Stiperstones Walk
The area around this popular Shropshire Hill is fantastic for walking and cycling. This walk takes you to the 536 m (1,759 ft) Stiperstones summit where you can enjoy fabulous views over the surrounding area.
The Stiperstones is a 6 mile/10km ridge covered with craggy rock outcrops and gorgeous heather heathland. The area is also a National Nature Reserve with a diverse range of flora and fauna. Look out for red grouse, Eurasian curlew, peregrine falcon and the rare ring ouzel as you make your way across the hills.
This walk begins in Habberley taking you through woodland to the Stiperstones ridge. You head along the ridge passing the quartzite tors that Stiperstones is famous for. These include Shepherd's Rock, the Devil's Chair and Manstone Rock. Manstone is the highest at 536 metres (1,759 ft) and commands fabulous views over the Shropshire Hills, the Long Mynd and Wales. From here you return to Habberley on different tracks, passing through a series of wooded areas as you go.
If you'd like to continue your climbing in the area then you could head to the nearby Caer Caradoc and the stunning Long Mynd. This route also makes use of the Shropshire Way so you could continue along this path to the Bog Mine Visitor Centre where you'll find historical information about the area and two circular walks.
Stiperstones Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Stiperstones Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Stiperstones OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Stiperstones Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
The Mytton Arms in Habberley is a popular place for walkers looking for some refreshment after their hike. The rustic pub does a range of great local beers and has a vine covered patio area outside. You can find it on Habberley Road with a postcode of SY5 0TP for your sat navs.
The aptly name Stiperstones Inn is another good option. 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 and country paths make for a fine walk with your dog. It is a national nature reserve with wildlife and some cattle so it is best to keep your dog on a lead. Both the pubs mentioned above are also dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Just north of the site you'll find the fascinating village of Snailbeach. The area is a significant part Shropshire’s industrial heritage with a number of ruined lead mines to explore. The site is thought to be the most complete collection of mine building remains in England. The village's public car park also provides and alternative start point for visiting the stones. The circular Snailbeach Walk starts from there and explores the mines before climbing up to the ridge. Just north of Snailbeach there's also 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.
The attractive market town of Church Stretton is located just a few miles south east of the reserve. Here you'll find the splendid Carding Mill Valley where there is a picturesque reservoir and waterfall.
From nearby Little Stretton there's the Ashes Hollow Walk which will take you along the Quinny Brook in a stunning V shaped valley.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Shropshire Hills Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
One of the Stiperstones. A smaller but distinctively shaped rock, this is located between Manstone Rock and Cranberry Rock (in the distance).
Left of centre is The Devil's Chair, which may resemble a chair from some directions. It is the largest and best known of the rocks on the ridge. The Shropshire Way passes between it and the nearer rock on the right.
Meadow on the Stiperstones ridge. This field full of wild flowers is on the col between Nipstone Rock and Cranberry Rock. I think the building on the right is recently constructed.
Looking Northeast from the car park below the Stiperstones towards the Hollies and the hills beyond
Shepherd's Rock from the Stiperstones bridleway. The rock is the last of the substantial tors on the main ridge. There is another outcrop a little further NE, looking out to the east, but it's off the main track, and thus rarely visited.
Photo taken from the point at which the Shropshire Way, having climbed from Bridges, reaches the ridge, here heading southwest from a crossroads of path and bridleways towards the main line of rocks. The path starts to get rough as irregular quartzite rocks form an increasing part of it. A teasing burst of sun southwards on a bitterly cold and cloudy day in December.
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Elevation Profile
