Range Walking Club
Sunday 19th October 1997-Welshpool
 
The next outing on Sunday, 19 October and takes us to the border county of Shropshire and Wales at Welshpool. There is the usual choice of four walks all of which will finish in Welshpool where refreshment and toilet facilities are available. Please note - due to the lack of adequate toilet facilities, there will be no toilet stop en route but 'B'+, 'B' and 'C' walkers are well provided for at the start of their walks in Welshpool. Coaches will leave school at 0800 hrs prompt and return at about 1930 hrs. The cost of travel is £6.00 for adults and £3.00 for children and students in full-time education. Please return slips with cheque (not cash) to the school office by Thursday, 9 October, in an envelope marked "Range Walking Club". Walking boots are essential for all walks.
 
'A' Walk
A varied walk involving some strenuous (but rewarding!) climbing and the use of some of the lesser used paths in the district. The walk takes in two of the best viewpoints in the area. We start from the little church in the hamlet of Llandrinio (296171) north of Welshpool. After a short distance, across fields to the church at Criggion, we ascend steeply up Breidden Hill to the landmark of Rodney's Pillar. There are magnificent 3600 views from here (on a clear day!) over Shropshire, Wales and back northwards to Liverpool. We descend via forest trails and farmland until, climbing again, more gently this time, to Heldre Hill. From here we follow the old Roman Road along Long Mountain, with views across to the Stiperstones, to an ancient Beacon Ring settlement. Once again there are good views, this time overlooking our final destination of Welshpool in the valley below, which we reach via paths and tracks.
 
Distance: 13¾ miles
Ascent: 2200'
Leaders: Bob Scurr and A N Other
 
'B'+ Walk
From the car park in Welshpool, the walk heads SSW with an easy 2¼ miles along the towpath of the Shropshire Union Canal. After passing picturesque Belan Locks we leave the towpath at GR 209045 and climb through fields to Belan and New House Farm. A minor road is then followed for 1¼ miles SW to Trefnant Hall, where an even more minor track is used to reach the village of Castle Caereinion. From here, easy field paths lead us NE to cross the Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway line at Lower Sylfaen Station. A short climb then takes us (via a golf course) almost to the summit of Y Golfa, from which point there are extensive all-round views of Shropshire and the Welsh Marches. The final 2¾ miles into Welshpool are all downhill by way of grassy hillside paths, farm tracks and the parkland of Llanerchydol Hall.
 
Distance: 12 miles
Ascent: 1400'
Leaders: Glennis Poole and Dave Purdy
 
'B' Walk
Starting in Welshpool the 'B' walk follows the Shropshire Union Canal north, crossing the River Severn and the railway at Bunnington Bridge. It then meanders south along tracks and footpaths to Leighton Farm before recrossing the river and rejoining the canal close to Belan. The last leg of the walk takes the party through Powis Castle Park and back into Welshpool. Unfortunately this area maintains its reputation for the poor signing and maintenance of its footpaths. Some road walking is, therefore, necessary
 
Distance: 9 miles
Ascent: 400'
Leaders: Janet Purdy and Ray Webb
 
'C' Walk
From the centre of Welshpool we walk alongside the Shropshire Union Canal on our way to Buttington. After joining the Offa's Dyke path we soon start the long, steady climb of 1000' mainly over farmland up to the hidden trig point at Beacon Ring Fort. This climb will be taken slowly with frequent stops being made t admire the panoramic view which gradually opens up behind us. Our route back to the start is by woodland tracks and country lanes passing through Pant-y-Bwch and Lower Leighton.
 
Distance: 7¼ miles
Ascent: 1100'
Leaders: Barry Whitby and Peter Houghton