Snailbeach Walks
This Shropshire based village is an interesting an worthy place for a walk. It is notable as the home of the Snailbeach lead mine which used to be one of the biggest and richest lead mines in the country. The site is an important part of Shropshire’s industrial heritage and is protected as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. It's thought to be the most complete collection of mine building remains in England. The area makes for a fine walk with the atmospheric ruined mines, woodland trails, pools and a small reservoir to explore.
This circular walk from the village explores the ruined mines before heading up to one of Shropshire's highlights at the Stiperstones Nature Reserve.
The walk starts from the public car park on the western side of the village. Head east and you can then explore the old mines and the reservoir.
The route then follows footpaths south past Blakemoorgate to climb up to the Stiperstones. Here you'll find a series of interesting rock formations and fabulous views over the Shropshire Hills. On the hill you can pick up the Shropshire Way and follow it south along the ridge before turning north east. Trails will then take you to Pennerley and Tankerville before passing Mytton Dingle, Oak Hill and Crowsnest to return to Snailbeach.
Snailbeach Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Snailbeach Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Snailbeach OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Snailbeach Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
The Stiperstones Inn can be found in the village of the same name, just to the south west of Snailbeach. The pub has some history having been originally built in the 1750’s as two cottages and a smithy. The building was then converted to a public house in the mid 1800’s. Inside there's an olde worlde feel with exposed beams, small cosy rooms, and open fires. Outside there's a garden is the weather is fine. You can find them at postcode SY5 0LZ.
Dog Walking
The woodland areas and hill climbs are ideal for fit dogs. The Stiperstones Inn mentioned above is also dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Just to the west of the village you'll find the Hope Valley Nature Reserve where there are more nice trails and interesting wildlife to see.
To the north there's the pretty village of Pontesbury where you can try the Pontesbury and Pontesford Hill Walk. On the route there's bluebell woodlands, an Iron Age Hillfort and a variety of flora and fauna in the nature reserve area.
Also nearby is the popular market town of Church Stretton where you can visit the reservoir and waterfall at Carding Mill Valley.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Shropshire Hills Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Compressor House, Snailbeach
Ore House
Crusher House
Restored building, Snailbeach Lead Mine, Worthen. I think that this was the blacksmith's shop, which, according to the leaflet published by the County Council, still contains its forge and bellows. The main task of the smiths was to sharpen picks and repair drill rods.
Winding Engine House
The Stiperstones. Left of centre is The Devil's Chair, which may resemble a chair from some directions. The Shropshire Way passes between it and the nearer rock on the right.
Crowsnest Dingle, just south of Snailbeach. The word Dingle is used a lot in Shropshire for a steep sided valley. The next valley to the South along the Stiperstones is called Mytton Dingle.
Mytton Dingle. From the top of the dingle looking west down to Stiperstones village. Buxton Wood on the small hill beyond the village. Corndon Hill in the distance on the left. Evidence of old mine spoil tips all around this area.