'The Wrekin' Walk and Wild Camp

My first night of wild camping for many a year. Probably since the Duke of Edinburgh Awards times back in the mid to late 80's! Exciting stuff, and really looking forward to climbing up  'The Wrekin' again after a gap of around 30 years or more. 

Parked up in a very smart residential area, next to the Wrekin Golf close to midnight, we made our foray into the woods. Upon finding a suitable flat area way from the footpath we returned to the car to collect our gear. Not looking the least bit suspicious, loaded up with Rucksacks and disappearing once again into the woods.

With nothing but the constant drone of the nearby M54 Flyover we settled down for hopefully a restful sleep.

I'm sorry to report that the sleep didn't live up to the expectations.... Short bursts only, the traffic noise didn't help. I just couldn't get comfortable and the rucksack was no substitute for my pillow at home. To top it all we were rudely awakened by three Chocolate Labradors just after 6 AM. One of whom,I believe went by the name 'Shnozzle' insisted on coming into the tent. In a light drizzle we set off into 'Ercall Woods,' The Little sister to the famous Wrekin and  the start of the journey. Thanks to the construction of the M54 the quarry has revealed layers of rock formations from more than 500 million years ago.

As you can see from the signpost, choices are limited when climbing 'The Wrekin'. Actually a well defined path / track leads up to the  407 metres (1,335 feet)  summit. Strangely it is not the highest hill in Shropshire. The hill is a whale back shape and when seen from the north-west, and south-east  it is a long gentle looking hill. It is made of volcanic rock , but contrary to opinion is not a volcano.

We pass the now deserted 'Half Way House', approximately half way up. A former Hunting Lodge has been a popular stopping off point for Wrekin ramblers with a café  for those looking for a refuel and a stop to enjoy the views and recover. 

Unfortunately the company that ran the business ceased trading in 2021.

A high power TV-Transmitter covers an extensive area of this region of the West Midlands.

The weather has brightened a little and the views at the top are stunning! The Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons can be seen in South Wales.

To the eastern side are the Pennines and Cannock Chase. South east and to the south are the Malvern Hills in Worcestershire along with The Cotswolds over in Gloucestershire. 

Whichever way you look you can't fail to be impressed! Something very special and awakening being at altitude.

The descent is even harder than the climb up.. Really tough on the knees with the ground being so dry.  A couple of times I stumble, thankfully there are trees to grab hold of.  

It is re-assuring to be back down at ground level again! So much so that we miss the path for the second part of the walk. After a bit of back tracking we are back on course.

We are completing the 'circle' of 'The Wrekin' on the lower slopes. Less spectacular but more forgiving at least. 

There are many tales and legends surrounding this famous old hill. They range from the Devil, Giants and even a Mermaid. I will let you research those in your own time though. 

 

Some of the trees are already starting to lose their leaves and it is only mid August. The Horse Chestnuts are always the first to go. With it being a really dry Summer hasn't helped and the dry leaves will soon all be falling. From the photo above you may just be able to make out the 'Halfway House' on the right hand side. Also the transmission tower at the top left. 

I can't resist posting another photo from near the summit. This one shows 'Archie' in the foreground. At 12 years of age he shows no sign of slowing down. Managing the 11.05 walk with ease. In fact I think he deserves a picture of his own!