Bodbury Ring Circular Walk
4.3 km long.
Difficulty: Medium
Click map to view the route published on OS Maps, Ordnance Survey
Bodbury Ring is an ancient Iron Age hill fort that overlooks Cardingmill Valley, with good views all the way around. The hill fort is believed to be about 500 years old, though there are much older settlements on the Long Mynd, including the Bronze Age trackway that crosses the top of the Mynd.
This walk goes from the National Trust carpark at Cardingmill Valley (charges apply unless you are a National Trust member). Don't park too far up the carpark, as the walk starts near the entrance.
Our Review
We've photographed and looked at Bodbury Ring many times, but haven't walked up to see it up close, until now.
View of the Bodbury Ring Hill Fort in the distance.
The path starts at the base of Bodbury Hill, and you immediately start climbing. It's not long until you exit the National Trust land and enter the golf course.
This golf course redefines 'crazy golf' with big drops and greens isolated on different hills.
This is a very different golf course, with big drops to the valley and greens on different hills.
The golf course winds itself around Bodbury Hill but doesn't go onto the ancient hill fort of Bodbury Ring.
Here's a side view of Bodbury Ring from one of the greens on the golf course.
You exit a gate on the golf course where you can then walk up to Bodbury Ring.
Look out for this gate in the fence
As you climb the hill to the fort, look out for the old ramparts you cross. There's also an impressive rampart gate entrance to the fort, which we've marked on the map.
Taking in the view at the top of Bodbury Ring
Looking from the fort towards Church Stretton
The view in the other direction, towards the top end of Carding Mill Valley
Be careful on the descent of this route as it is loose gravel underfoot, grass, and mud, and could be dangerous when wet. Pick your path down wisely.
Alternatively, you can return to the golf course and take the wider path back down to your car.
More details on the history of this hill fort can be found on these links:
Facilities
Facilities Details
There is a parking fee in the carpark unless you are a National Trust member. Toilets and cafe are at the Cardingmill Valley tea room. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on the lead during lambing season.On The Map
Address
Bodbury Ring Circular WalkCardingmill Valley, Church Stretton
Shropshire
Shropshire
SY6
England
Longitude: -2.815955
Latitude: 52.544072