Walk Leaders: Sue and Brian Stevens
Our walk on Thursday 19th March started at Acton Burnell Castle to the south of Shrewsbury. The route was a figure of eight taken from the Ordnance Survey Book - Shropshire Outstanding Circular Walks.
There were fifteen walkers altogether and we were blessed with glorious blue skies a pleasant temperature and a dry day. Along the way we were lucky to see plenty of signs of spring including lambs, daffodils and blossom. We stopped for a coffee break just below Frodesley Lodge which was built in1591 and had great views across the Shropshire Countryside looking north. In Frodesley we passed the Frodesley Oak which is more than 700 years old and is now 90% dead! A leisurely lunch was taken just past Ruckley, and we had more views across the Shropshire Hills. Arriving back at Acton Burnell we visited the English Heritage site to explore the castle remains and also the church. Sometime between 1283 and 1285 King Edward I (the first) called a parliament which was held in the large barn adjacent to Acton Burnell Castle. What made this meeting different was that for the first time commoners as well as nobles (Barons) took part in the event.
The walk was just under 6 miles and took 3 ½ hours with a mixture of field paths, tracks and one short stretch along a lane.
It was a very enjoyable walk and many commented that it was their first visit to this area.
The Route
