Pontesford

Distance: Two-and-a-half miles.
Terrain: Woodland paths and a quiet lane. 

1. The start is at the Forestry Commission car park half-a-mile up the lane towards Pontesford Hill from the A488.

2. For this easy walk around the base of Earls Hill and the adjoining Pontesford Hill, walk past the barrier out of the car park on to a wide grassy track and follow this to a junction of paths.

3. Take the path on the left — the other one leads up to the summit of Earls Hill — and follow it downhill and along the edge of the wood and up to a gate leading into a field.

4. Pass through and walk alongside the line of trees on the left before climbing to another gate which leads into the Earls Hill Nature Reserve.

5. Continue ahead through the wood ignoring all side paths, and walk down to a T-junction of paths.

6.

Turn right along a delightful path through the woods, currently at its autumnal best, until it joins a wide track and bear left along this until reaching a road junction.

7. Turn right and follow the lane back to the car park.

If you are feeling energetic you may wish to take one of the many other paths which lead up to the summit of Earls Hill. From here, on a clear day, you can take in excellent views of west, south and central Shropshire.

* Shropshire and Mid Wales are perfect for getting out and enjoying a countryside walk, but over time there may be changes to access on some routes. If you follow one of our walks and find a problem, please let us know so that we can amend the details online. Simply e-mail us at internet@shropshirestar.co.uk with the details.