Long Mynd classic cycle trail
This cycle ride starts and finishes in Carding Mill Valley in Shropshire with tough climbs, high speed descents, technical tracks and riders can also enjoy great countryside views along the way.
Total steps: 12
Total steps: 12
Start point
Carding Mill Valley, grid ref: SO411949
Step 1
From Carding Mill Valley begin to climb on tarmac first, through the former top car park onto the gravel and cross the stream.
Step 2
At the confluence, take the right-hand junction up Mott's Road up the steep climb.
Step 3
At the top the path starts to level out and on reaching the T-junction, turn left and head south on the main gravel track.
Step 4
Bear right at the next junction and follow the trail to Shooting Box. Cross the road and continue on to Pole Bank, the highest point on Long Mynd.
Step 5
From Pole Bank trig point, continue straight on downhill to join the road all the way to the entrance of the Gliding Club.
Step 6
Turn left before the cattle grid and pick out the trail into Minton Batch. After the single track and farm continue to the road.
Step 7
Turn right and right again at the next junction in small hamlet of Hamperley. Take the road to the forest and follow the gravel forest track through the main gate, then a second gate and follow the main track. The trail levels out after a time.
Step 8
Bear left at the large junction and continue to climb to go straight at the crossroads.
Step 9
Head through the gate, across the open moorland, through the next gate then turn right onto the Portway path. Then through the next gate and at the next junction bear left (staying on top of the hill, not descending) and follow the Starboard way around the glider station and join the Portway road. Continue north back along the road towards Pole Bank again.
Step 10
Turn right (signed 9 Little Stretton) and follow the main grass trail as it gently descends, then steepens, before a short climb and yet more fast descending to Little Stretton.
Step 11
At the road bear left to the Ragleth Inn, then left again on the main road for a gentle ride back.
Step 12
Follow the road and the brown signs back to Carding Mill Valley.
End point
Carding Mill Valley, grid ref: SO411949
Trail map
More near here
The Burway Loop: a walk to the top of the Long Mynd
Take a challenging walk from Carding Mill Valley up to the highest point of the Long Mynd, which offers impressive views across Shropshire and beyond.
Lightspout Waterfall walk
Starting at Carding Mill Valley at the heart of the Long Mynd enjoy a sometimes challenging walk along a stream to the 4-metre cascade at the picturesque Lightspout Waterfall, taking in impressive geology and wildlife along the way.
New Pool Hollow walk
This shorter walk through the valley ends with beautiful views of the reservoir and beyond.
The Pipe Walk at Carding Mill Valley
This walk is a great way to see some beautiful views and also to really get to the heart of 'those blue remembered hills', as mentioned in the poem by A E Housman.
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