Minton Hill (15km) Print

Minton Hill Waypoint 1

The Long Mynd has its ancient tracks but the most fascinating history is much more recent. In the Second Worls War Minton Hill was used by the Germans as a landmark for their bombing raids on the Mersey. Pathfinder planes dropped flares, setting the hill on fire so it could be used as a beacon for the bombers. Just north of the route Pole Cottage was a secret base where people trained in Falconry. The falcons killed the carrier pigeons used by German spies. Parking at Hill End Farm (Grid reference SO398876), please phone Mr and Mrs Brian Williams beforehand on 01588 680273. Leave Hill End farmyard and head along track uphill. On joining bridleway (BW) turn right and follow track along the bottom of the hillside following the fence line on the right. This leads to a gate onto a path which runs along the edge of a forestry plantation.

Minton Hill Waypoint 2

On leaving the forestry enclosure at a wicket gate descend to a brook crossing and continue straight on through gate and follow old hedged lane out to a tarmac road.

Minton Hill Waypoint 3

Turn right and follow road for about 0.5 km to crossroads.

Minton Hill Waypoint 4

At cross roads turn left and follow quiet lane for about 2km to the villiage of Minton.

Minton Hill Waypoint 5

In the village bear left and keeping the village green on your right, keep ahead onto track that turns left and leads to a gate onto the Long Mynd.

Minton Hill Waypoint 6

The path climbs very steeply at first then passes over the open hill to eventually join the tarmac road known as the Portway. There are three paths to choose from when you near the top of the hill which all lead you to the road eventually. The most obvious one runs along the right flank of Packetstone Hill then turns left handed to join a wide track.

Minton Hill Waypoint 7

On reaching the tarmac road turn left and follow road to the Midland Gliding Club.

Minton Hill Waypoint 8

There are two ways to cross the gliding field. You can follow the Portway along the tarmac access track then continue ahead when the tarmac road turns towards the buildings. Follow waymarks set into the ground bearing right to join a more obvious track along the hillside. Those wishing to avoid airfield activities should follow the Starboard Way which starts near the entrance to the gliding field and passes behind the buildings. After leaving the airfield the routes rejoin on a grassy track that leads to a gate.

Minton Hill Waypoint 9

Go through the gate and keep travelling along the spine of the Long Mynd, passing forestry to your left. Descend through a series of gates for a distance of approximately 3.5km.

Minton Hill Waypoint 10

Near to the bottom of the hill, by forestry, the track bends down to the right. At this point leave the Jack Mytton Way and take a gate on the left and follow the fence line along the bottom of the hill. Waymark posts guide you to the brow of the hill when you drop down to a wicket gate and up a steep path up a bank to eventually join a more defined track. Turn right off the BW when you reach the track leading back to Hill End Farm.