SO4194 : Pole Bank, summit of The Long Mynd

Long Mynd - Pole Bank

517m Elevation
191m Prominence
England Country
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SO4194 : Pole Bank, summit of The Long Mynd

Tim Heaton Photo source

Overview

Pole Bank is the 516.6 m summit of the Long Mynd, west of Church Stretton in the Shropshire Hills. Explore moorland approaches, valley circuits and practical access information.

Long Mynd - Pole Bank

Overview

Pole Bank is the highest point of the Long Mynd, the broad moorland plateau west of Church Stretton in the Shropshire Hills. Its surveyed height is 516.6 m (1,695 ft), with 190.9 m of prominence. The catalogue classifications are Marilyn, Dodd and Dewey.

Summit and landscape

A trig point and nearby toposcope mark the open summit area. Heather, bilberry and grass cover the plateau, while steep-sided valleys cut into its flanks. In clear conditions the outlook extends across the Shropshire Hills towards Wales and the Malverns.

The Long Mynd is formed principally from Precambrian Longmyndian sedimentary rocks, including sandstone, siltstone, mudstone and conglomerate.

Walking to Pole Bank

The National Trust's Burway Loop starts and finishes in Carding Mill Valley. It climbs by Mott's Road, visits Pole Bank and returns through Townbrook Hollow. The Trust lists 8 km, about 2.5 hours and a challenging grade.

Other approaches include the track from Shooting Box, Ashes Hollow from Little Stretton, and the track from Medlicott. The AA's separate Church Stretton circular begins at Easthope Road car park, climbs through Townbrook and returns via Round Hill and the edge of Little Stretton. The AA lists 12.1 km and 3 hours; allow extra time for stops and conditions.

These are planning summaries. Use the appropriate route map and current access information. Short valley walks and visits to Lightspout Waterfall do not necessarily reach Pole Bank.

Access and facilities

Church Stretton is the main local town and has a railway station. Carding Mill Valley provides parking, toilets and a tea-room, subject to opening times. Its car park can fill at busy times. These visitor facilities are in the valley, separate from the summit.

Safety and care

Prepare for exposed hill weather and poor visibility. Valley paths can be steep, narrow and slippery, and some involve stream crossings. Carry navigation equipment and clothing suitable for the forecast. Keep dogs under close control; the National Trust asks for leads during the March-to-July lambing and bird-breeding period.

History

Long Mynd means long mountain, with Mynd related to the Welsh mynydd. Common grazing by sheep and ponies continues to shape the landscape. Prehistoric remains include the Bronze Age disc barrow at Shooting Box; it is separate from the Pole Bank summit.

Nearby summits

Yearlet (465.8 m), Callow (412.3 m) and Caer Caradoc Hill (459.5 m) are other local hills. Callow on the Long Mynd is distinct from Callow Hill near Craven Arms.

Explore routes near Long Mynd - Pole Bank

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Lightspout Waterfall via Carding Mill Valley Circular

4.3 km ~2h 30m Moderate

View route

Carding Mill Valley and The Long Mynd walk

15.3 km ~5h Moderate

View route

Shrewsbury Walk with Men Walking & Talking

View route

Attingham Park Deer Park and River Tern

3.6 km ~1h 30m Easy

View route

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Carding Mill Valley to Pole Bank: the Burway Loop

Start and finish at Carding Mill Valley (National Trust start: SO445945). Climb Mott's Road, continue past Shooting Box to Pole Bank, then return through Townbrook Hollow and over the Burway Track. This is the National Trust's published circuit, with steep climbs and narrow paths beside steep slopes.

8 km ~2.5 hours National Trust: Challenging

Shooting Box to Pole Bank out-and-back

From Shooting Box car park on the upland road, take the track southwest to the Pole Bank trig point and return by the same track. This uses the summit section of the National Trust route. Check road access and parking before travelling; the open moor remains exposed to poor weather.

Little Stretton to Pole Bank via Ashes Hollow

Start in Little Stretton and use the public footpath through Ashes Hollow to Boiling Well. Continue on the Medlicott track and take the summit branch to Pole Bank. Return the same way for an out-and-back. The hollow includes stream crossings and steep, rocky sections; it is not a uniformly gentle climb. Arrange lawful parking or public transport in the village.

Church Stretton to Pole Bank via Townbrook and Round Hill

Start and finish at Easthope Road car park in Church Stretton. Follow the AA's circuit through Rectory Field and Old Rectory Wood, climb Townbrook to Pole Bank, then descend around Round Hill towards Little Stretton and return on paths to the town. The AA publishes 12.1 km and 3 hours with a hard grade and challenging gradient; allow extra time for stops and conditions.

12.1 km ~3 hours AA: Hard

Medlicott to Pole Bank out-and-back

From Medlicott, follow the uphill track towards Boiling Well and take the summit branch to Pole Bank. Retrace the route to Medlicott. This is a western approach on the track described by Visit Shropshire. Check the mapped public route and arrange a lawful starting point; no village car park is assumed.

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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Dodd Dewey

Elevation

517m

1,695 ft

Prominence

191m

Coordinates

52.5447, -2.8638

SO415944

OS Map

137

Explorer: 217

At the Summit

A trig point and nearby toposcope stand on the open summit area of Pole Bank, the highest point of the Long Mynd.

Terrain & Geology

Open heather and grass moorland stony tracks steep-sided valleys narrow rocky footpaths and stream crossings on some approaches.

The Long Mynd is formed principally from Precambrian Longmyndian sedimentary rocks, including sandstone, siltstone, mudstone and conglomerate. These ancient rocks underpin the plateau and its deeply cut valleys.

Views & Scenery

The summit has extensive views across the Shropshire Hills and towards Wales. In clear weather the National Trust identifies the Brecon Beacons and Malverns among the distant landmarks.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

Long Mynd means long mountain; Mynd is related to the Welsh word mynydd, meaning mountain.

Historical Significance

Commoners continue the long-established grazing of sheep and ponies on the Long Mynd. Its prehistoric remains include the Shooting Box disc barrow, a Bronze Age monument separate from the Pole Bank summit.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Carding Mill Valley has National Trust parking for valley-based routes, with charges for non-members. It can reach capacity at weekends and during school holidays, so check current parking arrangements before visiting. Upland-road approaches have different starting points; use a designated parking place appropriate to your route.

Public Transport

Church Stretton has rail and bus connections. The National Trust gives the walk from the railway station to Carding Mill Valley as about 1 mile (1.6 km). Check current services and plan the walk between your stop and chosen route start.

Nearby Facilities

Toilets, an accessible toilet and a tea-room are available at Carding Mill Valley, subject to opening times. These facilities are in the valley, not at the Pole Bank summit. Church Stretton has further places to eat and drink.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Exposed moorland can bring strong winds, rapidly changing weather and poor visibility; carry a map and navigation equipment.
  • Valley approaches may include steep, narrow or rocky paths, slippery ground and stream crossings.
  • Keep dogs under close control around grazing livestock and wildlife.

Seasonal Hazards

The National Trust asks visitors to keep dogs on leads from March to July to protect lambing sheep and ground-nesting birds. Follow local signs and current conditions.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Long Mynd - Pole Bank?

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Location

Long Mynd - Pole Bank location map

Grid reference: SO415944

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