Midlands Stiperstones Skills Walk | 29th March

About the route

The Stiperstones attract walking enthusiasts for their views and challenging terrain, as well as climbers and boulderers on occasion. We will walk up to the tors, looking for signs of how the rocks were deposited, and their features. Periglacial changes from the last ice age will also be seen. There is a fairly steep descent on the path to Mytton Dingle, where overlying deposits included fossils and rich minerals. Evidence of mining can be seen on our return route. We will point out features of the flora, of interest to hill walkers and mountain leaders wishing to gain insights into aspects of the landscape. You do not need to be a specialist: the walk is intended to be interesting and informative whatever your background. It may provide you with information you can use in your own walks, climbs and so on for the Stiperstones and the wider Shropshire area.

Frank has been Hill Walking for over 20 years both in the UK and in Pakistan and is a qualified Mountain Leader. He is also qualified in first aid and mental health first aid. Frank is a volunteer walk leader for charities including offering wellness walks and mental health support; walks for LGBTQ organisations. Frank is also a mentor for the Mountain Leader programme with the Mountain Training Association and organises small group experience quality mountain days as well as hosting walks for the BMC. Frank can often be found out in the hills designing unusual and challenging navigation routes.

Walk Details

Walk Grading: Easy to Moderate

Distance: Approx. 9 km (5.5 miles)

Ascent: 375 m (1230 ft)

Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours

If you or anyone in your party can’t attend after booking, please let us know so we can offer the place to others

Meeting Details

Time: Sunday 29th March, 09:45am for a 10:00am start

Location: The Bog Car Park, SY5 0NJ (labelled as The Bog Mine of some maps)

OS Grid Ref: SO 35730 97847

Google map pin: 52.574759, -2.949773

Parking: Free Please check out the BMC Liftshare service

Facilities: No bogs in The Bog unfortunately. On your drive in, you can find toilets in Snailbeach (3 miles north of The Bog), and shops in Pontesbury

What to Bring

We’ll cover a range of terrains, so please ensure you are well-prepared with appropriate gear

Footwear: Sturdy, water-resistant hiking boots or shoes with good grip

Clothing: Dress in layers, including waterproofs, as conditions can vary; bring a hat and gloves according to the weather conditions. In windy conditions, the Stiperstones are very exposed and significantly colder than low-lying areas nearby

Food and Drink: Bring enough food and water for a half day’s walk; there will be no places to purchase refreshments en route

Other Essentials: Carrying a small torch or head torch is advisable for emergencies

Who Can Attend

Anyone, under 18's must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Well behaved dogs are welcome but must be always kept under close control, please indicate on your booking if you will be bringing a dog

Health Precautions: If you have any health conditions that might impact your participation, please inform us in advance. Carry any required medications, and let the walk leader know if assistance may be needed in accessing them

Covid-19: Please do not attend if you feel unwell or have Covid-19 symptoms

If you are unsure of your ability or would like advice regarding kit and suitability for this walk, please email the leader in advance

This walk incurs a £2 donation fee towards our hill walking projects. If you are unable to pay this fee, please contact us in advance, and we will anonymously include you for free

BMC Participation Statement

The BMC recognises that climbing, hill walking and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement

Photographs may be taken by the leader for future communications about the programme. If you do not wish for your photograph to be taken please let the leader know in advance or at the start of the walk

By participating in this walk you agree to act in a kind and inclusive manner. Bullying, discrimination or the use of foul language will not be tolerated

Questions?

Feel free to contact BMC Hill Walking Leader, Frank: frank.bruce@btinternet.com