The harsh landscape of Titterstone Clee was the setting for the recent eight-mile walk. A keen, blustery wind greeted the eighteen-strong group.

After walking along the dismantled railway track, the route joined the Shropshire Way to walk up the old Incline. Nowadays, people at leisure tread the steep way along which gravity-powered rock-laden trucks used to trundle from quarry to railway.

A gale welcomed the party to the summit of Shropshire's third highest hill. A steep sheepwalk path led off the hill towards Brown Clee and visibly worsening weather. The route then traversed open access ground; much of which was boggy and sodden after recent rains. After lunching by Cleeton St Mary church, the short afternoon stretch climbed past Shirley Farm and Random to skirt the modern quarries. Today, a couple of crushers refine the stone; a century ago, hundreds of squatter families worked the stone by hand. Then, times really were hard.

Forty-three members enjoyed Wednesday morning's walk in the Baggeridge Country Park.

After passing under the old railway line from Himley to Baggeridge Colliery a very slippery path took the walkers down to the big pool before entering the grounds of Himley Hall.

The group walked through the trees at the back of Himley Hall where the snowdrops blossomed in profusion. After the break the walkers continued on to another large pool and through more woodland to emerge on a farm track with good views over to Penn and Sedgley.

The walkers re-entered the Country Park by the tearoom and passed the miniature railway and then on to the Miners Path to return to the car park at The Straits.

Forthcoming walks:

  • Saturday, March 10. Hampton Loade, five miles, meet 13:00.
  • Sunday, March 11, Aston Munslow, 10 miles 9:15.
  • Sunday, March 11, Uphampton, 5.5 miles, meet 9:30.

We welcome enquiries from persons wishing to join our weekend walks (Phone 01384 442244). Further information also may be found on our website: www.shfrc.org.uk