The Stiperstones loop — Shropshire Hills

The Stiperstones loop in the Shropshire Hills offers a rugged hiking experience, defined by dramatic quartzite outcrops and panoramic views. This moderate 5.5-mile (8.8 km) route involves 1071 feet (326 metres) of elevation gain, taking around 2 hours and 44 minutes to complete. You will encounter stony, uneven paths along the ridge, passing iconic tors like Devil's Chair and Manstone Rock, with moorland vibrant with heather and bilberries in warmer months.

To plan your visit, you can start from the Knolls Car Park, which provides a good starting point already at a significant height. The Bog Visitor Centre is also nearby, offering refreshments and information. Be sure to wear good footwear for the rocky underfoot conditions, and be prepared for rapidly changing weather on the exposed ridge. Some sections may involve light scrambling to reach the top of certain rock formations.

This unique quartzite ridge, formed nearly 500 million years ago, is a National Nature Reserve within the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The area is rich in folklore; the Devil's Chair is famously associated with witches and the Devil, while the hills are also linked to the ghost of Saxon warlord Wild Edric. Keep an eye out for red grouse and buzzards as you explore this geologically significant landscape.