Paul and Sheena Taylor led this walk around Brown Clee Hill. The walk, a little over six miles, comprised a circular route around the upper part of the Brown Clee, Shropshire’s highest hill. Despite a poor weather forecast for heavy showers, twelve members of the U3A met for the walk on the minor road near Hillside Coppice on the north east flank of the hill. We ascended through bluebell-clad and sunlit meadows to a level path through woodland. Then, we progressed along an open heathland path commanding wide-ranging and outstanding views across the Shropshire countryside to the hills of Wales beyond. Also impressive, was the dramatic cloudscape and waves of encroaching dark cloud and heavy rain showers! In the event, luck was on our side and we were spared a soaking, experiencing only a fairly brief hail shower.
We paused our walk to visit the small but poignant memorial to no fewer than 23 allied and enemy aircrew who were killed in various air crashes on the Brown Clee.
Crossing the fence boundary to the Burwarton estate, the second half of the walk provided a contrast with its rich woodland and grassy glades, again furnished with an outstanding display of bluebells. A winding path took us down to Bridge Pool and back past Burwarton House, along the main route back to our parked cars.
Fauna
Wildlife photographer, Maggie Bardsley, came across this and was fascinated by the manner in which it moved across the ground - using its body as a concertina.
The Route
