Hawkstone Follies Walk and Wild Camp

Wild camping on the River Severn

 

 

 

Not the worst view in the world to wake up to! Dawn breaking over the River Severn doesn't get much better. Unfortunately the night's sleep was less than perfect once again. No traffic noise this time, just an unruly Owls. It seemed that it wasn't happy until it got every other Owl in the area joining in. Add the chiming of the town clock every 15 minutes and you start to get the idea...

Leaving the famous old Iron Bridge behind we head off for Hawkstone Follies near to Shrewsbury. Set in 100 acres of Parkland The Follies is a range of dramatic and rugged natural sandstone hills that were developed to include gullies, caves, towers and bridges. The perfect place to visit for someone like me who loves a Folly. Hawkstone has long been on my listof interesting places to visit.

There really is something to see around every corner. The first thing we come across is 'The Urn' . Thought to be lost, it was found in the undergrowth during restoration in the 1990s.

'The White Tower' is a shelter for winter walkers during bad weather. The now red tower originally was white washed and included a fireplace for use in bad weather.

It was built by Sir Rowland Hill 1st Baronet (1705-1783) in the style of a Gothic battlement. Inside two mannequins show General Lord Hill, the owner of Hawkstone and Arthur Wellesley (the Duke of Wellington). Now a Grade II listed building.

We have walked up through a jungle of Rhododendrons. A non-native species introduced in the 1700's. The Hilltop Terrace is home to many trees and plants brought in from all over the world around that time. many of the original specimen trees remain intact and majestic, towering above the walkway, including giant redwoods and monkey puzzle trees. 

The stunning 'Monument' comes into view. Built in 1795 by Sir Richard Hill 2nd as a tribute to Sir Rowland Hill 91492-1561). The first Protestant Lord Mayor of London. In 1935 the statue was toppled in a storm and was re-built in 1992. It is very impressive and not to be confused with an Obelisk! Of course I have to climb to the top via the the 150 or so stone steps in the spiral staircase. 

The view from the top of the 100ft tall column is a spectacular as you might imagine. The weather has clouded up a bit and there is drizzle in the air. On a clear day it is said that up to thirteen counties can be see from the top. 

I'm very happy at the top, I could stay up her all day despite the narrowness of the ledge.

 

 

It is surprisingly quiet really, not too many people about which is a good thing. There is so much room though it wouldn't matter too much. The Estate dates back to the Domesday Book. In 1556 Sir Rowland Hill purchased the estate for £700. Starting the family's 340 year association. By 1790 Hawkstone was a successful attraction, before bankruptcy struck in 1894. In 1990 a restoration project started. In 1993 Hawkstone was once again opened to the public to enjoy the amazing walks and follies.    

Gingerbread Hall

It is a dramatic entrance to the Grotto following the path created in the 1700's. 'The Cleft' originally a fault line that has been widened by erosion and weathering.

A chain is mounted into the wall to promote safe passage towards Grotto Hill and a 200ft tunnel. 

The Grotto is just terrific! It might have been used for copper mining by the Romans? 

 

 

 

 

In the 1760's the Hill family began to enlarge the labyrinth of tunnels. The Grotto was excavated directly from the soft white Sandstone, leaving behind large stone support columns.    

Ravens Shelf

Ravens Shelf was named after the Ravens that nested on the rocks in the 1800's. The outcrop of rocks gives great views across the golf course and into Wales. The green staining is evidence of malachite, a copper carbonate.   

It's hard to choose a favourite part of Hawkstone as there are just so many. However the rustic Swiss Bridge would have to be right up there. It is like having a 'Little Switzerland' in the Shropshire hills. The views are great, particularly looking over towards Grotto Hill and the Gothic Arch.  

 

Swiss Bridge

The Beach

You wouldn't really expect to find a beach up here? The sand has been created by the weathering over the years from the soft red sandstone above. 

The strangely named Fox's Knob' is an outcrop of sandstone with a carved out tunnel. But is it 'Foxes or Fox's ? The sign says one thing and the guidebook another.

It is said a Fox name Reynard jumped from the top to the valley below to avoid the pursuing hounds. There is also a 'Reynard's Walk', created to extend the walk under the cliffs along a coastal like path.  

Our walk today has taken the best part of 4 hours! I still don't think we have seen everything there is either. A total of 4.57 miles and a total elevation of 1345 ft. 

Do visit if you get the chance, you won't regret it.