The Ascent of Caer Caradoc, August 2nd, 2003
On the eastern side of the A49, facing Church Stretton and the Long Mynd, stands the striking mass of Caer Caradoc. (There are two Caer Caradocs in Shropshire, this is not the lesser one near Chapel Lawn - SO3075 - but the one situated at SO4795.)
Its peak is 459m above sea level, with the remains of an iron age hill-fort commanding wide views of the surrounding countryside. It's variously described as `the most spectacular peak in Shropshire', and `on a scale of 10, this gets an 11'.
Early on Saturday morning, August 2nd, 2003, just after breakfast, two intrepid climbers set off from the Church Stretton flat to make the attempt on the peak, equipped with little more than walking boots, sticks, a backpack and a sunhat, 2 apples and a bar of chocolate.
Setting off across the recreation ground at the end of Beaumont Road, we took the path alongside the brook and went straight ahead to make the perilous crossing of the railway line and the A49, then followed the footpath up the lane towards New House Farm, turning off to the right alongside the stream. Thus far, a relatively gentle ascent.
Soon the path led around the southern end of the hill and along another lane, not beginning the really steep climb until we crossed the stile and came onto the slopes of the final ascent. With many stops to catch our breath and let running Royal Marine types overtake us, we pressed onwards and upwards. Climbing on the 'wrong side' of the hill, it's impossible to guess at the view you will see from the top, until you actually come over the last ridge; and there is the A49 far below, and beyond it to the west the Long Mynd. It is, as the book says, spectacular.
|
Click on the thumbnails to see a larger image |
|||
 View of the Long Mynd |
 Intrepid climber #1 |
 Intrepid climber #2 |
 Looking south from summit towards Three Fingers Rock |