View of The Wrekin from Lyth Hill

It is a well-known feature on the Shropshire landscape, much loved by dog-walkers, ramblers and even courting couples. But it seems some people just don’t know enough about Lyth Hill.

A new plaque has gone up at the beauty spot – but if it is to believed, the landmark is actually called Lith Hill, and stands a mere 63 metres above sea level.

The panoramic stone inscribed “Lith Hill 63m above sea level” has been met with a mix of hilarity and concern.

None of it is correct. The hill is actually 163 metres above sea level.

One regular visitor to the beauty spot, from Shrewsbury, who wished to remain anonymous, said he had noticed the mistake on the stone while walking his dog.

He said: “You can see that they have made a right hash of it and have got the name spelt completely wrong. People will also think the place is sinking into the sea.

“It’s a joke how they did not notice they had made a mistake especially when it is spelt correctly on the board next to it.”

Information boards at the site contain interesting facts about the hill as well as poems penned by Mary Webb and the Rev John Waddington-Feather.

The scheme at the site involves Shropshire County Council and was awarded cash from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Councillor Jason Manley, of Bayston Hill Parish Council, said: “People in Bayston Hill are proud of who they are and to live there.

“It is disappointing this has happened,” he added.

“People that have lived in Bayston Hill for any amount of time, I would expect, may be upset by this.”

Councillor Alan Parkhurst, Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council member for Bayston Hill, said he hoped the stone would be changed.

He said: “I would hope that the information contained on the stone is accurate for the benefit of visitors and residents alike because Lyth Hill is a fantastic resource for the people of Lyth Hill and the surrounding area.”

Gareth Egarr, countryside and heritage site manager for Shropshire County Council, said: “We are aware of the mistakes on the stone. It should read Lyth Hill and the height should read 163m.

“We were aware of the mistakes very shortly after the stone went in and the contractor will be rectifying it very soon.”

By Russell Roberts