Local Walk Leaflets

Peplow CG Snowdrop Walk 2

The Hodnet Footpath Group have produced ten leaflets describing some varied local walks – for the benefit of residents and visitors alike. A general ‘Guide’ leaflet about all our walks is also available.

The walk leaflets follow footpaths, some ancient/some modern, or country lanes – with one focusing just on the historic buildings/sites within Hodnet village.

The front of each walk leaflet contains an indication of the nature of the walk (circular or linear); the approx milage; the walk ‘Grade’ (level of fitness required); whether or not the route is wholly or partly ‘dog friendly’ and the expected duration (hours).

All were updated in Oct 2022 and printed copies (thanks to several local sponsors) are now available in various local outlets, including Hodnet Village Stores and The Bear Inn – but all can be downloaded below.

Notes.

1/ Although each walk has a nominal start/end point, the routes can of course be walked in reverse order, or started midway – the choice is yours!

2/ Most of the walks at some point involve access to/through farmers fields. Whilst we encourage landowners/farmers to observe their legal obligations to keep paths and stiles clear, depending upon the level of use and the time of year paths in fields containing growing crops may be difficult to navigate. Where such paths pass along the field edge, walkers are advised to minimise crop damage by trying to walk instead, where practical, in the ‘tramlines’ between crop rows; but where a field has to be crossed, walkers are advised to take the most direct [or existing trodden] path between field edges, ideally following the route shown on the leaflet maps. In the event of extreme difficulty/obstruction, please get in touch with the farmer, where known, or let us know of the problem.

3/ If you come across nettles, brambles and bushes/trees, etc, obstructing/overhanging stiles and gates you can do your bit to help others who may follow – by trampling them down or by cutting/snapping them off.

A brief description of each walk is shown below. If you click on the heading it will download to your device.

Hodnet Walks – A Guide

This leaflet summarises our ten walk leaflets; showing their titles, general routes/starting points plus an explanation of some terms used, and also gives some general information on walking and how to deal with/report problems.

Walk 1: Hodnet to Wollerton – ‘Glow Worm Walk’
This linear (part circular) walk starts at the Hodnet Social Club. It primarily takes you along part of the former Wellington to Market Drayton railway line where, late on a warm evening (at the end of June/start of July) a colony of glow-worms can be spotted – the females displaying a light (glow) to attract mates.

For those who prefer a circular walk, the route can be extended along country roads past Wollerton Old Hall, then crossing the Hodnet Bypass before returning to Hodnet via Station Road. Alternatively, with a second extension it can include Websters Lane and a walk across fields back into the village.

Walk 2: Hodnet North Circular – ‘Long Lane Walk’
This circular walk starts at the Lyon Hall in Hodnet. The walk leaves Hodnet and climbs through fields to provide a panoramic view of the North Shropshire countryside. You then follow a lane down to Wollerton; and from there the route follows pavements around Wollerton or a field path across its middle, to an unsuual brick animal pound. This is close to Wollerton Old Hall, after which the route takes the old railway line back to Hodnet.

Walk 3: Hodnet to Marchamley – ‘Permissive Path Walk’
Starting again at the Lyon Hall, this linear (part circular) walk heads through the top part of Hodnet village before going up the hill to Marchamley. About two-thirds of the way up the hill is the start of the ‘Permissive Path’, created a few years ago, which runs along the edge of a field to the outskirts of Marchamley. From this path there is an impressive view of the area towards Telford and the Wrekin. Those looking for a short walk can turn around at Marchamley, or extend the walk down Long Lane, which provides a further viewpoint, to return across fields to the Lyon Hall.

Walk 4: Around Hodnet – ‘History Walk’
This walk follows no fixed route, but identifies various buildings/places of historic interest to be found in the village of Hodnet. Some of these are located in the grounds of Hodnet Hall and can only be accessed on the days the grounds are open to visitors (details on the Hall’s own website).

Originating in Anglo Saxon times, the village became important with the building of a Norman castle, but now just a mound obscured by trees. Its character is enhanced by a large number of 16th & 17th century timber-framed, black and white buildings. Originally these were thatched, but now just one such roof remains.

Walk 5: Wollerton to Stoke Heath – ‘Wetlands Walk’
Starting at the Wollerton Village Room, this circular (part linear) walk goes to the Wollerton Wetlands, where you can explore the various pools and surrounds, keeping a watch for wildlife of all kinds – birds and insects abound. Otters live in the river and no doubt visit the Wetlands too. Even though it’s right by the bypass, it is a surprisingly quiet spot. Those who want a longer walk can follow the riverside path under the bypass towards Stoke Heath via Helshaw Grange.

Walk 6: Hodnet to Fauls – ‘Two Parishes Walk’
One of our longer walks, this linear walk (part circular) passes through varied countryside between the villages of Hodnet and Fauls.

Starting at the Lyon Hall car park, the route goes up Hearne Lane and climbs the hill to Long Lane [as per walk leaflet 2] but then crosses Long Lane and heads towards Marchamley Wood and the onto Fauls. It provides great views of the North Shropshire countryside and, as you near Fauls, the distant Welsh Hills. Fauls has a pretty Churchyard and sits in attractive countryside. Various options are available for the return leg.

Walk 7: Around Fauls – ‘Fauls Circular Walk’
This circular walk starts at the Holy Immanuel church in Fauls. On a clear day it provides views of the Hawkstone and Welsh hills as well as towards Market Drayton, Loggerheads and North Staffs/Cheshire – where on a very clear day you can see as far as Mow Cop and the Jodrell Bank radio telescope. It also passes by Hoarstone Lake with its wildfowl, rabbits and, maybe, an odd angler or two!

The full routes is about 5 miles long, but a short cut offers an easier 1.5 mile stroll.

Walk 8: Around High Hatton – ‘Hawgreen Walk’
This circular walk starts at a wide highway verge near High Hatton, and uses lanes to reach Peplow/Radmoor before returning, via fields to the start. En-route you pass Hawgreen Farm and its pretty pool, with field paths taking you back to High Hatton – where an optional extension can add a pleasant further mile and half to your walk.

Walk 9: Peplow to Stoke on Tern – ‘Tern Valley Walk’
This linear walk starts at Peplow’s chapel of the Epiphany and takes you across largely unseen and varied countryside, up the river Tern valley, until you reach St Peter’s church at Stoke on Tern.

Cars can readily be parked by St Peter’s to enable you to walk the route in reverse; or if two cars are used (and parked at each end) you can enjoy a shorter walk one way.

Walk 10: Hodnet to Tunstall Woods – ‘Bluebell Walk’
This linear walk starts by Webster Lane Farm (aka ‘Ashley’s Farm’) on the edge of Hodnet. It passes down the side of Tunstall Woods and then goes across varied countryside to end by Tunstall Farm – although there is no right of way to the farm or beyond.

In season, usually May, there is a nice display of native bluebells in part of the woods, plus other wild flowers.