time.

Best thing about walking this time of year, cute lambs!

Thanks to Neil for the company and as always, Thanks for reading,

Stef.

Here's the link to the walk on 'Map My Walk'

And follow me on Twitter @stefanvilla1991

Walk #13 Cannock Chase, Staffordshire

Walk 13 out of 100

Walk #13 - Cannock Chase

Staffordshire 

Overall Rating - ✪✪✪

Suggested Difficulty - Easy

My Difficulty Rating - ✪

Whitehouse car park (free!), start/finish

Suggested Time - 3h 30m

Actual Time Taken - 2h 40m

Distance in book - 10.5km
Map my walk Distance - 11.28km

I've only just realised I picked walked #13 for my 13th walk, good job I'm not superstitious or anything! Anyway...
Known as the last wilderness in the English Midlands, Cannock Chase is pretty close to Birmingham for those Midlanders who don't want to travel too far.

This walk has been given a 3 star as it is quite a pleasant, simple walk through the valleys and forests of the Chase. The lack of climbs and views are what have prevented this walk getting the top marks in my book, but if you're looking for an easy walk for all the family then this ticks all the boxes.

The route is probably the easiest I've had to follow so far as all the paths are very clear and well maintained. There are plenty of cyclists and horse riders about here too, so if you like your walks without being run over, keep an eye out!

After following the stream through the valley there is a pleasant picnic area before entering the forest up a hill to the only big view point of the walk. The end of the walk explores more forest before returning to the car park.
I would recommend this walk to any walker, particularly for a family who just want to get out and about, but it's probably not one for the more adventurous ramblers.
Thanks to Emily for joining me.

Thanks for reading,  

Stef.

Here's the link to the walk on 'Map My Walk'

And follow me on Twitter @stefanvilla1991